Hola MaHigh School Volume 8, issue 4, April 2019
Why go there?
Open Day: An industry view
Open Day lists - a lot
Gauteng, home to Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg, boasts an exciting mix of urban lifestyle, diverse cultural and natural attractions, as well as advanced infrastructure. Call us and we’ll show you why Gauteng in South Africa is the perfect location to bring your big idea to vibrant, colourful life.
e t n o C e l b Ta of
Editor’s Letter
06
Contributors
10
Holler at us
11
Open Day
12
Month of May The Last Spike
14
On Voting
18
Freedom Park Survey
19
what is is all about?
t en Open Day - a view
22
Food Security
26
When I went there
32
Open Day Lists
34
... I wish I knew
The best we can do
Conspiracy!
37
North Korea vs US
38
We need writers
42
Mother’s Day
44
Next Issue
46
Sybil Otterstrom Editor and CEO
We are now into the April issue. That means that there is hardly any time left before winter holidays and the year is over. That also means it is time to look at ‘what next’. This issue is very much about Open Day. Open Day is extremely important if you decide to pursue academia. Open Day is YOUR chance to get to know what will be your future ... before it starts. And it is not just for grade 12. This time: No Brexit. I just cannot handle it again. LOL But we have a lot of other things.
Sybil Otterstrom
South West Gauteng TVET College Profile South West Gauteng College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), formerly, FET college, operating under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in terms of the Continuing Education and Training Act, Act No.16 of 2006, as amended. The College is accredited by Umalusi and several Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta’s) to offer education and training, mostly in the FET band (NQF Level 2 to 4). Some programmes are offered in the Higher Education band i.e. the N4 to N6 levels. With its head office located at Molapo Campus, Soweto and campuses spread through Soweto (3) to Roodepoort (2) and Randburg (1),Including the “LAND IS WEALTH FARM” in Sterkfontein, the College is a real citadel of education and training for communities in its wide catchment area and beyond. With the Distance learning and e-learning mode, driven through the Technisa Campus in Randburg, it is no exaggeration to say “we now surface everywhere!” Starting from 2007, the (FET )TVET colleges have been offering the new three year TVET curriculum, which culminates in the awarding of the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)] to students. This qualification is opening two doors to the successful students. Since their education will have had a deliberate vocational slant, the students completing the NC (V) Level 4 qualification are able to enter the job market. The first cohort of NC (V) graduates came out at the end of 2009 and was received well by the economy. The Level 4 NC (V) graduates are also able to proceed to the Higher Education and pursue some post-NQF Level 4 education at Universities or Universities of Technology, depending on their results in Level 4. If they choose this route, they do so on a very strong technical foundation, which they have obtained from their three years at the College. The entry requirements for Higher Education for students who have completed NC (V) Level 4 qualification can be obtained from the College’s Student Support or Marketing Offices and in the College Prospectus. The important thing is that if one wants to follow a vocational direction, either in Engineering Studies, Business Studies, or Utility Studies, one does not need to stay at school until one has passed Grade 12, since colleges are offering a three-year vocational qualification. To enrol for this qualification, one only needs to have passed the minimum of Grade 9, but the qualification is more suitable for learners with a higher school grade, e.g. Grade 11 or even Grade 12. The qualification will give students vocational training culminating in an NQF Level 4 qualification, which will open doors to the world of work for them. Students are not able to enter this National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 3 or Level 4, even if they have passed Grade 11 or 12 at school. They have to start this qualification at Level 2, and continue with it for three years, until they complete the NQF Level 4 NC (V) qualification, which is where they will be awarded the NC (V) certificate. The Department of Higher Education and Training has also made millions of rands available for bursaries. Any NC (V) student may apply for a bursary, subject to a means test. The means test determines if the student is needy and therefore qualifies for assistance in the form of a bursary. The bursary does not only consider economic need, it also factors in the student’s scholastic academic capability. So, good performance (results), after enrolment, guarantees continuation of the bursary until completion. The DHET bursaries also cover N-courses for needy and academically capable students. It is a condition of the bursary that the recipients commit to their studies and attend their lectures and classes regularly. The drastic skills shortage in the economy has resulted in the Department allowing colleges to continue enrolling students in the N-courses (Report 191 NATED Courses) in Engineering, from N1-N6 and N4 to N6 in Business Studies and Utility Studies. This arrangement is not intended to dissuade students from NC (V) to N-courses, even though the N-courses appear shorter than the NC (V) on the surface. Prospective students must note that whereas the NC (V) is a complete qualification incorporating some practical learning in a workplace, after completing N6 at the College, for a student to be awarded an N6 Diploma, he/she must find a workplace to do experiential learning for a period of 18 months. Work hard and make our Top Ten Student List college-wide and possibly join a fully sponsored study excursion to our partner college in Holland!
College Principal
TM
SERIOUS
ABOUT YOUR
FUTURE?
FOR A CAREER IN: BUSINESS, ENGINEERING OR UTILITY STUDIES
AWAKEN YOUR DREAM CAREER AND ENROLLING FOR ANY OF THE [NC(V)] PROGRAMMES BELLOW
The College is offering an opportunity to all Grade 10-12 learners as well as youth seeking to further their education or advance their careers in the fields of Engineering, Business and Utility Studies.
2 1
BUSINESS STUDIES
National Curriculum (Vocational) [NC (V)]: Levels 2 - 4 Finance Economics & Accounting | Management | Marketing | Office Administration
We are therefore inviting all eligible and interested prospective students to visit any of our campuses for more information.
Prospective Students who wish to study at the College through NSFAS Bursary must APPLY ONLINE ! To enquire more about bursaries, contact/visit Student Support Offices at the Campuses headoffice@swgc.co.za | www.swgc.co.za |
086 176 8849
ENGINEERING STUDIES
National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)]: Levels 2 - 4 Civil Engineering & Building Construction | Electrical Infrastructure Construction | Engineering & Related Design
3
National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)]: Levels 2 - 4 Education & Development | Hospitality | Information Technology & Computer Science | Primary Agriculture | Primary Health | Safety in Society | Tourism | Transport & Logistics
SWGC Period! Enough Said!
NEW BEGINNINGS START
TODAY
MAKE TODAY MATTER AND
CHALLENGE THE FUTURE
UTILITY STUDIES / GENERAL STUDIES
Meet our contributors Masiziba Hadebe is a final year Agricultural Economics student at the University of the Free State (UFS). She is driven to make a change and is a passionate volunteer for community projects. She loves reading and writing about science, agriculture and anything in between. She believes you can wear a smile whatever the weather! My name is Marcia Ramodike a 22 year young lady from Limpopo Tzaneen at lenyenye. Besides being a student at the university of the free state i am also an author. I am passionate about writing and i live to give hope and wish to change the world. I love reading and in most of my time i write my favourite book is ‘Her Mothers Hope by Francine Rivers and favourite quote is when the caterpillar thought it was the end of the world it turned into a butterfly My name is Fikile Unifire Zulu. I’m a career driven, bold, diligent, go-getter and self-motivated young lady from Evaton West in the Vaal Triangle. I’m a firm believer in reading because it nurtures ones’ mind and makes you see the world from a new perspective. I co-founded a non-profit organistation I love relaxing with nothing but a book and I enjoy writing.
Open Day
VUT 2019 Vanderbijlpark Campus 18 May 2019 09:00 - 14:00
Vaal University of Technology Your world to a better future
Ma ch tak
Perceptions may not be reality!
H T
ere are a few personal observations which may be useful when choosing a tertiary institution.
he first point is that Matric is preparing you for further studies. It teaches you to study but is reasonable generic in many ways. It will give a foundation, but not a specific education (sort of).
T W
hat leaves you with a few challenges.
hat do you want to study? It is a good idea to fully understand what it entails. It might be different to the perception. Example: I started out doing Bio-chemistry. Then I found out that it is a lot of laboratory time and a lab is dirty‌ and dangerous. Wrong choice! I probably could have found it out beforehand.
ake the right hoice... even if it kes a repeat
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here can you study that? It sounds simple. However, make sure you know the standing of the faculty and what it can offer.
D
o you need to stay there? Accommodation is suddenly also a problem. Get to know how to run your life outside of the ‘nest’ at home. You might end up with two challenges: the study and the private life. One challenge is enough!
A T
ll of these things can be done well in advance. This is basic research and it needs to be done.
hen Open-Day. This is the golden opportunity to talk to real people from the specific university. There will typically also be students at OpenDay occasions. This is the chance to get the feel for what this institution is all about. On top of: if there should be representatives from your faculty of choice you can be very specific.
L T G
ook at the brochures. It gives the chance to see what it looks like. Get the feel for the ‘spirit’ of the place. ake a friend or a parent along. Their impression might be different to yours and a second opinion is a good idea.
o there! Even if you live next to Beit Bridge and you want to study at UCT, well, find the money and go there. Remember: university will take some years of your time and the Open-Day may give you the info needed for making the right choice.
G
ood luck!
May is our last month of autumn. The onset of winter is close at hand. May has a lot of things of interest, one of them being Mother’s Day. Although we write about Mother’s Day every year, there are still areas worth exploring. We have chosen to dedicate a full page to Mother’s Day rather than mixing it up with this story. The other significant event is the ‘Golden Spike Event’. A bit obscure, but rather fun and surely having had an impact.
The Golden Spike
W
iki says: “The golden spike (also known as The Last Spike) is the ceremonial 17.6-karat gold final spike driven by Leland Stanford to join the rails of the First Transcontinental Railroad across the United States connecting the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory.”
T
he ceremony was originally to be held on May 8, 1869 (the date actually engraved on the spike), but it was postponed two days because of bad weather and a labor dispute that delayed the arrival of the Union Pacific side of the rail line.
O
n May 10, in anticipation of the ceremony, Union Pacific No. 119 and Central Pacific No. 60 locomotives were drawn up face-to-face on Promontory Summit. It is unknown how many people attended the event; estimates run from as low as 500 to as many as 3,000; government and railroad officials and track workers were present to witness the event.”
n? id it mea d t a h w But impact? e h t s a w What
gf all psycholo o t rs fi s a w t ment of The impac ifest achieve n a m a s a w ical. It firmed every n o c d n a A S am by the early U merican Dre A e th in f e li r. The one’s be USA togethe re ti n e e th g ally linkin links were re st a o -c o -t st a ht be actual co 870. That mig 1 in d e v ie h c only a however. nit-picking, e fast moveth in s a w t c a raThe real imp people at a d d n a s d o o g ovement of The people m . st o c r e w lo ere matic new cities w t a th t n a e m ods ment also eant more go m t a th d n a d ofounde the US econ : e c n e ss e In w way to be used. eralded a ne h It . st o o b a my got d a new and launche re tu c fa u n a ame of m ble. USA bec a il a v a s e ic v set of ser urban. ss the g able to cro in e b to it re Compa novelty ner. It was a li ir a y b c ti n ractice Atla s common p a w t u b 0 6 9 d world before 1 that facilitate d n A r. e ft a there economy!
Did you know? The spike was indeed gold and the wooden tie was polished California laurel. As soon as the ceremony was over and people had left, the golden spike and the tie were removed lest someone would steal it all!
Voted in the top 10 of the most strikingly architecturally beautiful museums in the world, Freedom Park is breathtakingly spectacular. A vantage point that offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view of our city and beyond, visitors are guaranteed to stand in awe at the contrasting view, offering the opposites of our world. Lauded for its effortless beauty, Freedom Park is the perfect hidden venue for all events, as people escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the serenity and peace of the surrounding nature. Amidst the enchanting architecture, Freedom Park helps create unforgettable memories. Why not experience it for yourself! www.freedompark.co.za | call: +27 12 336 4000
What is Freedom Park? This is all from their website: Freedom Park celebrates South Africa’s heritage. It is a centre of knowledge aimed at deepening the understanding of the nation. It strives to accommodate all of the country’s experiences and symbols to tell one coherent story. Freedom Park is a national and international site that celebrates the ideals of liberty, diversity and human rights. Freedom Park is a cultural institution housing a museum and a memorial dedicated to chronicling and honouring the many who contributed to South Africa’s liberation. The museum aims to preserve and narrate the story of the African continent, and specifically South Africa, from the dawn of humanity, through pre-colonial, colonial and apartheid history and heritage, to the post-apartheid nation of today. It is a long walk, spanning some 3.6 billion years. Vision To be a leading national and international icon of humanity and freedom. Mission To provide a pioneering and empowering heritage destination in order to mobilise for reconciliation and nation building in our country; To reflect upon our past, improving our present and building our future as a united nation; and To contribute continentally and internationally to the formation of better human understanding among nations and peoples; The Freedom Park cultural precinct: • Advocates for tolerance, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability; • Archives and preserves South Africa’s indigenous knowledge; • Tells the South African story as it unfolds; • Honours those who gave their lives for South Africa’s freedom; • Provides a place where visitors can experience the diversity of our history and remember loved ones who played a role in the country’s history; • Provides a venue where South Africa’s unique heritage and cultures can be remembered, cherished and celebrated; • Fosters a South African community spirit, by being a symbol of unity through diversity; and, • Works with African and other international institutions to tell the story of Africa from an African perspective.
HOLLER AT US MaHigh-School The stuff we need to mention:
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Do you youhave havea aGrade Grade 9 certificate or higher? Have decided Do 9 certificate or higher? Have you you decided which career path to follow? which career path to follow?
Well choose thethe National Certificate Vocational - NC (V)- NC(V) and Well don’t don’tlook lookany anyfurther further choose National Certificate Vocational start studying for your career path? and start studying for your career path.
What is National Certificate Vocational NC(V)?
What is National Certificate Vocational (NCV)?
TheNational NationalCertificate Certificate Vocational NC(V) is aand new and modern qualification The Vocational (NCV) is a new modern qualification offered offered at South Tshwane College since offered at Tshwane TVETSouth CollegeTVET since January 2007. It isJanuary offered at2007. LevelsIt2,is3 and 4 of National Framework are equivalent to Grades 10, 11 and at the Levels 2, 3Qualifications and 4 of the Nationalwhich Qualifications Framework which are 12. It is regarded as one of quality andas high knowledge pro- skills, equivalent to Grades 10,the 11high andskills, 12. Ithigh is regarded one of the high grammes that and provides of the workplace environment andexperience is intended toof high quality highexperience knowledge programmes that provides directly respond to the priority. This qualification will also provide you an opportunithe workplace environment and is intended to directly respond to the priority. ty to be admitted atwill higher studies is subjecttotobe appropriate This qualification alsoeducation provide you an that opportunity admitted subject at higher combination. education studies that is subject to appropriate subject combination.
Duration of the qualification:
Duration of the qualification:
NCV is aisthree yearyear qualification offered at Levels 2, 3 and Each4.level takes a full NC(V) a three qualification offered at Levels 2, 4. 3 and Each level takes year of study. A student is issued with a certificate on the successful completion of a full year of study. A student is issued with a certificate on the successful each level of of study. completion each level of study.
At TSC TVET we offer the following NC(V) programmes: At TSC TVET we offer the following NC (V) programmes: •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••
Finance, Economicsand andAccounting Accounting Finance, Economics Office Administration Office Administration Information Technology andComputer Computer Science Science Information Technology and Engineering BuildingConstruction Construction CivilCivil Engineering & &Building Electrical Infrastructure Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction Engineering and RelatedDesign Design Engineering and Related Hospitality Hospitality Tourism Tourism
Want to be part of the fourth industrial revolution let TSC TVET assist you to achieve the future! LIL\17619086
Do you you have Grade 9 certificate or higher? Have decided Who Do arehave we?a aGrade 9 certificate or higher? Have you you decided which career path to follow? Tshwane South TVET College is one of the TVETs regulated by Department of Higher which career path to follow?
Education. Well choose thethe National Certificate Vocational - NC (V)- NC(V) and Well don’t don’tlook lookany anyfurther further choose National Certificate Vocational start studying for your career path? and start studying for your career path. We are one of the biggest TVETs with several campuses across Tshane and we offer a range all ofCertificate which carry its own recognition. Whatofiscourses, National Vocational NC(V)?
What is National Certificate Vocational (NCV)? TheNational NationalCertificate Vocational NC(V) is aand new and modern qualification The Vocational (NCV) is a new modern qualification offered Our Vision Certificate
offered at South Tshwane College since offered at Tshwane TVETSouth CollegeTVET since January 2007. It isJanuary offered at2007. LevelsIt2,is3 and 4 To be a world class further education and training college. of National Framework are equivalent to Grades 10, 11 and at the Levels 2, 3Qualifications and 4 of the Nationalwhich Qualifications Framework which are 12. It is regarded as one of quality andas high knowledge pro- skills, equivalent to Grades 10,the 11high andskills, 12. Ithigh is regarded one of the high Our grammes that and provides of the workplace environment andexperience is intended toof high Mission quality highexperience knowledge programmes that provides Tshwane South College empowers learners through high quality vocational education directly respond to the priority. This qualification will also provide you an opportunithe workplace environment and is intended to directly respond to the priority. and training. ty to be admitted atwill higher studies is subjecttotobe appropriate This qualification alsoeducation provide you an that opportunity admitted subject at higher combination. education studies that is subject to appropriate subject combination.
Our Values Duration of the Excellence in all wequalification: do Duration- of the qualification:
Fairness in allyear our dealings NCV is ais-three qualification offered at Levels 2, 3 and Each4.level takes a full NC(V) a three year qualification offered at Levels 2, 4. 3 and Each level takes Respect towards one another year of study. A student is issued with a certificate on the successful completion of a full year of study. A student is issued with a certificate on the successful Trust in one another each level of of study. completion each level of study. Integrity - in our ethical behaviour
At TSC TVET we offer the following NC(V) programmes: At TSC TVET we offer the following NC (V) programmes: How to contact us • Finance, Economics and Accounting • Finance, Economics andStr.) Accounting 85 Francis Baard (Schoeman •• Office Office Administration Administration PO Box 151 •• Information Information Technology andComputer Computer Science Science Technology and PRETORIA •• CivilCivil Engineering & Building Construction 0001 Engineering & Building Construction •• Electrical Electrical Infrastructure Construction Infrastructure Construction •• Engineering Engineering and Related Design Tel: 012 401 5000and Related Design •• Hospitality Hospitality General Enquiries •• Tourism Tourism E-mail: info@tsc.edu.za
Want to be part of the fourth industrial revolution let TSC TVET assist you to achieve the future! LIL\17619086
UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS LOOK BEYOND BANNERS & BALLOONS TO MAKE THE BEST CHOICE This is information we have been emailed by Meropa Comminications on behalf of The Independent Institute of Education. All opinions etc. are for their account and not necessarily reflecting ours. In coming weeks, public universities and private institutions across South Africa will host a series of Open Days – events meant to showcase their offering to prospective students from the Matric Class of 2019. An education expert says it is essential that learners intending to study next year attend as many Open Days as possible to ensure they make an informed study choice, but more than that, they need to go with a strategy in hand to ensure they look beneath the surface to understand what their likely experience may be at a particular institution or campus.
Wonga Ntshinga, Senio Programme: Faculty of Independent Institute o SA’s largest and most a vate higher education i
“This is a very exciting time for Matrics, who for the first time will be able to get some real-life insights about life on campus
and what their future might be like in coming years after school,” says Wonga Ntshinga, Senior Head of Programme: Faculty of ICT at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution. “So we advise Grade 12s to determine without delay when various institutions will be hosting Open Days – an online search will suffice - and then make the effort to attend as many as possible.” Ntshinga says there are many benefits to attending an open day, including 1) to get greater clarity on an institution’s offering 2) to visit different faculties at an institution 3) to speak to representatives of the institution who will be able to help you determine which qualification is a good fit if you are still uncertain 4) to get a feeling of life on a specific campus and 5) to weigh up the offering – academic and otherwise – of different institutions. But he says there is one thing that prospective students must remember when attending Open Days, and that is to keep a level head and not get too starry-eyed by the fanfare of the day.
or Head of f ICT at The of Education, accredited priinstitution.
“Open Days are the perfect opportunity to get first-hand experience of a campus and its students, staff and academics. But the first rule of Open Day is to remember that Open Day might not be representative of every other day. Universities put their best foot forward to impress and attract future students, but you have to be savvy and ask the right questions, as well as make the observations that will help you with this major decision.”
Ntshinga says prospective students should spend enough time on a campus to get a good look around and listen to their gut feel while doing so.
Continued “Look at the campus grounds, visit the library and the IT lab, note the condition of sports facilities, lecture rooms and even the toilets. If, for instance, an institution’s restrooms are questionable on an Open Day, chances are that they will be the same or worse during the rest of the year. “If lecture rooms and the general environment look tired, dilapidated and unkept on this day, it is unlikely they will look better any other day of the year.” If you get a good feeling about what you observe on campus, the Open Day then presents an opportunity to ask the important questions of university representatives, to gauge whether your degree will help you make a smooth transition to the workplace post-graduation, Ntshinga says. To make that determination, learners should ask the following: 1) WORK-READINESS: How much practical, work-integrated experience is incorporated into the curriculum? Any good institution, whether public university or private, must have adequate practical learning integrated into the curriculum, and not focus purely on academics.
2) INDUSTRY-RELEVANCE: Is there close cooperation between the faculty and lecturers, and is current industry practice reflected in the curriculum? Employers look for graduates who they know will be able to make a contribution from the first day on the job, which is why they recruit at those institutions that best prepare students for the real world of work. 3) STUDENT SUPPORT: What can you expect in terms of support – administratively, academically and post-qualification? Good institutions will have excellent student support from before you sign up until after you graduate, and this support can make a real difference in your higher education experience as well as your career. “Doing your groundwork in the coming month, by identifying and attending Open Days at institutions you’ve been considering, as well as others you may not yet have considered but which may well turn out to be the right fit, will make a huge contribution to your ability to evaluate your options properly,” Ntshinga says. “Additionally, you may be exposed to opportunities and qualifications you have not considered before, and which may resonate with you. Open Days are essential to making the best choice for your aspirations and provide insights that desktop research rarely does, so make the best of this limited window of opportunity.” The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) is a division of the JSE-listed ADvTECH Group, Africa’s largest private education provider. The IIE is the largest, most accredited registered private higher education institute in South Africa, and the only one accredited by The British Accreditation Council (BAC), the independent quality assurance authority that accredits private institutions in the UK. By law, private higher education institutions in South Africa may not call themselves Private Universities, although registered private institutions are subject to the same regulations, accreditation requirements and oversight as Public Universities.
vs Indigenous foods vs non-African We talk a lot about climate change and how our food consumption must be re-evaluated. But why is that the foods indigenous to Southern Africa is not appreciated whereas foods not really suitable to Africa is grown? Plants suited for Northern Europe with its wet and cold climate need special care here. And does it make sense when we have plants adapted (and just as good) to Africa? Masiziba is looking into this intriguing situation:
S
outh Africa is considered to be one of the 30 driest countries in the world with an average of 464 mm of rain per year (compared to a global average of 860 mm). However, agricultural irrigation represents approximately 60% of the total water requirement. Is it because crops that are not native to South Africa are being cultivated?
L
et us take potatoes for instance: to produce 150 grams of a medium potato uses 43.5 litres per unit while processing those potatoes to a 150 g Portion of chips uses and additional units of 156 litres.
I
ndigenous food crops, on the other hand, refer to food crops that have their origin in South Africa. These food crops are adapted to the South African climate. They are divided into three main categories; namely grains, vegetables and fruit.
igenous crops xamples of ind ch of the grains su include some , Grain sorghum as Pearl millet, ara groundnuts Cowpea, Bamb the While some of . n a e b g n u M and ome, ps include Cle Vegetable cro w, ck, Jews mallo ja ck la B , th n ra Ama ally, madumbe. Fin A d n a va a ss a ilkC Marula, Red m e d u cl in s p o fruit cr lar, lum Wild med p la o b o M , d o wo onkey i apple and m Num-num, Ke orange. nd, the indige n the other ha rcu p sector is nous food cro the allenges. First, rently facing ch as the y fragmented tl n e rr cu is r o sect not well ous crops are of actual indigen ditionally, most d A . st lo r o n know ested found and harv re a s p o cr se e th in the wild. ction and conoreover, produ declined; and sumption has ented and undocum d e it lim is re e th imal ing to the min information ow en rch that has be a se re f) o ck la (or conducted.
E
Did you know?
O
M
tritional and espite their nu they offer, the e lu va ic m o n eco re never ir products we e th d n a s p o cr of the d. The surplus commercialise ally traded inform ly n o is ce u d pro te nities to genera within commu farmers. income for the
Bambara groundnut represents the third most important grain legume in semi-arid Africa. “It is resistant to high temperature and is suitable for marginal soils where other leguminous crops cannot be grown�. In addition, it makes very little demand on the soil and has a high nutritive value. For these reasons it is not prone to the risk of total harvest failure even in low and uncertain rainfall regions
D
Source: a lot of Wiki
vs Indigenous foods vs non-African
A
bout the value of these crops to address food security and climate change. Much more needs to be done. In particular, the production and consumption must be encouraged.
F
or instance, let us take Pearl millet also commonly known as Nyalothi, Ntweka, Amabele, Unyaluthi, Unyawoti, UnyawothiInyawuthi, Muvhoho, Babala, Manna, Leotja, Mhunga and Bulrush millet.
I
t is produced in the Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State provinces. It is used mainly as whole, cracked or ground flour, dough, or grain-like rice. It can be made into fermented breads, foods and thick porridges, steam-cooked dishes, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
P
earl millet is also grown for silage and hay production. Crop residue and green plants provide building materials for fencing, thatching and making basketry.
OR
OR
Masiziba Hadebe
E
ven if millet is commercialized, people will still be eating wheat-based bread. Farmers who produce millet, will be combating climate change by simply cultivating millet instead of wheat.
I
n order to use the South African dry climate to attempt to achieve food security, specifically, in the long term, we need to tap into the indigenous food crop sector. This sector, just like any other sector, is driven by Demand and Supply.
W
ithout specification on which one comes first, we need the stakeholders in each party to start encouraging the Supply (production) and the Demand (consumption) of the indigenous plants.
M
ore research needs to be done because currently, although cultivation of these exotic crops is successful and currently achieving food security, what happens with climate change in the long term?
S Did you know?
outh Africa is getting drier and drier while these exotic food crop plants remain consistent in their (most times large) water requirements.
Pearl millet is well adapted to growing areas characterized by drought, low soil fertility, and high temperature. It performs well in soils with high salinity or low pH. Because of its tolerance to difficult growing conditions, it can be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as maize or wheat, would not survive. Pearl millet is a summer annual crop well-suited for double cropping and rotations
Open Day is I
wish we had Open-Day when I started at university! It was not as much a matter of knowing what I wanted to study. In my case it was biochemistry. I had prepared for this right through matric years and I knew what I wanted. I even had the books prior to starting, corresponding with the lecturers I would meet 1-2 years later, choosing the subjects for my PhD was even easier.
S B U
o I knew! ut university life is different and I wish somebody had told me about that.
niversity life started with an introduction week out at a camp site. Sort of getting to know fellow students and lecturers at the faculty. I think we were some 100 of us. So we got grouped into different huts and had all kind of group exercises.
I wish they had told me about that!
B A
ut I wish somebody had told me what university life was all about.
fter one week out in the fresh air it was returning to city life and university life. Now came the real challenges!
A
nd I wish somebody had told me about that!
Happy Open-D
s important L
ectures in the morning in the auditorium. The professor ‘polluting’ the white-board with tons of math (and yes: biochemistry is 90% math – at least that is how it felt). Then something lunch and now into class-room sessions. All of us divided into groups of some 20 students. The difference from matric? We were on surname basis with the instructors. – just like in Harry Potter.
H
omework. Much more than anybody had ever seen. And a massive collection of books which had to be read and understood.
A B
nd I wish somebody had told me about that!
iochemistry is also working in a lab. And working in a lab is dirty and dangerous. Poisonous gasses whirling around, smaller explosions on a daily basis, visits by the fire brigade at least once a month, putting out the bigger fires, hospitals for unlucky students handling dangerous things and much more.
A I
nd I wish somebody had told me about that!
changed to Computer Science before an untimely end. At least no more dirty labs but a lot more of maths.
A
nd I wish somebody had told me about that!
Day - use it well
Universities
This is all collected from https://educonnect. co.za/2019-institution-open-days/ It is the most authoritative list that I have found, but not saying this is the only one. The links below will take you to the specific site. University of the Cape Town (UCT): Date: 4th May 2019 Nelson Mandela University (NMU): Date: May. Date to be confirmed. University of the Free State (UFS): Dates: 11 May 2019 – Bloemfontein 4 May 2019 – Qwaqwa
North West University (NWU): Date: May Date to be confirmed. University of the Western Cape (UWC): Dates: 11 May 2019 23 May 2019. Venue: Hatfield Campus, University of Pretoria, Visual Arts Department University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN): Dates: 4 May 2019 (Pietermaritzburg Campus) 11 May 2019 (Westville Campus) Time: 9am – 1pm University of Witwatersrand (Wits) WITS will not be hosting an open day. The Student Enrolment Centre in Braamfontein provides one-on-one consultations to individuals regarding career and study choices Monday to Friday. Rhodes University: Date: 10 May Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): Date: 11 May 2019 (Bellville Campus) The other universities Open-Days are either not announced or no info available. If a specific university is not mentioned here, contact the university directly.
Private colleges:
As a range of short-term courses are also offered, the Open-Day efforts are scattered across the year. Go to a specific college and look it up.
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Conspiracy Black Squirrels
E
ver heard of black squirrels? They should be red or grey, but black? And bigger than normal? According to rumours they have ‘powers’ as well.
T
hey only live somewhere in the Midwest of the US, so we are safe, but how? Where did they come from?
T
he rumour is as well that Mr. Kellogg (Yes! Him! The one with the cereals in the morning) imported them to chase away the red squirrels which he hated with a passion.
T
he truth is that the black squirrels are real, they do not have ‘powers’ and the colour is really a genetic mutation from the usual grey one’s. It just got a bit darker as evolution can do.
T
hey are supposed to have been around since 1700s anyway. There are now some in the UK and the rumour is that those are from the US – somehow.
B
ut I like the Mr. Kellogg version the best! (This I found on https:// bestlifeonline.com/true-urban-legends/)
The North Korea - USA summit It is not only Brexit. We have more ‘no-deals’ to combat. This one might have been overlooked a little bit. US president Trump and North Korea’s Kim-Jung-Un met in Vietnam. This was a direct follow-up on the historic meeting last year. The statements from last year were vague. That is probably also fine if the intent is to get it all firmed up a bit. That was what the Vietnam meeting was supposed to do. North Korea had already started dismantling test sites and were willing to do more. But they wanted some concessions from US. US may have thought that it could mean a lot of things, like formally ending the Korean war and so on. But North Korea wanted something simple: lift sanctions against us up-front and we will do even more.
That is where the wheels came off. US (and Trump) were not willing to recognise that North Korea had started the process unilaterally. It was rather predictable after all. Now what? North Korea has then started to rebuild its test sites. The one they are busy on is actually an engine test site and cannot be used for any missile launch. It is a message. The message is clear: we still have the capacity to get going on nuclear missiles again if no deal is the reality. Can Trump afford that? I think not. Can he reverse course? He probably can – via Twitter. The other good question is: Can Kim-Jung-Un keep up the pace of re-arming? It is vastly expensive. The sanctions are biting and he cannot afford to lower the living standard of the population. Remember one thing: It was OK for North Korea to be poor because the only other country they interacted with was China and China was just as poor. That is not the case now. China is bulleting ahead and the North Koreans just across the border can see that. The word is spreading that it need not be like that. I predicted that North Korea was willing to cancel the nuclear programme because it had achieved its purpose: lifting of sanctions and a place in the international community – that means prosperity. The ball is in Trump’s court now and we look forward to the next batch of tweets in the morning.
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What me on
to do?
ivan@ ro name mele.co.za : Cell n umbe E-ma r il ... and address we wi ll talk !
Anna Jarvis: The Daughter of the mother Ever heard of Anna Jarvis? No? Shame, she was the founder of ‘Mother’s Day’. We may think she was just another sentimental person, but that is surely not so. Take a look (all from Wiki of course):
She was born in 1864 in West Virginia. Women were not generally held in high esteem at that time, so whatever she did, it was an uphill battle. Her mother was active in all the roles a woman could safely be involved in: Church, school, children. That was something Anna remembered and admired. Anna was active in business, taking a position at Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company, where she became the agency’s first female literary and advertising editor. On May 10, 1908, three years after her mother’s death, Jarvis held a memorial ceremony to honor her mother and all mothers at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, today the International Mother’s Day Shrine, in Grafton, West Virginia.
Jarvis valued the symbolism of such tangible items as the white carnation emblem. By the 1920s, as the floral industry continued increasing prices of white carnations and then introduced red carnations to meet the demand for the flower, Anna Jarvis’ original symbols began to become re-appropriated, such
as the red carnation representing living mothers and the white carnation honoring deceased mothers. She attempted to counter these commercial forces, creating a badge with a Mother’s Day emblem as a less ephemeral alternative to the white carnation. Her negative opinion of these commercial forces was evident in her contemporary commentary, saying: A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment. — Anna Jarvis. However, her efforts to hold on to the original meaning of the day led to her own economic hardship. While others profited from the day, Jarvis did not. In 1943, she began organizing a petition to rescind Mother’s Day. However, these efforts were halted when she was placed in the Marshall Square Sanitarium in West Chester, Pennsylvania. People connected with the
floral and greeting card industries paid the bills to keep her in the sanitarium. Anna Jarvis died on November 24. Anna Jarvis never married nor did she have any children.
… another view on Mother’s Day!
Next Issue June is holiday season. Let us look at what activities hide out there that we all would like to be involved in. June is Youth Day and it is time to also look at the impact. We try to find people who were there, but also looking forward. What do we want to use Youth Day for? I fear it is other go at let us see!
time for anBrexit. But
We need life. So that film, music will come Look for-
more fun in is where and gadgets into play. ward!
... and then it is time to go relax a bit. The last stretch is nearly upon us.
Sybil