kréhon HOW ABOUT NOW TM FEBRUARY 2020
swift FAITH OR FLIGHT Guarding Your Heart with Truth
No.1 NOT FAR BEHIND Original Fiction DULECIA LUNDE The Wonder of a Woman Who Leans Not on her Own Understanding
plus TWENTY-SOMETHINGS who influence the next decade
ZOZI TUNZI
THE UNMISSABLE MISS UNIVERSE
believe. receive. MATTHEW
22:21
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
kréhon
swift HOW ABOUT NOW TM
MARK ZION MICHAELS
KAY-DEE MASHILE
FOUNDER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER 081 334 8531 krehonmagazine@gmail.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR & SENIOR WRITER HEAD OF MARKETING 067 628 6774 krehonmagazine@gmail.com
Facebook + Instagram + Twitter > krehonmagazine issuu.com/krehon + krehonmagazine@gmail.com
Special Thanks To: Dulecia Lunde
Official Hashtag: #krehonSWIFT
COVER F E AT U R E S P28 ZOZI TUNZI - MISS UNIVERSE P34 DULECIA LUNDE TESTIMONY P40 FAITH OR FLIGHT P46 NOT FAR BEHIND (FICTION)
PROCLAIMER THE VIEWS EXPRESSED THROUGHOUT THIS MAGAZINE AIM TO BE A TESTIMONY, INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF THE UNCOMPROMISED, UNDILUTED WORD OF GOD AS TOLD THROUGH THE HOLY BIBLE. WE AIM TO TELL THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
WELCOME TO THE PORTRAIT ISSUE FEATURING Chelsea Goliath (below) Thuthukani Ndlovu Farai Mubaiwa Cheslin Kolbe Rachel Kolisi and many more
swift FEBRUARY C O N T E N T S
KONVERSATIONS WITH KAY-DEE
42
06
HOLY SPIRIT BFF
34 DULECIA LUNDE
10 -31
TWENTY-SOMETHINGS WHO INFLUENCE THE NEXT DECADE
WONDER WOMAN
50
POEM: SEASONED FINALE
52
FROM TABLES TO TABLETS
PAGE 49 - TV BAR
57 3 MONTH STATEMENT
58 SWIFT Q-BOX
FORGING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THE YOUTH OF SOUTH AFRICA - IT’S UP TO YOUTH. ACTIVATE! CHANGE DRIVERS IS RECRUITING. Young people need a voice. Now is the time to have young people involved in every aspect of government, business and society. We have to give young people a platform to showcase their leadership and talents. We have to change the conversation from talking about the problems, to doing something to remedy the problems. ACTIVATE! Change Drivers was initiated in January 2012, and to date has equipped 4267 young South Africans with the training to change their lives, and improve their communities. To date, the unemployment rate within the ACTIVATE! Network is 29%, which is below the national youth unemployment of 52.8%. On the social front, 90% of all Activators are involved in prosocial activities while 44% are involved in HIV/AIDS initiatives. At least 90% of all Activators showed interest to vote in 2019 compared to the national average of 71%, and 70% have signed a petition before, this is 15% more than the national average. Members of the ACTIVATE! Network have more chances of being self-efficient and driving positive change in their communities. ACTIVATE! Change Drivers is on a quest to recruit more young people into this unique network in an effort to forge a brighter future for the youth of South Africa.
Young people know their potential and what they have to offer South Africa. We need to help them realise their potential. South Africa, as a collective, has not tapped into what young people can do for our country. We need to rectify that as a matter of urgency in 2020. To join the ACTIVATE! Change Driver’s program, apply by following the link: https:// formstack.io/039A1 If you do not have access to the internet, please visit an ACTIVATE! office or station near you. For assistance with applications, please send an email to recruitment@activateleadership.co.za or send a WhatsApp message to 072 612 6318.
ENDS For more information contact: Lebohang Ratjie Cell: 073 974 0079 Email: lebohang@activateleadership.co.za Ludumo Marali Cell: 078 414 4601 Email: ludumo@activateleadership.co.za On social media: Twitter: @ActivateZA Facebook: ACTIVATE! Change Drivers Website: www.activateleadership.co.za Instagram: Activate_za
konversations WITH
KAY-DEE
Let’s talk about… adulting! ALL 20-SOMETHINGS IN 2020 will agree with me that one thing the past decade taught all of us is that ADULTING IS REAL! I think one of the most
Hey Swifter!
shared memes of the past decade is possibly the
HAPPY NEW YEAR (I CAN STILL SAY THAT RIGHT?)
the real, we grew up in the past decade y’all. In
and welcome to first issue of Kréhon Swift and
fact, we deserve the Grown-Upping Survivors
the first edition of Konversations with Kay-Dee.
trophy! I mean, we finished high school,
So, these conversations are just a place for us to
graduated from university, got jobs, got married
chat and get to know each other a bit, you know.
and had babies, bought cars... All within one
So feel free to get a cup of coffee or something
decade. We (meaning our age-group/generation)
more age appropriate (I won’t tell) and just sit
really had to grow up in these past ten years. We
back and chat with me! I mean, talk back Sis/Bro.
fought many battles too; battles against mental
Throw a shoe into thin space, shout ‘Amen’, clap,
illness, racism, academic exclusion, femicide and
cry… just do you and enjoy this time just before
many other challenges that plague our
you indulge on the deliciousness that each issue
generation. All this, it seemed, we had to do while
is serving up! This is like the warm-up or
watching our biological and societal clocks
appetiser, a small snack before the meal. So,
because the truth is that some of us barely
without any further ado, bon appetite!
achieved even two of the things listed above.
one with the caption “Do not grow up, it’s a trap”! And boy do I wish I had a choice about it. But on
KRÉHON SWIFT / 06 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
I REMEMBER THINKING, back in the day, that by 2020 I’d be permanently employed with my own car and a mortgage, probably married as well with a couple of babies, or at least one. And, mind you, I’m only 24 years old this year! (Shhh, don’t tell anyone) Yet I thought that life was supposed to work out a certain way or else I’d be seen as a failure and a disappointment to my family. So you can imagine how embarrassing it felt to come home after graduating with no signs of me ever going to get a job. At first I had the “I won’t be home long” attitude; but when weeks became months, reality hit me (HARD) and I thought that the devil was trying my whole self! But what do you do when praying doesn’t seem to work? Me?? I went back to school to further my studies. Halfway through the year, I got a contract job (hallelujah!) as a PR and Comms Assistant. Now try explaining that to the family that was expecting a permanently employed social worker child. And as if that’s not bad enough, I quit my job a year and a half later to start a Marketing Agency for NGOs and SMMEs. Now she really tried it! At this point, my peers are having babies and buying cars (ticking more and more boxes). And I am truly happy for everyone and praise God for the blessings they receive, trust. But… to everyone who ‘has my best interest at
“
YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW EMBARRASSING IT FELT TO COME HOME AFTER GRADUATING WITH NO SIGNS OF ME EVER GOING TO GET A JOB
heart’ it’s like “this could be you but you insist on messing up your life,” which I guess is somewhat fair. Because that really could be me. It could be you. Fam! This could be us (lol) but it isn’t. And don’t you think that it perhaps shouldn’t be at this time? Do you dare to believe that we are all exactly where God would have us be? I mean, I could and would have stayed at my job until I got a better job and did the same thing over and over until I retired. In fact, I thought that my life had to work out like that somehow – but I never desired it, I just thought that I had to. At least so that I could qualify for a mortgage and a loan to buy my Mercedes. I thought my life had to follow that script because I had never seen it done otherwise.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 07 / FEBRUARY 2020
SO WHEN GOD (and this is by no means
feet. I had to begin building from the
encouragement to quit your job sis/
ground up and I’ll just say that it has
bro) said to let go of what was a secure
been quite an interesting journey that
source of income for a business that
deserves its own cup of coffee!
WITH
KAY-DEE
konversations
could or could not work, I had to be sure sure that I heard Him correctly. I
Let me just close it by saying this, be
had rent to think about, my lifestyle…
true to your own journey. Seek counsel
I mean yoghurt and fresh vegetables
so that you never go astray… and when
didn’t fall from the sky and I wasn’t sure
you find yourself feeling lost, do what
if manna could still be a thing in 2019.
Samson did, ask God to help you use
One thing I knew for sure though, was
that situation to fulfil your life purpose
that my parents would be disappointed
anyway. Do I think I made a mistake?
in my decision. Quitting without having
Not at all! But obedience certainly does
another job lined up isn’t a very grown
come with its own set of challenges.
up thing to do, it seems to be a very
And I am excited to share my obedience
irresponsible thing. And with the
journey with you in the upcoming
realness of adulting, we can all agree
issues. Let’s grow together; run your
that we literally cannot afford to be
own race at God’s pace. And don’t be
irresponsible! Yet I decided to take the
scared to stop and applaud people
leap of faith in hopes that I would soar
along the way, it’s never a waste of time.
into greater heights without having to
I have a good feeling about this decade!
touch the ground. While I didn’t crash and burn, I certainly did land on my
DO WHAT SAMSON DID, ASK GOD TO HELP YOU USE THAT SITUATION TO FULFIL YOUR LIFE PURPOSE ANYWAY
KAY-DEE MASHILE Executive Editor, Kréhon SWIFT
KRÉHON SWIFT / 08 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
swift SPOTLIGHT #SpotlightSundays
TWENTY-SOMETHINGS WHO INFLUENCE THE NEXT DECADE
COMPILED BY KAY-DEE MASHILE (Local: pg10-19) + MARK ZION (International: pg20-24)
SPOTLIGHT
Featuring songs that complement each legacy
Ace MOLOI (MALE, 28)
++ ++
ACE MOLOI is the author of the best-selling memoir, Holding My Breath among other books. He is also a freelance writer, writing consultant, social media marketer, radio presenter and a content strategist. Controversial truths are ever present on Ace Moloi's social media pages. Truth that beg Christians to look beyond the red pages and black cover into the Heart of God for the people He has created. His writing is where too-wokefor-church and too-biblical-for-unbelievers intersect. What no one can do, however, is ignore the Truth in his work. Not to mention the sense of humour and craftsmanship that linger throughout his attention grabbing storytelling. Ace's legacy is certainly the best record of how God so loved the world in 2020. Relevant and relatable truths about God that will withstand the challenges and social ills of the day. Provocative, woke truths that no one can deny whether or not they believe the Gospel of Christ. Ultimately, the proclamation that to live is indeed Christ!
MOLOI *** *** ***
ACE'S LEGACY IS CERTAINLY THE BEST RECORD OF HOW GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD IN 2020.
READ ALL ABOUT IT Emeli Sandé LISTEN
https://youtu.be/vrSmthgJE4
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 11 / FEBRUARY 2020
++ ++
Thuthukani NDLOVU (MALE, 26)
TK'S OFFERING TO THIS GENERATION PROMISES TO BE ONE THAT WILL BE A VOICE THAT REPRESENTS THE KINGDOM IN THE CULTURE OF THE DAY. KRÉHON SWIFT / 12 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
\\\\\\\
SPOTLIGHT
MY LIFE The Walls Group https://youtu.be/ BVF_JRAgsQQ
LISTEN
THUTHUKANI NDLOVU is an Honours Marketing student at the University of the Free State (Bloemfontein, South Africa), where he obtained his Marketing degree. Apart from Studying He's also an Assistant coordinator for the Vrystaat Literature Festival (Under the Vrystaat Kunstefees). He takes pride in being a Socially Active Community member in every community he resides in. A passion for Marketing is something that's quite explicitly evident in him, due to the number of projects and organisations he's worked with. Being proactive, diligent, humble, and patient have enabled him to acquire most of the skills and knowledge that he currently possesses, and this has brought about great results each year. Thuthukani also finds himself being a spoken word artist (Poet) and blogger, of which these 2 things accommodate most of his spare time. You can read his articles on his blog www.theradioactiveblog.com. He has cohosted and performed at many iconic poetry stages throughout the African continent. TK's offering to this generation promises to be one that will be a voice that represents the Kingdom in the culture of the day. I foresee that TK is an unapologetic truth-speaking wordsmith that many generations will learn about in the present and near future.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 13 / FEBRUARY 2020
NDLOVU
###
SPOTLIGHT
\\\\\\\
Farai MUBAIWA (FEMALE, 23)
FARAI MUBAIWA is project manager at The Aurum Institute, a leading African TB and HIV research and implementation institute. She is the co-founder of the youth-led organisation Africa Matters. Africa Matters empowers young Africans to lead through leadership skills, capacity building and communityimpact projects. Farai is a Queen’s Young Leader for South Africa for 2017, a TEDx speaker, a One Young World Ambassador and a King’s Principal’s Global Leadership Award Recipient. She was recently named as one of the top 100 Mandelas of the future by Media24. Farai is not just an echo of the voice of this generation, she dares to create spaces and platforms for the young people of Africa to speak for themselves. Not only does her legacy promise to make Africa Matter, it also promises to be one that reminds young Africans that they are what matters most about Africa. "We are the ones we need" the future is now, and young leaders like Farai are our generation's offering to prove that. Farai has also been nominated to be named one of the 2019 Avance Media 100 Most Influential Young South Africans under the Leadership and Civic Society category. You can vote for her at sa.avancemedia.org. Voting closes the 5th of Feb.
KRÉHON SWIFT / 14 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
MUBAIWA
RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS) Beyoncé
xX Xx
LISTEN
https://youtu.be/ VBmMU_iwe6U
NOT ONLY DOES HER LEGACY PROMISE TO MAKE AFRICA MATTER, IT ALSO PROMISES TO BE ONE THAT REMINDS YOUNG AFRICANS THAT THEY ARE WHAT MATTERS MOST ABOUT AFRICA
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 15 / FEBRUARY 2020
SPOTLIGHT
Chelsea GOLIATH (FEMALE, 23) A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Z Y
HER ABILITY TO RELATE TO THE STREETS AND COMMAND ATTENTION ON THE STAGE DEMANDS THAT EVERYONE LISTEN
CHELSEA GOLIATH is a young goal oriented female who seeks challenges that produces
LOVE YOU WITH THE TRUTH Casting Crowns LISTEN
https://youtu.be/AP9FwJmb5Ug
growth. Chelsea's tertiary education and her being a motivational speaker at schools and youth programs, as well as writing and reciting her own poetry have afforded her the skills of team work, communications and public speaking. Speaking of which, she has also done a lot of public speaking on radio stations, TV shows and social development events of the government. A diamond in the rough, Chelsea’s poems are passionately personal, unswervingly raw and relevantly real. When you go beyond poetry, you may just find the person that is Chelsea Goliath. Hers is a legacy of influence that can speak to the corporates and the convicts. Her ability to relate to the streets and command attention on the stage demands that everyone listen. And when they do, it is the Word that she utters. Ladies and gentlemen, Chelsea Goliath!
***
SPOTLIGHT
Thulisile BHUDA (FEMALE, 28)
THULISILE BHUDA is a PhD candidate of Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the North West University, Mafikeng. Her fields of expertise are: African metallurgy, African ethnomathematics, African cosmology and African Metaphysics. Some of her greatest achievements are: Being a golden key international honour society member, an ACTIVATE! Change Driver, a Student Assistant, an Assistant Lecturer, a Guest Lecturer and a Library Assistant. Thulisile is no stranger to TV screens, this affords her the opportunity to inspire many young children and youths to take interest in African culture and find the beauty within our indigenous knowledge systems.
SHE PERSONIFIES THE BEAUTY OF UNITED DIVERSITIES IN THIS WORLD WHERE IDENTITY IS EVER BEING QUESTIONED
What Thulisile offers to this generation and those yet to come i s t he rea l it y t ha t o ne c a n celebrate their intersectional identity and still live in harmony with others. She personifies the beauty of united diversities in this world where identity is ever being questioned. She begs the
THEKWANA Zahara
question, why not be all that you are? And how best can one do that
LISTEN
https://youtu.be/jII3jdMQK
than to follow the ancient paths? This, Thulisile advocates, is why African history is to be taught in depth in school. Which then necessitates that young African academics should do thorough research on African History. And this is what will definitely go down in history as Thulisile's proud legacy.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 19 / FEBRUARY 2020
SPOTLIGHT
Cheslin KOLBE (MALE, 26)
CHESLIN KOLBE is a member of the South African national team and also plays for the Top 14 side, Toulouse in France. Cheslin represented Western Province in the Under 16 and Under 21 before being included in the South African Sevens team with which he played the 2013 World Cup Sevens.
\\\\\\\ KRÉHON SWIFT / 20 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
GLORY UP Jonathan McReynolds https://youtu.be/zEvYP6LY5qM
LISTEN
HIS WEIGHT AND SIZE DOESN’T DETER HIM FROM HIS GOALS, ESPECIALLY WHEN UP AGAINST BIGGER OPPONENTS.
Cheslin is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the rugby. From Youth level to World Champion level, his career has already reached a stellar zenith out of this world. In just one year (2019), Kolbe won the Top 14 player award (French league), The Rugby Championship and the World Cup. His regular position is wing, but he also plays at fullback. His weight and size doesn’t deter him from his goals, especially when up against bigger opponents. Like David, he drops Goliaths all around him and dances his way past their slide fences. Kolbe’s legacy beholds the bold blueprint of how his Creator designed him, ensuring that the outlines thereof will inspire promising sportsmen/women and fans at large to tackle the toughest giants around them. For Cheslin, the most important thing is to be able to rely on the marvellous talent God gave him and to make sure he makes the most of every second on the field. At the end of the day, Cheslin wants everyone to know that #YouCanToo!
SPOTLIGHT
Siya KOLISI (MALE, 28)
S K S K S K S K S K
KOLISI IS THE NEW MODERN FACE OF AFRICA, WITH A VOICE TO UNITE A NATION, WHO OFFERS A NEW PATHWAY FOR MANY KRÉHON SWIFT / 22 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
SIYAMTHANDA KOLISI is a South African rugby union player who currently captains the South African national team and also plays club rugby for the Stormers in Super Rugby and Western Province in the Currie Cup. He generally plays
WAVIN’ FLAG K’Naan LISTEN
https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME
as a flanker.
history as the first black man to be appointed captain of the South African Springboks in 126 years of the sport. South Africa was unified in pride on 2 November 2019 when Kolisi led his team to Rugby World Cup victory, returning South Africa to the top of the world rankings for the first time in 10 years. Kolisi is the new modern face of Africa, with a voice to unite a nation, who offers a new pathway for many. Away from the pitch, Siya Kolisi’s life story has captivated the world. Kolisi’s name and legacy is synonymous with greatness, humility, servanthood and crucially, fatherhood. Giving his all with the rugby ball and giving to communities with such grace and compassion. Indeed a hero whose treasure is
KOLISI
Kolisi is a hero to many – in 2018 he made
\\\\\\\
found in his outspoken love for God, his wife Rachel (see page 34), family and the continent of Africa. A man of many, many monumental moments. History and future highlights won’t dare to be deaf to the roar of Siya Kolisi.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 23 / FEBRUARY 2020
SPOTLIGHT
++ ++
Rachel KOLISI (FEMALE, 29)
"IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT OUR TIME ON THIS EARTH IS LIMITED, AND WE DON’T KNOW WHEN IT ENDS FOR US. SO KEEP FORGIVING AND LOVING." KRÉHON SWIFT / 24 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
KOLISI
HELP US TO LOVE Tori Kelly Ft. The Hamiltones LISTEN
https://youtu.be/5izPEZNz1bs
RACHEL SMITH KOLISI is a Former Professional
at being more understanding and more
Event Manager, Marketing Executive, now
patient.
Homemaker. She is best known as the Spouse of Siya Kolisi (South African Rugby Player).
When asked if Rachel had any advice to share with other blended families in South Africa,
After relocating to Cape Town, Rachel secured
Rachel had some pretty solid words: "It’s
herself some part-time jobs to finance her
important to remember that our time on this
education. Later, she pursued higher
earth is limited, and we don’t know when it
education in events management. Rachel
ends for us. So keep forgiving and loving."
identifies as a Christian and is raising her
Words to live by for sure.
children as Christians. She believes that prayer is powerful, so she prays a lot. She also
Inspired by her own fitness journey, Rachel
believes in giving. If there’s a need somewhere
Kolisi teamed up with health coach and trainer
and she is able to do something
to encourage other women to achieve their
about it, there’s no hesitation. As for motherhood, Rachel loves the challenges that come with
personal exercise goals. Together they have created a community-based transformation guide: 'Rise.' Rachel wishes to be known and remembered for being strong, inspired and
being a
empowered. Hoping the
mother. She
same for everyone else.
always aims
C E N A C E N A C E N A C E N A C E N A C E N A
J O H N J O H N J O H N J O H N J O H N
IT’S AS THOUGH THERE’S NOTHING THIS GQOM-GAL CAN’T DO. J O H N
###
SPOTLIGHT
Sho MADJOZI (FEMALE, 27)
professionally as Sho Madjozi, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and poet. Regarded as one of the best performers in Africa, Madjozi incorporates the Tsonga culture through her music and public image. After graduating high school in Tanzania, Madjozi was offered a scholarship to Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, US to study creative writing and African studies. While in the US, she started writing poems under a pen name of MayaThePoet. The poems were about politics, identity and race. Madjozi returned to South Africa where she took up a fellowship in studying at UNISA. After her return to South Africa, she began rapping and composing music under her stage name "Sho Madjozi." She performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 which was headlined by Beyoncé and Jay-Z. She also received a BET Award for
JOHN CENA Sho Madjozi
Best New International Act at the BET Awards 2019. Madjozi released "John Cena" as an official single on 27 September 2019. On 7 November
LISTEN
https://youtu.be/H9bGITkIHmM
2019, Madjozi appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about the song. While performing as a guest, John Cena came from backstage to surprise her. The video of her reaction went viral, as she said it was a dream of hers to meet Cena himself. SHO, there’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to MADJOZI. An unexpected, unconventional and fresh legend
MADJOZI
MAYA CHRISTINAH XICHAVO WEGERIF known
in the making. It’s as though there’s nothing this Gqom-gal can’t do. Dozens of young girls regard her as their big sis, many of whom are following the colourful trends Madjozi sets on a daily. SHO MADJOZI is here to stay. Her legacy is sure to remain like the rainbow.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 27 / FEBRUARY 2020
SPOTLIGHT
M I S S
U N I V E R S E
M I S S
S O U T H
P U B L I C
2 0 1 9
A F R I C A
R E L A T I O N S
KRÉHON SWIFT / 28 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
2 0 1 9
ZOZI TUNZI THE UNMISSABLE MISS UNIVERSE
(FEMALE, 26)
ZOZIBINI TUNZI is a South African model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe 2019. Tunzi had previously been crowned Miss South Africa 2019. She is the third woman from South Africa to win the title, and the first black woman since Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe 2011. Tunzi began her pageantry career in 2017, when she was accepted as one of the top 26 semi-finalists of Miss South Africa 2017, although she was not selected as one of the twelve finalists. She returned to pageantry to compete in Miss South Africa 2019. Prior to winning Miss South Africa, Tunzi was completing a Bachelor of Technology graduate degree in public relations management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and worked as a graduate intern in the public relations department of Ogilvy Cape Town
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 29 / FEBRUARY 2020
The support of my fellow South Africans has been echoing throughout the entire universe since the day that I won. I am so excited to finally get to feel it in person.
During the final round of the 68th Miss Universe pageant, the top three were each asked the same question: "What is the most important thing we should teach young girls today? To which Tunzi replied: “I think the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today is leadership. It's something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time, not because we don't want to but because of what society has labelled women to be. I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity and that is what we should be teaching these young girls, to take up space, nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself, thank you.”
KRÉHON SWIFT / 30 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE SHOULD BE TEACHING YOUNG GIRLS TODAY IS LEADERSHIP
WARRIORS Koryn Hawthorne
Zozi Tunzi’s inner and outer beauty reflects her bold character, fierce courage and tireless confidence. Her glistening smile is a gateway to the simplest treasures in life, drizzled with finer moments, served in the iconic fashion of grace, kindness and sincerity. One cannot help but linger longer at the unmissable force that is Zozi Tunzi. She may be noted as a trendsetter, but her legacy is that of a goal-setter. To witness every young woman looking up, become the
LISTEN
https://youtu.be/5UDouQaw3eU
NOTHING IS AS IMPORTANT AS TAKING UP SPACE IN SOCIETY AND CEMENTING YOURSELF
next best version of themselves.
WATCH
https://youtu.be/kbpm61gTJbY
ZOZI TUNZI The Daily Show With Trevor Noah
COMING HOME Zozi is finally coming home almost two months after being crowned in Atlanta. In a recent Twitter video, Tunzi confirmed that she would be in South Africa for her homecoming tour from 8 to 15 February.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 31 / FEBRUARY 2020
ISSUU.COM/KREHON
THE TRIUMPH ISSUE
KNOW WHAT WHO DID THIS SUMMER
swift WONDER #WonderWednesdays
Dulecia Lunde A WOMAN WHO LEANS NOT ON HER OW N UN D E R STA N D I N G
TESTIMONY BY DULECIA LUNDE INTRODUCTION BY KAY-DEE MASHILE
WONDER
Dulecia Lunde introduction I MET MS DULECIA IN A VERY PECULIAR WAY. I had a radio interview very early in the morning and had mentioned there that I am a book publisher. At the end of the interview, I decided to share my cell phone number. She then left me a WhatsApp text with a very small part of the story you’re about to read. But it wasn’t until I got to read her poetry that I thought I really needed to get as many people as possible to meet this wonderful lady. Her life story and her love for God really inspire me to never lose my wonder. And that is my prayer for you too, that after walking through Dulecia’s life and meeting her at the end, you will never lose your wonder but rather decide to “live life on purpose, in pursuit of purpose” each and every day of your life. For more of her work and story, visit dulecialunde007.wixsite.com/purpose.
KRÉHON SWIFT / 34 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
I AM DULECIA PATRICIA LUNDE, the youngest of eight children. I have two brothers and five sisters. At the tender age of five, I got a clue on how things worked. I was always fighting for a place and a sense of belonging. Everyone had their role and who they identified with. Me… I felt like a misfit. All I wanted to do was wrap my arms around the world and do cart wheels but I was in for a rude awakening. I had no control over where I was born or how I looked. Whether I had fair or dark skin. Wavy, curly or straight hair. Born in privilege or poor. My love for books, singing and poetry was overlooked. And I failed to be a
TODAY I CAN TRULY SAY "IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"
genius in science and maths. I remember running outside all excited to join my sister and our neighbours' kids in a game. All of them shouted that I was not welcome in a chorus "No more game for ABC!!!" I looked at my sister two years my senior. My wounded heart reflecting in my eyes. She did not defend me and that made me mad. Yes I was five, but my anger and hurt was real. My fist flew out as I tried to get rid of my humiliation and hurt to the only one who was supposed to stand with me… And off I marched to my first fight and stand against rejection and hurt. I was always falling short in the eyes of
“
family, friends and the world. If I wasn't too short, I was too dark or too fat. My hair was too curly and not pretty. I was told "even though you don't have looks, at least you have a personality." This I heard from family, friends and enemies minus the back hand compliment. Growing up with a negative label and low self-esteem made me a target for bullies. Every day they killed my spirit and took another piece of my soul. Until I was so broken and sought my comfort in food.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 35 / FEBRUARY 2020
WONDER I GREW UP IN A GOD-FEARING HOME. My dad was a Pastor and my mom a prayer warrior. I always felt like my life was under a microscope. I could never live up to the rigid religious rules. I was 11 years old when I gave my heart to the Lord. I felt happy and thought surely now things will be better and I'll be more accepted and loved by my dad. I felt the cold rejection and condemnation when I fell short of our leaders, congregation and father. I suffered from an eating disorder and depression, I tried to commit suicide
THE TRAFFIC DROVE AROUND ME LIKE MOSES IN THE 'RED SEA'. GOD PROTECTED ME FROM MYSELF THAT DAY.
after I was assaulted and left for dead.
wanted out so I was admitted to a lock up psychiatric ward on suicide watch. I did not speak a word. I wanted to be in a world of silence and not feel any emotion. My first emotion after clashing with an annoying long term patient who kept on stealing my shoes was an outburst of anger! I was angry at God. The female security guard sang the song "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin. One verse says: "Smile though your heart is aching. Smile even though it's breaking. Though there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by. If you smile
I slipped into the deepest pit of hell of loneliness,
what's the use of crying. Smile and maybe tomorrow,
hatred, unforgiveness and self-hatred. I closed myself
you will see the sun come shining through. If you just
off from the world, locked in my mind of what ifs and
smile." That song was the beginning of the
whys. The only way I could stand and testify to get the
breakthrough for my healing… I was transferred to an
man who hurt countless young woman behind bars,
open ward in a 6 month programme. Intensive one-
was to be numb myself inside. It was up to me, the
on-one therapy and group therapy. I was angry at God
recent survivor with the memory still fresh and raw, to
and hated all men. I butted heads with the male
relive my pain and shame to protect would-be victims
patients and couldn't and wouldn't feel any empathy
by testifying in court.
towards them. But group therapy helped me trust and
feel safe around men in the group home. One evening, soaked by the rain, I walked into oncoming traffic hoping someone would knock me
Outside the hospital walls was a different story. The
and take me out of this world and its misery. The
family and community had a stigma towards mental
traffic drove around me like Moses in the 'red sea'.
illness and I fell back into old patterns of bottling up
God protected me from myself that day. I found
my emotions. I was still not speaking to God.I felt that
myself passed out at our Dr's surgery. The pain was
He had let me down and allowed all this bad stuff to
too much I just wanted to die. Our house Dr took me
happen to me.Well as the saying goes 'Life goes on'. I
to Lentegeur hospital where the doctor on call
got a job and tried dating through trial and error. I
evaluated my condition. I admitted I needed help and
was still a wounded soul...
KRÉHON SWIFT / 36 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
“ The female security guard sang the song "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin. That song was the beginning of the breakthrough for my healing… - DULECIA
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 37 / FEBRUARY 2020
WONDER I PRAYED ONE NIGHT THAT GOD WOULD SEND me the
He is a good, good Father and nothing you say will
right partner in life to weather the future storms and
change my mind. He apologised and walked away
be my rock and true friend. When I met my husband I
speechless.
was like a doe caught in the headlights of a car. I put him through the wringer before I trusted him with my
After rehabilitation, I did a 1 year learnership for a
heart. He stayed and saw me at my worst and best. He
national diploma in retail offered by Seta at the
stood by me when I relapsed one day at work back into
Truworths Head office. I passed head of my class in
depression due to different bad incidents that
2014. The same year I was diagnosed with a lung
happened in my life. Billy, my husband, became my
disease, lupus and neuro lupus and many other
friend and confidant. We got married and faced and
chronic diseases caused by some medication
weathered many storms. Two high risk pregnancies
prescribed by medical doctors. Due to my
after fertility treatments for 4 years. My first pregnancy
deteriorating health, I went from full to half days. One
went from a phantom to a eutrophic pregnancy. I'm
day I collapsed at work and was rushed to hospital. My
happy to report today my 'phantom' is a healthy 22
health got worse and I had to make the hard decision
year old, independent young woman, completing her
to resign. I have made my peace to be at home. And,
4th year of studies at Stellenbosch University this
through it all, God has provided and been faithful to
year.
us.
I renewed by vow to serve God in spirit and truth on
I started writing my experiences down and composed
the 24th of August, 1997. The same day of my baby
songs and poetry. This journey has brought me into a
girl's baptism. My faith grew stronger with every high
deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father. He is
and low. I have known prosperity and lean months. I
truly my 'Jehovah Jireh' my provider. In a nutshell, I
have known adversity and blessings. In 2003 I fell and,
have survived depression and God cured me after 35
due to a medical error, became disabled. Billy always
years. I no longer go for treatment or take medication.
wanted a name sake. So I prayed to God to give us a
When I have a bad day or someone disappointed me, I
son. In 2005, I fell pregnant and was told that we need
run to the 'throne' not the 'phone'. God healed me
to terminate the pregnancy as the baby would most
from an eating disorder and depression, and He
likely suffer from Down's Syndrome. I refused and had
brought me back from death after I flat lined after 3
a caesarean birth to deliver my beautiful healthy son.
different operations. The biggest miracle God did in
my life though was that he took my brokenness and I went through depression again while trying to adjust
daily He is making me whole. Today I can truly say "It is
to my disabled body. One day I had a complete
well with my soul". God's Word always uplifts me and
stranger walk up to me in a Mall by the till and said
He is never too busy to listen to my prayers and
'You must have committed great sin for God to punish
comfort me in times of despair. The longer I serve Him,
you like that'. I told him, I don't know what god you are
the sweeter He grows. I hope my testimony and poetry
serving but The God I serve is a 'God of love'. And He
that the spirit inspires me to write will uplift and
has carried me through it all in spite of human error.
strengthen you as it does me. God bless you. s
KRÉHON SWIFT / 38 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
swift INSIGHT #Insight247
FAITH OR FLIGHT BY KAY-DEE MASHILE
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42
HOLY SPIRIT BFF BY MARK ZION
INSIGHT
Faith or Flight W H E N
O C E A N S
R I S E
BY KAY-DEE MASHILE
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 16:9, 4:23
I JUST HAD A REALISATION that we're taught, at least I was, so much how to direct our steps in the church than we are taught how to guard our hearts. It's almost like we're taught to think that guarding our hearts is God's responsibility... The funny thing, in that, is that the commandments and promises of God state the exact opposite. God says that WE should guard our hearts and He will direct and order our steps. I know that we do the opposite because I really tried to be perfect, all my life. I thought that if I ordered my
BECAUSE TROUBLE WILL ALWAYS COME, BECAUSE WALKING IN OBEDIENCE MAY RESULT IN A DRAUGHT SOMETIMES...
steps well enough, my heart would be protected. I thought, if I live well enough, my heart is always gonna be good. So every time I got my heart broken, it was either because I felt out of control or out of place. I thought that maybe I failed to walk right and the hurt was a consequence. Or, I felt like Job, like but I did everything right though! And when I'd be walking in obedience and still get hurt?! Chai! I thought, well now I'm really being tried, like for real! I mean, I did what God told me to do. Warrisdis?!
KRÉHON SWIFT / 40 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
THEN IT DAWNED ON ME, and it really must be
know that God loves me and that He is for me.
God who revealed it, that I was always going to
No matter what happens. God loves me and
get hurt if I kept thinking that I could lead
God is for me. I guess it could be because I
myself away from trouble. Listen, the Bible says
thought my good deeds earned me the love of
that many are the trials of a righteous man
God. Then when I outgrew that, I somehow
(girl). So then it made a bit of sense... Because
started believing another lie, that God "blesses"
trouble will always come, because walking in
the children He loved. And that having troubles
obedience may result in a draught sometimes...
in life meant that I wasn't really blessed. Echo, I
Because going after the Word may lead you into
wasn't really loved. Because maybe, I wasn't
storms sometimes... Because sometimes you
living right. Toxic! But it all made sense to me at
may lose it all, then it is important that you
the time. And boy did it hurt!
NOW, I DON'T NEED TO KNOW WHERE I'M GOING, I JUST NEED TO BE SECURE IN THE LOVE OF GOD FOR ME guard your heart. You know how they say, the only thing you can control is how you react to
But, it's all coming together now: that I am
what happens? I think that's more or less what
LOVED by God and God is always going to be on
the whole guarding your heart thing is about.
my side, working things out for my good. So,
You cannot control what happens to you in this
whatever happens in my life, whatever troubles
life. You can't even tell what you will
I face, my heart can be guarded by that truth.
do tomorrow. Sometimes you find yourself
My heart is safe. Now, I don't need to know
between a rock and a hard place and you don't
where I'm going, I just need to be secure in the
even know what to do. But then you know that
Love of God for me. The Love that IS God. It's
the most important thing in that moment is
knowing that I'm loved that gives me peace
keeping your heart guarded.
beyond understanding. It is how I can have joy in the midst of thee most mosting in life. It's
Sometime back, God reaffirmed to me that all
how I can stand and give my testimony...
that I need to guard my heart (not the words at
Because my heart is safe, in His Truth. s
the time but let's go with that for now) is to
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 41 / FEBRUARY 2020
INSIGHT
Holy Spirit BFF (BENEVOLENT FAITHFUL FORTRESS) BY MARK ZION
FRIENDSHIP. A NOUN LIKE GLASS. Beautiful.
behind the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God to
Fragile. Could be painful and scarring when
unction us for life.
broken. Yet recyclable when expired. It varies in
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit
design, shapes and sizes. It makes beautiful
of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians
sounds when it comes together mutually.
3:17). Freedom to enjoy life abundantly.
Intentionally.
Freedom to learn and explore without pressure. Freedom to cry, lament and find relief. Freedom
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a tender spot for
to rest, create epic things and succeed.
deep friendship. A spot as big as a king sized
Freedom to be your awesome self, without
mattress inside my bean bag heart. Real
pretence or having to look over your shoulder.
friendship, of course. The kind that revels over every cliché in the book, yet outweighs them
Who wouldn’t want a friend like this? One who
all.
purposefully makes room for you. A dedicated companion who is always accommodating. A
Throughout my journey, I’ve experienced
guide who corrects, teaches new and exciting
peculiar friendships that stole my heart and
things and provides sound counsel. A confidant
made it boil at the thought of losing them. Like
who towels your tears, hears your fears and
everybody else, I had to make peace with the
gracefully reminds you that you are above and
fact that people come and go, some never to
not beneath. A supporter who prompts you
return at all. Even Jesus had come and gone
when it’s time to take a break, and when it’s
after paying the ultimate price for our
time to push a little harder, so you can
salvation. Thank God (the Father) he left
celebrate the triumph together.
KRÉHON SWIFT / 42 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
WE’RE ALL FAMILIAR with the saying: you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Usually this phrase is connected to something temporary that may perish in the blink of an eye. But, what about the unseen presence of a much deeper love that has always been hovering not too far from you? A mysterious personality who is rather taken with you. A present help you may never have known you have instant access to. Allow me to introduce to you a Friend that couldn’t be more friendly, more perfect and more loving. HOLY SPIRIT. I needed to be nudged and found that I ought
WHAT ABOUT THE UNSEEN PRESENCE OF A MUCH DEEPER LOVE THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN HOVERING NOT TOO FAR FROM YOU?
to remind myself of what it means to befriend the Spirit of the Most High God. By grace, I have persevered through various trials and extended seasons of loneliness, which I’ve learned was necessary for me to encounter. So that I may yearn for, and experience uninterrupted God encounters. That I may, with fresh eyes, see things through the eyes of the Spirit. No longer would I feel let down or neglected by the general absence of a friend. Perceived rejection and wallowing in imaginative hollowness is now a glimpse of the past. The latter doesn’t make me less affectionate or less interested in the lives of my friends. It simply empowers me to be confident and courageous - whether I’m alone or not. Like how I’ve always been, anyway. Praise God.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 43 / FEBRUARY 2020
INSIGHT
EVEN ON DULL DAYS, HE ILLUMINATES THE SKIES OF MY LIFE WITH A LIGHT THAT MAKES THE SUN SHY
Like any good friend, Holy Spirit often reminds me of my purpose and destiny. I struggle to focus and relax sometimes… well, plenty a time. But I allow Him to challenge my comprehension. And when that happens, I embrace my imperfections
I’ve also learned that befriending Holy
like it is art. Art that is interchangeable.
Spirit is not limited to spiritual or
Worth a lot of wisdom, which it requires.
biblical connection, company or
Infinite insight is one of my BFF’s most
activity. This propels me to rely on Him
admired qualities.
even more. To be more transparent and simply enjoy His presence like it’s the
Because He lives in me, I don’t expect
greatest honour. Because it is. It really is.
him to bring out the best in me, for He is THE BEST in me. This is really
When the moment calls, I jot down
comforting, especially when the
dreams as I share them with Holy Spirit.
habitual worst in me wants to mislead
He reminds me that He believes in me.
and destroy all of me. This reminds me
Even on dull days, He illuminates the
of a lightbulb moment I experienced a
skies of my life with a light that makes
few years back: To be HOLY in Him, is to
the sun shy. My laughter swells like
be WHOLLY in Him. Therefore, I shred
brown sugar in a hot pan. He helps me
my fears through prayer and
brainstorm ideas, even while running
supplication of His truth. It is so
errands. Often times, I sing to him a
liberating to let go of that which tends
new song with spontaneous melodies as
to withhold me from beholding new
the moon dissolves. Breaking bread in
horizons. With Holy Spirit as my BFF,
His presence is as good as drinking wine
I’m always postured in a room with a
of refinement when he helps me recover
breathtaking view. It’s right where I
from a spent day.
belong. s
KRÉHON SWIFT / 44 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
swift FICTION #FictionFridays
NOT FAR BEHIND (STORY) BY MARK ZION
46
50
SEASONED FINALE (POEM) BY MARK ZION
PLUS TV BAR - p49
FICTION
NOT FAR BEHIND STORY BY MARK ZION
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE MONTH AGAIN.
have to do this evening, Gwen thinks out loud. She
Gwen vigorously pin-up her hair with a couple of
smiles when she receives a text from Sean.
pens like a ninja ready for battle. She opens the fridge, sighs at the lack of colour and makes yet another
Hey love. Will be home around 6:30. I ordered pizza.
mental note to dispose of all the expired items.
Should be delivered in about 10 minutes. Whilst typing
Pondering on what to prepare for supper, her ideas
a response, another text from Sean pops through.
are endless but options are limited.
The rosé and I will be there soonest. Love you.
Gwen loves her husband. But having been married for just over a year, she still has a lot to learn
No need to defrost those breasts then, Gwen
about marriage. Her and Sean both. When tough
decides. A tone rings on the intercom. That was pretty
times last longer than usual, Gwen wants to stretch
fast, she thinks to herself and curiously presses the
herself to help balance their monthly expenses.
button to answer. “Peter Pan Pizza delivery,” a raspy
However, Sean, being the man, refuses to allow his
male voice answers. On the opposite side of the
wife to exert herself in any way. Gwen won’t rest on
peephole stands a tidy young gentleman, waiting
her dreams though. Sean knows that. Hence he tries
impassively. Gwen quickly runs to the bedroom to
to tame her while he can. Hoping she would relax and
find her purse. “Got it,” she says out loud and swiftly
fall pregnant in the near future.
opens the front door of the apartment.
Gwen never intended on becoming a mom anytime soon though. Her first baby is managing her online store, while she dreams of opening a garden
The pizza guy looks oddly familiar. He hands over two boxes of pizza. “Thank you,” Gwen says with a curious smile.
parlour in the backyard of their future 5-bedroom
Noticing her attempt to make a payment, the pizza
house, somewhere in Muizenberg or perhaps
guy, named Aaron, respectfully declines and says “an
Durbanville. In the meantime, she takes a daily gaze
electronic payment has already been made, ma’am.”
at her vision board, mounted on the wall of her and
“Oh yeah, of course. Mind slip,” Gwen says with
Sean’s shared home office. A tiny space in their cosy
a dainty smile. “Mind if I give you a tip?” “No need, ma’am. That’s been covered.”
Woodstock apartment. It’s 5:43pm. Usually Wednesday nights are seafood nights. However, a quick chicken pasta would
“Oh, no- I’m actually just referring to your name badge,” Gwen states.
KRÉHON SWIFT / 46 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
SEAN, BEING THE MAN, REFUSES TO ALLOW HIS WIFE TO EXERT HERSELF IN ANY WAY. GWEN WON’T REST ON HER DREAMS THOUGH. SEAN KNOWS THAT. “You see, although it’s easier for right handed people to put a name badge on the left side, they are correctly worn on the right side. So the person
sent a Tupperware with peppermint crisp. Let me quickly go down and fetch-” “I was beginning to worry,” Gwen interrupts
shaking hands or greeting has easy eye contact with
while stretching out her hands towards Sean,
both the person and the badge as a way to help
embracing him like he’s been away for over 24 hours.
remember the name or to see where he or she is
“I was so worried, I almost ate the whole pizza.”
from, etcetera.
Sean wouldn’t mind if she did.
“Alright. I’m left handed though,” Aaron responds. “And I need to be off to my next delivery. Enjoy the pizza and have a good night.” With a quick sigh, Gwen turns around, closes the door and reaches for her smartphone in the pocket of
“I have a surprise for you,” he says with a calm smile. “I told you no stray dogs, please…” Gwen says lazily. Sean chuckles. “Aww, I thought you meant no
her banana coloured skinny jeans. She dials Sean’s
stray cats. But hey, we could always pick up a cute
number. He picks up and says, “Babe, you left the
fluffy in Hawaii…”
door unlocked.”
“Is that the name of a new pet shop?” Gwen asks
“Oh? You’re home. You’re late, where were you?” Sean ends the call and greets his wife properly, in person.
sarcastically. “No, it’s the address of our new home. I had to consider a few options before discussing it with my
“I popped in at my parents’ house quickly. Mom
gorgeous wife. Hoping you wouldn’t be too mad.”
called me just after I spoke to you. By the way, she
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 47 / FEBRUARY 2020
FICTION Gwen unpins her hair and curiously rests her
Gwen had hoped to surprise Sean in a creative
head in the palm of her hand. “Sean, what are you
way, but upon her return from the bathroom, she
talking about?”
makes an instant announcement. “Babe, I’m
Sean takes a moment to embrace his wife, inviting her to take a seat at the kitchen counter. “G, I know it’s not our anniversary or anything, but I think
Sean’s eyes magnify with amazement. “Whoa! Are you sure? You’re really pregnant? As in… right now?
it’s time.”
You’re standing right in front of me, holding our
“Time? For what?” Gwen
baby?!”
asks.
THEY ARE CORRECTLY WORN ON THE RIGHT SIDE. SO THE PERSON SHAKING HANDS OR GREETING HAS EASY EYE CONTACT WITH BOTH THE PERSON AND THE BADGE
pregnant.”
“Time to embrace a new
Gwen can’t help but giggle. “Not holding, you silly billy. Carrying.”
chapter in our YOUNG lives. Starting by moving out of
Over the moon is an understated narration of
this apartment,
what Sean is feeling right now. He wants to hold, lift
neighbourhood, town,
and swing his wife in the air, but he simply takes her
country - alles. Do you feel
by the hand, gives her gentle hug, like he used to
me?”
when they were high schoolers and congratulates her
“Well, there is a time for
with a long kiss on her forehead. “MY word! This is the
everything. But where on
best day of my life, my love. Well, part three.”
earth are you getting this Hawaii manoeuvre from?” “Easy, I applied for a loan,”
“I know part one was our wedding day, what was part two?” Gwen asks inquisitively. “I’ll tell you as soon as I come back upstairs. We
Sean announces with
are not going to bed without celebrating. In fact, I
nervous audacity.
shouldn’t have left the wine and dessert in the car…
“Oh no, you better did not,”
Wine! You can’t have wine…”
Gwen reprimands. “What’s the big deal? We can manage-“ “-We?” Gwen interrupts. “...Manage?”
Sean doesn’t like it when Gwen reacts like this. He decides to give her some space to think. Both remain seated in silence.
“Just go get it. You can have a glass on me. And I can have dessert for two!” “Yeah, nogal…” Sean chuckles as he grabs his car keys and head over to the door. “What the heck…?” “What now?” Gwen asks, joining Sean in the doorway. Flabbergasted, the couple look at one another, wondering how, not one, but two dead birds landed
“Where are you going?” Sean asks Gwen, as she
directly on their doorstep.
gets up to exit the kitchen. “Bathroom,” she mutters.
TO BE CONTINUED…
KRÉHON SWIFT / 48 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
TV BAR
CINEMA HARRIET FINALLY COMES TO SOUTH AFRICA
Multi-talented, Grammy® Awardwinning artist Kelly Clarkson brings her singular voice and infectious enthusiasm to daytime television as the host of her own talk show. In each episode, the downto-earth superstar delivers a funny, heartfelt and entertaining hour of celebrity guests, musical performances, fascinating stories, spontaneous surprises and so much more. STARTS MONDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 2020 MNET CHANNEL 101, DSTV
The All Star interview with American basketball player Kobe Bryant. Kobe tragically passed away on January 26th 2020 and will go down in history as one of the game's greats. AVAILABLE NOW SHOWMAX
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. SHOWING IN CINEMAS THIS FEBRUARY
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 49 / FEBRUARY 2020
FICTION
Seasoned Finale A P O E M BY M A R K Z I O N The salt in my wounds were cold and coarse My heart has been exposed I have never felt so alive A man had died and rose Misinterpreted for being misguided Since birth my sound’s been so intriguing Unseen for its equilibrium and poetry Looking back today I can only see, read and write ahead of me I was told not to panic I was taught to down gallons of bitterness without pulling a funny face It’s not really about me though I’m just a speck of grace I am human My perfection needs no explanation Simply called to project a function Scented by heaven’s essence Sent for a hope and a future The salt in my wounds have run its course My heart has been exposed I have never felt so alive A man had died and rose
KRÉHON SWIFT / 50 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
swift TIMELINE #TimelineThursdays
FROM TABLES TO TABLETS THE CHRONICLES OF SCHOOLING BY KAY-DEE MASHILE
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3 MONTH STATEMENT (CALENDAR)
TIMELINE
FROM TABLES TO TABLETS THE CHRONICLES OF SCHOOLING! BY KAY-DEE MASHILE
WRITING THIS HAS MADE ME REALISE that a lot has changed from when I was in school till now. Now, mind you, I graduated from high school in 2012. It’s not even a decade yet, yet I feel like an alien whenever I’m on school grounds. For instance, we just went to school and our parents only got to go to school to get our reports at the end of the term. Today, parents are at school every other day and the reports are given to the kids. See, things change. Can you imagine how different school will be in 2030?! For one, it may cost the same to take your child to a “Model C” school as it does to get them through a university. What about free education though? Will that be a thing? Will failing be a thing anymore by then? I mean, we used to pass with 40 per cent or higher, the current generation of scholars are pretty much passing with 20 to 30 per cent, what’s left? But, let’s not get too deep with this yet, we have a whole article to write! Here is what was, what is and what (quite possibly) is to come in schooling, particularly in high school:
KRÉHON SWIFT / 52 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
From Desks to Desktops Let me quickly Google that!
WHAT WAS Okay, so we weren’t typing away on typewriters but we definitely didn’t have the luxury of personal computers. Some schools actually didn’t even have computers at all, computer literacy was more like computer theory!
WHAT IS Have a group assignment? Let’s google all the answers and spend the rest of our time on Facebook! Do high school kids even still do homework guys? Well, maybe that’s another topic to look at…
WHAT IS TO COME Why write what you can type? In the future, I foresee school books being a thing of the past! With the wake of free internet, I wonder how honest kids will be when it comes to tests and exams. Maybe they will write (or type) in Wi-Fi repellent exam rooms.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 53 / FEBRUARY 2020
TIMELINE From Shakespeare to social media – decolonised education on steroids!
WHAT WAS I remember how excited I was when I got my reading material for Matric during our Grade 11 finals. I must have read “Pride and Prejudice” twice before Jan. I couldn’t do that with Othello, too many nightmares. But also, I think my pre-woke self was also unpleased with the storyline. But… anyway! We read books fam, real hardcopy books. Ones that we had to care for and return at the end of the year. We were good stewards though yaz!
WHAT IS “Yo! There’s got to be a movie for that!” must be the proverb of the day. Why read what you can watch? Let me educate you, Dear Children, the book is always better!
WHAT IS TO COME Will kids even get hardcopy books anymore? At best, they may be required to purchase the eBook version of all prescribed reading material. Teacher reading to the kids? If there will even be manual, human lessons, I foresee kids listening to audiobooks as “homework”. Yazin! What if school will only be for exams and social interactions?!
KRÉHON SWIFT / 54 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
From dishing out hidings to detention – in actual jail cells! A whole new level of discipline
WHAT WAS Chile! Did we not get proper hidings at school? Now, if you’re in a rural or a township school, teachers really got down fam! Here’s a bit of a long story, are you ready? So, in one of the high schools I attended pre-OH, we had a lot of trouble with discipline. So, they decided to implement a permission system. So whenever you had to leave the class during lessons, the teacher would give you a permission slip. If you were found anywhere outside of class without one, you would get a whole BEATING! So, here I was, good girl Dee, in the bathroom. WITH A PERMISSION SLIP! On some I ain’t worried ‘bout nothing! Then, a prefect comes in with
instruction from the Principal, “you all must go to the Principal’s office, right now!” That time I’m thinking, I’ll just show him the permission slip and he will allow me to go back to class and resume my education. So we get to the office and I’m like, “Uhm Sir, I have permission” and he doesn’t even look at it and just says “you think I don’t know that learners steal and duplicate those things?!” I got so mad! Like what kind of thing is this?! I should have bunked mos if I’m gonna get punished anyway! And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, was my first and only hiding in life. And I wasn’t even wrong fam… can someone recommend a good therapist to help me let go of this trauma?!
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THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 55 / FEBRUARY 2020
TIMELINE
Well today, you bunk class? Then you have to punish the teacher by letting them sit for another lesson long after school. Except, they don’t teach you anything. They must just police you to ensure that you keep quiet, stay awake and don’t eat. Don’t get me wrong, corporal punishment has no place in schools and that doesn’t leave much to work with. So detention it is!
WHAT IS TO COME
WHAT IS
The examples are endless… From security gates to fingerprint sensors, from homework to group hangouts, from lunch boxes to cafeterias to five star restaurants. Imagine black tie dates during break times,
But what if detention graduated to criminal records?! Okay, that’s too extreme but I can defs see kids getting detained in actual jail cells in the next decade. Wanna bunk? Well, here’s a bunk bed for the weekend! Imagine if breaking school rules meant breaking the law. Now that’s intense! Learn your other tenses while you’re in there, will you?!
when back in the day we just broke and shared our lunch bread! One thing for sure though, education will either get significantly better or significantly worse. I sure pray that it gets better!
KRÉHON SWIFT / 56 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
CALENDAR
3 MONTH STATEMENT LISTEN
JANUARY 2020 of works with Pop-R&B influenced sounds, coupled with uplifting messages that emphasise God’s Love and Grace. Tauren says; "This album is just a reminder that if you feel like a stranger sometimes, it’s because you
FEBRUARY 2020
Email: thelocalfoodtruckmarket@gmail.com Facebook: @capetownpizzapastafest
THE CAPE TOWN PIZZA AND PASTA FESTIVAL (8 FEB) features gourmet pizza and pasta dishes, Italian desserts, craft beer, live music, kiddies entertainment, free bunker tours and views of Table Mountain and Granger Bay.
are; if you feel like a foreigner sometimes, it’s because we are—because we were not just created for this world, we’re created for the next one. We’re citizens of heaven.”
MARCH 2020
“CITIZEN OF HEAVEN,” the much-anticipated sophomore album from GRAMMY-nominated artist Tauren Wells, is available on all major digital platforms worldwide. The 13track set is an amazing body
International Women's Day 2019. The theme for International Women's Day (8 March) this year, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”, puts innovation by women and girls, for women and girls, at the heart of efforts to achieve gender equality.
THE PORTRAIT ISSUE / 57 / FEBRUARY 2020
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KRÉHON SWIFT / 58 / ISSUU.COM/KREHON
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