Hola
MaHighSchool Volume 9, Issue 11, November 2020
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o f t i is
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FEBRUARY SCI-BONO 01 - 28 COMPETITION: First Tech Challenge
D I S C O V E R Y C E NGrade T R8-12 E
EVENTS CALENDAR
2020
11 INTERNATIONAL DAY: Women and Girls in Science Public & Learners 13 CAREER CENTRE: Careers in Manufacturing Focus Day Grades 9 - 12
MARCH 09 - 13 / FOCUS WEEK: 16-20 Water Week Grades 5 - 9 21 - 29 HOLIDAY PROGRAMME: Plant Health Holiday programme Public & Orphanages 22 INTERNATIONAL DAY: World Water Day Public & Learners 23 - 27 SPECIAL PROGRAMME: Amateur Rocketry Course Grades 11
APRIL SCHOOL TERMS TERM 1: (13) 15 Jan - 20 Mar WEEKS: DAYS: PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: SCHOOL DAYS:
10 48 (50) 0 48 (50)
TERM 2: 31 Mar – 12 Jun WEEKS: DAYS: PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: SCHOOL DAYS:
11 54 4 50
TERM 3: 7 Jul – 18 Sep WEEKS: DAYS: PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: SCHOOL DAYS:
11 54 1 53
TERM 4: 29 Sep – 2 (4) Dec WEEKS: DAYS: PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: SCHOOL DAYS:
10 47 (49) 0 47 (49)
TOTALS WEEKS: DAYS: PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: SCHOOL DAYS:
42 203 (207) 5 198 (202)
15 - 16 CAREER CENTRE: Industry site visits - Automotive Grades 9 - 11 15 - 21 EXTERNAL EXPO: Sci-Fest 19 - 28 EXTERNAL EXPO: Randshow 28 - 29 CAREER CENTRE: Campus tours Grade 9
MAY 04 FOCUS WEEK: ICT Grades 8 - 12 09 EXTERNAL EXPO: Yebo Gogga 11 - 15 CAREER CENTRE: Grade 10 Presentations and workshops Grade 10 13 EXTERNAL EXPO: Zulu Fest 17 - 28 CAREER CENTRE: Grade 12 Presentations and workshops Grade 12 18 - 22 CAREER CENTRE: Grade 11 Presentations and workshops Grade 11
JUNE
13 JUN - HOLIDAY PROG 5 JUL Theme TBC Public & Orpha
22 - 26 SPECIAL PROG Amateur Rock Grade 11
29 JUN - SPECIAL PROG 03 JUL Amateur Rock Grade 11
JULY
29 JUN - SPECIAL PRO 03 JUL Amateur Rock Grade 11
14 - 15 CAREER CEN Gateway to th Digital Career Grade 9
18 INTERNATION Sci-Bono Nels Public & Lear
TBC FOCUS WEEK (JUL/AUG) National Scien
AUGUST
03 - 07 CAREER CEN Grade 8 Prese Grade 8
10 CAREER CEN Careers in Ag Grades 9 - 11
13 - 14 CAREER CEN Girl Learner P Grades 9 - 11
17 - 21 EXTERNAL EX Sasol TechnoX
TBC FOCUS WEEK (JUL/AUG) National Scien
SEPTEM
01 CAREER CEN Careers in Ma Grades 9 - 11
04 CAREER CEN RCLs & Youth Debates Grades 9 - 12
19 - 27 HOLIDAY PRO Space Holiday Public & Orph
21 - 25 SPECIAL PRO Amateur Rock Grade 11
28 EXTERNAL EX Scopex
GRAMME:
anages
GRAMME: ketry Course
GRAMME: ketry Course
OGRAMME: ketry Course
NTRE: he Future rs in 4IR
NAL DAY: son Mandela Day rners
K: nce Week
NTRE: entations and workshops
NTRE: griculture Focus Day
NTRE: Programme
XPO: X
K: nce Week
MBER
NTRE: anufacturing Focus Day
NTRE: h Roundtable Dialogues and
OGRAMME: y Programme hanages
OGRAMME: ketry Course
XPO:
OCTOBER 02 CAREER CENTRE: National Careers Dress Up Day Science Fair Grade 7 05 - 09 FOCUS WEEK: Transport Grades 4 - 11 09 CAREER CENTRE: Grade 7 Presentations and workshops Grade 7 12 - 13 CAREER CENTRE: Industry site visits Steel & Manufacturing Grades 9 - 11 TBC COMPETITION: (OCT/NOV) Mental Maths Grade 3
NOVEMBER 02 - 06 FOCUS WEEK: Early Explorers Week Grade R - 3 10 INTERNATIONAL DAY: World Science Day Public & Learners TBC COMPETITION: (OCT/NOV) Mental Maths Grade 3
DECEMBER 05 DEC - HOLIDAY PROGRAMME: 10 JAN THEME TBC 2021 Public & Orphanages
JANUARY 2021 05 DEC - HOLIDAY PROGRAMME: 10 JAN THEME TBC 2021 Public & Orphanages
FEBRUARY 2021 04 - 28 FOCUS WEEK: Enquiring Minds Programme Grades 1 - 3
QUARTERLY SPECIAL PROGRAMME: Speak to a Scientist Public
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR LABORATORY: Dow Chemistry Lab All Grades LABORATORY: Festo Lab All Grades LABORATORY: Life Sciences Lab All Grades LABORATORY: MST Shows All Grades LABORATORY: MST Workshops All Grades LABORATORY: Birthday Parties All Grades LABORATORY: Team Buildings All Grades SPECIAL PROGRAMME: Electronics Club Grades 10 - 11 COMPETITION: First Lego League Grades 5 - 7 CAREER CENTRE: Grade 9 Presentations and workshops Grade 9 CAREER CENTRE: Psychometric assessments By appointment only CAREER CENTRE: Therapy and counselling By appointment only CAREER CENTRE: External expos By invitation EXTERNAL EXPO: Jerk - Wheel Way Project - GDAARD
ONGOING EXTERNAL EXPO: SAASTA/DST outreach programmes
e t n o C e l b Ta of
Editor’s Letter
06
Contributors
10
Holler at us
11
Christmas - so much! 12 Christmas poem
13
Christmas Dinner
14
A vegan experience
Christmas Traditions 16
ent
November - 2020
2021 Outlook
22
... into space Bamboo - my word!
24 28
Bamboo - eat it!
30
Post-Trump - not easy It is movie time!
34 38
Music - in December
40
Month of December
42
We need writers
44
Next issue
46
Sybil Otterstrom Editor and CEO
2020 is nearly officially over and done with. This has been hard and difficult. Take a breather with us! no exam tips (you know it all now!), no good ideas, no ... whatever. This time we talk Christmas! traditions, a vegan Christmas menu, carols and so much more. Just for fun, really. Read on and have a giggle. There are a few serious things: PostTrump, space, bamboo - good or bad? aa poem and more. But really, this time the message is simple: Good luck with all of it. Stay safe and see y’all in 2021.
Sybil
Tshwane South Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Do you youhave havea aGrade Grade 9 certificate or higher? Have decided Do 9 certificate orEducation higher? Have you you decided College operating under the Department of Higher and which career path to follow? Training thepath fourthto largest TVET College in terms of enrolwhichbecame career follow? ments in 2018. Over and above that thethe College managed to attainVocational - NC (V) and Well choose National Certificate Well don’t don’tlook lookany anyfurther further choose the National Certificate Vocational - NC(V) the fifth rank in the 2019 T119 national results. The College was also start studying for your career path? and start studying for your career path.for the fields of Meselected as one of the Centres of Specialisation chanical Fitter, and Fitting and Turning, Electrician, Boilermaking and What is National Certificate Vocational NC(V)? Millwright 2017. What isinNational Certificate Vocational (NCV)?
TheNational NationalCertificate Certificate Vocational NC(V) is aand new and modern qualification The Vocational (NCV) is a new modern qualification offered
Employing ±470 staff TVET members, theTVET College aims to2007. equip students offered at Tshwane South College since offered at Tshwane South College since January It isJanuary offered at2007. LevelsIt2,is3 and 4 with the skills required by the job market and has Alumni that work of National Framework are equivalent to Grades 10, 11 and at the Levels 2, 3Qualifications and 4 of the Nationalwhich Qualifications Framework which are for renowned Engineering companies like WBHO, to name but a few.
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 provides experience of the workplace environment and is intended toof high quality and high knowledge programmes that provides experience Under the auspices of Department of Higher Education Training, the directly respond to the priority. This qualification will also provide you an opportunithe workplace environment and is intended to 9directly College targets learners who have completed their Grade to 11 forrespond to the priority. ty to be admitted higher studies is subject appropriate NC (V) courses as wellatas learners who haveyou completed their Gradetoto 12be This qualification will alsoeducation provide an that opportunity admitted subject at higher combination. for NATED/Report 191 programmes. education studies that is subject to appropriate subject combination.
Duration of the qualification: The College offers Report 191 programmes N1 to N6 in Mechanical, Duration of the qualification: Civil and Electrical Engineering, N4 to N6 Management Assistant, FiNCV isManagement aisthree yearyear qualification offered at 2, 3inand Each4.level takes a full NC(V) a three qualification offered Levels 2, 4. 3 and Each level takes nancial and Hospitality Studies. NCLevels (V)atL2-L4 Electrical year of study. A student is issued with a certificate on the successful completion of a full year Construction, of study. A Engineering student isand issued with a certificate Infrastructure Related Design, Informa- on the successful each level of of study. tion Technology, Tourism, Officeof Administration, Civil Construction and completion each level study. Hospitality. Learnerships are also offered at the College. At TSC TVET we offer the following NC(V) programmes: At TSC TVET we offer the following NC (V) programmes:
Tshwane South TVET Currently comprises of the following Campuses: Atteridgeville, Centurion, •• Finance, Finance, Economicsand andAccounting Accounting Economics Odi and Pretoria West.
•• Office Office Administration Administration • Information Technology Computer Scienceskills of its Hospitality students The College’s campus in Centurion isand famed for the Science culinary • Information Technology and Computer •• Civil Civil Engineering Building Construction and for having the best machinery for practical engineering training workshops. Atteridgeville Engineering & &Building Construction •• Electrical Electrical Infrastructure Construction Campus is known for its Civil Engineering. Pretoria Infrastructure Construction West is offering Engineering for both Report 191 and Engineering NC (V) andand hasand been identified as an Engineering Report 191 and for Engineering and IT •• Engineering Related Design Related Design courses. The Odi campus, in Mabopane, is acclaimed for its NC (V) Tourism Programme. •• Hospitality Hospitality •• Tourism Tourism
Want to be part of the fourth industrial revolution let TSC TVET assist you to achieve the future! LIL\17619086
COURSES OFFERED AT TSHWANE SOUTH TVET COLLEGE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL *L2 - L4 : • • • • • • • •
Tourism Hospitality Information Technology & Computer Science Civil Engineering & Building Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction Engineering & Related Design Office Administration Finance Economics & Accounting
PRE LEARNING PROGRAMME • PLP – Pre Learning Programme (NEW)
REPORT 191: GENERAL STUDIES *N4 - N6 : • Intro Business Studies N4 • Intro Catering services N4 • Management Assistant • Financial Management • Hospitality Studies
REPORT 191: NATURAL SCIENCE (ENGENEERING STUDIES)
*N4 - N6 :
• Electrical, Mechanical & Civil Engineering
SKILLS PROGRAMME • • • •
Clothing Production Artisan Training Gandhi – Mandela Centre of Specialisation for Artisan Skills (NEW) Centre of Specialisation for tting & turning (NEW)
LEARNERSHIP • Early Childhood Development • Community House Building • Building and Civil Construction CAMPUS CONTACT DETAILS:
General Enquiries: 012 401 5000 Atteridgeville: 012 373 1200 Centurion: 012 660 8500/1 Pretoria West: 012 380 5000 Odi: 012 725 1800
Tshwane South TVET College has been selected as one of the Centres of Specialisation for the elds of Mechanical Fitter and Fitter & Turning.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT : www.tsc.edu.za
FOLLOW US: @OfficialTshwaneSouthCollege/ @tsc_tvet @tsc_tvet
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 Lesly Malose Mahapa is a singer/writer/poet. He started writing at the age of 14 and has since been on a journey to pursue his music and writing career. Lesly is currently working with an indie group ‘MozSouth’ based in Ivory park, Midrand. Lesly is also a brand ambassador for a local clothing line “Boi Boi apparel”
HOLLER AT US MaHigh-School The stuff we need to mention:
Website www.romele.co.za
Editor & Publisher Sybil Otterstrom sybil@romele.co.za Advertising sales Next level Management services cc 011 614 5046 076 360 1792 sybil@next-level.co.za Publlishing Romele Publications cc 32 Eleanor street Troyeville 2094 011 614 5046/076 360 1792
facebook.com/ holamahigh
Enquiries Romele Publications cc 32 Eleanor Street Troyeville 2094 Production and Art Direction Ivan Otterstrom ivan@romele.co.za
Twitter.com/ high_hola
This is Christmas It is the last issue – and exams are still going on until 15 December or thereabouts. We believe it could be an idea to put a bit of cheer into all our lives. 2020 was not easy. So let us focus on Christmas. Christmas is many things. Despite the ‘norm’ we must look beyond the turkey and snow and singing and so on. This time we try to look at sustainable food for the Christmas lunch and we look at al the music going on – from around the world. However, Christmas is more than just the tree and the presents and that is where we look at how relevant Christmas is in our 2020 lives. Christmas is also universal. But how to define Christmas spirit? If we could, the mystique around Christmas will go away – and that will be such a pity. ... and in any event, presents and a few days off can surely excite me, always! So, let us all embrace Christmas in all its many manifestations and be kind to all and sundry for a few days. Merry Christmas!
Let Every Day Be Christmas Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. By Norman W. Brooks
Christmas lunch - Tradition! Why must it always bee the same? Turkey, beetroot, rice and all the other things. (sources: a lot of websites!) It need not be like that! We can do so much more – different at least! Here is a novel idea: meat-less Christmas! No turkey, beef, lamb, pork or anything like that. Welcome to the:
Hola Vegan Christmas! There are now so many other things to do, so we have put a menu together. It is easy to do and tasty. Better than the turkey – trust me! Starters: we need a nice starter: Salt-baked root vegetables with labneh Cooking with salt in this way ensures that the vegetables are cooked evenly and gently, and will yield a beautifully soft texture once cooked. The
labneh is topped with a za’atar pesto for a kick of fresh flavour – perfect for dipping! Main course: we know beef wellington? OK, here is a twist: Mushroom wellington. You want 3 to 4 large portobello mushrooms for this recipe. Try to pick mushrooms that are about the same diameter so you don’t end up with a lumpy bumpy portobello wellington. The cooked mushrooms (oil! Until nicely browned and glazed) are then layered with cooked baby spinach (chard works well here too) and caramelized onions. Oven at 200 degrees and all of it in the pastry and let it bake for some 30 minutes. Dessert: Super food sweet potato fries Ok, this is actually the dessert I am going to make for Christmas. I imagine a huge plate in the middle of the table and then there will be this huge mess of sweet potato fries drizzled with chocolate. What to drink with it: I recommend green tea
Merry (Vegan) Christmas
Christmas is very traditional. But there are many different traditions around. Let us look at the world with a few examples: Germany: St Nicholas Day is a favorite holiday with German children. On the night of December 5, children clean and polish their boots and leave them outside the door before going to sleep. Next morning, they find their shoes filled with nuts, candy, and small gifts from St Nicholas. No candy in the stocking at the fireplace!. (source: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/15-christmas-traditions-only-germans-will-understand/) France: Postcards from Père Noël Letters from French kids to Father Christmas don’t just disappear into dustbins or drawers in France. Since 1962, France has had a law that stipulates any letter to Santa must be responded to in the form of a postcard. The law has no doubt helped boost the myth of Santa Claus among French kids, although it’s doubtful the postmen themselves appreciate all the extra work. (source: https://alpinefrenchschool.com/blog/ some-french-christmas-traditions/)
China: In China, Christmas has not always been a publicly celebrated religious holiday. However, as China becomes more global, it has started to welcome a commercialized version of Christmas, known as “Sheng Dan Jieh” or the “Holy Birth Festival,” One of the most popular Chinese Christmas traditions is to hang beautiful paper lanterns indoors, outdoors, and strung around the plastic Christmas tree, which is called “Tree of Light”. (source: https://christmas.lovetoknow.com/chinese-christmas-traditions) Ethiopia: Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in Africa. It still follows the ancient Julian calendar, so Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth is called Ganna. The day before Ganna, people fast all day. The next morning at dawn, everyone dresses in white. Most Ethiopians don a traditional shamma, a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly colored stripes across the ends. The shamma is worn somewhat like a toga.
Twelve days after Ganna, on January 19, Ethiopians begin the three-day celebration called Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Christ. (Source: https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/christmas-traditions-around-the-world-ga4.htm) It is not just 25 December and over and done with!
PROGRAMMES OFFERED DHET TVET College Bursary Scheme (Terms and Conditions apply)
PRE-VOCATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAMME (PLP) Duration: 1 year Entry Requirements: Passed Grade 9 (did not pass placement evaluation test)
OFFERED AT SPRINGS CAMPUS ONLY • • • •
Foundational English Foundational Mathematics Foundational Science Foundational Life Skills
NCV NQF LEVEL (2-4)
KWA-THEMA CAMPUS
BRAKPAN CAMPUS
Requirements:Completed & Passed Grade 9, 10 or 11 Duration 1yr per level
•
Electrical Infrastructure
•
Financial Management
Construction
•
Marketing Management
Engineering and Related Design
•
Management Assistant
BENONI CAMPUS •
Management (Wholesale & Retail)
•
Office Administration
•
(Mechanical) •
Process Plant Operations
SPRINGS CAMPUS
ARTISANS & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
•
Finance, Economics & Accounting
•
•
Marketing
•
Construction (NQF Level 2-4)
Information Technology &
•
Computer Science •
Tourism
•
Hospitality
Civil Engineering & Building
•
Financial Management
•
Marketing Management
•
Tourism
•
Hospitality
Learnerships, Skills Programmes &
DAVEYTON CAMPUS
Projects
•
Mechanical Engineering
•
Electrical Engineering
REPORT 191 (N4 – N6)
DAVEYTON CAMPUS CENTRE OF SPECIALISATION IN BOILERMAKING
SPRINGS CAMPUS
Requirements: Completed & Passed Grade 12 Duration Trimester/Semester
BENONI CAMPUS
KWA-THEMA CAMPUS •
Mechanical Engineering
•
Electrical Engineering
•
Civil Engineering
ICT OPEN LEARNING SPRINGS CAMPUS
•
Financial Management
•
Electrical Infrastructure Construction
•
Marketing Management
•
Engineering and Related
•
Management Assistant
•
ICDL
Design (Mechanical)
•
Human Resource Management
•
MS Digital Literacy
•
Electrical Engineering (N1 – N3)
•
CISCO IT Essentials
•
Mechanical Engineering (N1– N3)
•
COMP TIA N+
Tel: (011) 730 6600 | Fax: (011) 736 9909 | info@eec.edu.za | www.eec.edu.za @EkurhuleniEast
@EECTVETCOLLEGE
@EKURHULENIEASTTVETCOLLEGE
PROGRAMMES OFFERED DHET TVET College Bursary Scheme (Terms and Conditions apply)
STUDY FULL TIME OR PART TIME
ENGINEERING SCHOOL BENONI CAMPUS N1-N3 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING N1-N3 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
KWA-THEMA CAMPUS N4-N6 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING N4-N6 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING N4-N6 CIVIL ENGINEERING
DAVEYTON CAMPUS N4-N6 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING N4-N6 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Tel: (011) 730 6600 | Fax: (011) 736 9909 | info@eec.edu.za | www.eec.edu.za @EkurhuleniEast
@EECTVETCOLLEGE
@EKURHULENIEASTTVETCOLLEGE
PROGRAMMES OFFERED DHET TVET College Bursary Scheme (Terms and Conditions apply)
STUDY FULL TIME OR PART TIME
BUSINESS SCHOOL - N4-N6 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (BENONI, BRAKPAN, SPRINGS) - N4-N6 MARKETING MANAGEMENT (BENONI, BRAKPAN, SPRINGS) - N4-N6 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (BENONI) - N4-N6 MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT (BENONI, BRAKPAN)
SCHOOL OF CREATIVE & SOCIAL SERVICES (N4-N6 FULL TIME) - N4-N6 TOURISM (SPRINGS ONLY) - N4-N6 HOSPITALITY (SPRINGS ONLY)
Tel: (011) 730 6600 | Fax: (011) 736 9909 | info@eec.edu.za | www.eec.edu.za @EkurhuleniEast
@EECTVETCOLLEGE
@EKURHULENIEASTTVETCOLLEGE
higher education & training Department: Higher Education and Training REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
SCH OO L F O EERING GIN EN DAVEYTON CAMPUS
ENGINEERING STUDIES
OL OF ENGINE HO ER SC IN
G
KWA-THEMA CAMPUS
N3
SS NE SI
BU
SPRINGS CAMPUS
O SCHO L | SCH OO L
F O
S CE VI
Trimester 3 registration starts: Classes commence:
17 August 2020 07 September 2020
22 June 2020 13 July 2020
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
ESS SCHOOL SIN BU
BRAKPAN CAMPUS
20 April 2020 11 May 2020
Semester 2 registration starts: Classes commence:
ENGINEERIN G OF N1 OL HO
BENONI CAMPUS
Trimester 2 registration starts: Classes commence:
BUSINESS SCHOOL SCHOOL OF CREATIVE & SOCIAL SCIENCES
SC
IVE & SOCI EAT AL CR SE R
SCHOOL ESS SIN U B
REGISTRATION DATES...
1. Student ID certified copy (x3) 2. Parent(s) / Guardian ID certified copy (x3) 3. Proof of address (x3) i.e The student's home address and not a box number. If a student comes from KZN, Limpopo, Soshanguve, etc the address must be from he/she comes from. Proof of address could be: 3.1 Certified Letter from the Local Municipality bearing the Municipality logo 3.2 Municipality bills receipt certified 3.3 Any retail shops certified statement such as Edgars as an example but not a bank statement 3.4 A letter from the traditional leader if coming from a village. The letter must bear the signature of the traditional leader and a stamp from the tradition leader. 4. Certified proof of income of parent(s) /Guardian (x1) 5. Student's bank statement (x1) 6. Lease agreement (x1) signed by both the student and the property owner 7. Certified Parent(s) Death Certificates (x1) 8. Certified student's results (x3) NB: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BEAR A CERTIFICATION STAMP NOT OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS TO APPLY ONLINE:
https://eecapp.eec.edu.za/pls/prodi03/gen.gw1pkg.gw1startup?x_processcode=ITS_OAP
TEL: (011) 730 6600, WEBSITE: www.eec.edu.za, EMAIL: info@eec.edu.za
2021 Predictions How will 2021 look? What do we predict? Let us squint at the tea leaves or the crystal ball – or use our brains. Covid-19 has to get controlled. The only thing that will control it is a vaccine. Is that a possibility? If we look at vaccine developments it might be ready in April or May 2021. Masks and social distancing will limit the spread but is not a cure. The wrecking of global economy has to be countered and now we are also talking the US economy. US economy: Let us predict that Biden gets the Covid infection rate down. That is a fair bet. The US consumer market must get stepped up. The world economy does rely on the US consumers buying ‘things’ and with the un-eployment numbers rising that will not come through rapidly. We predict that the will be a return to near-normal US spending in a June/July time frame.
Brexit: We predict that it will end up in a no-deal scenario. Here is something absolutely ‘left-field’: When the realities start to set in, there will be a pressure on for Scottish independence. I predict that the calls will not trigger another referendum – at least not in 2021. I do predict that there will be another election in the UK. I predict that Boris will get re-elected but with a very slim margin OR we will see a change of government. The problem is that Labour does not (yet) have any credible candidate or programme for that matter; hence even a total rejection of Brexit might not trigger another Brexit election. Climate change: The world will get back to a meaningful approach to climate change as US is back on the Paris agreement. The programmes will be far more comprehensive as just ½ degree adjustment might get into a minimum of 2 degrees (which is needed). We see a focus on clean and sustainable energy production. That will be enforced by the banks and international lenders (World Bank etc). No credit or loans for polluting energy! And now to something completely different: Mumbai Indians will win the IPL in 2021. Kaizer Chiefs will come back (not so sure on that!), Real Madrid will be UEFA winners and we will have more holidays (LOL). … and I do not dare to predict anything in South Africa!
Into Space It all about money! The final frontier (space) depends on the cost of getting off our planet. Now we have seen the SpaceX (Elon Musk) capsule doing its last test flight (September) and now it is into operation. Three astronauts got to the ISS and SpaceX has a contract for a total of six flights this year. There are other companies looking at the re-usable option, but it is all based on a massive rocket blasting into space. The big question is: are there other technologies which will offer the same or lower cost, but not based on a traditional rocket? We need to look at whether it is a manned flight or a cargo delivery to ISS (or any other space station). Manned flights must be more secure and less stressful (G-forces!) whereas a cargo flight is not concerned about G-forces and so on. The concept of Single-stage to orbit (SSTO) might be the concept that will further reduce costs. However, the requirement is that the speed of anything
needs to be high to overcome gravity. That might involve newer types of engines if it is going to be SSTO. Skylon seems to be at the forefront with its air-breathing rocket engines development. Estimates are that Skylon can reduce the cost per kg into space by 50%. But what about out-of-the-box stuff? The one I truly like (and I think the closest in time) is the space-sled concept. In essence: a long tube (130 km) running up a mountain (at least 6 km up) and all of it powered by maglev. That means there is not traditional motor. We talk electrical coils.
The advantage is that the ‘sled’ lands as a normal plane. It can immediately be re-used. As we are talking cargo only, such a sled can transport some 11 tons to ISS (which is a bit more than SpaceX). And the cost: fully functional maybe as low as $50 per kg which is 5% of the traditional market. Here is the clincher! Look at what Branson and Elon are (also) doing – HyperLoop. A long tube between big cities in the US. Maglev. Hyper-speed. Any bets that they are looking at further reducing costs to space?
Dimension Data celebrates 25 years of driving educational change in SA with consistent 100% pass rate Johannesburg, 07 September 2020 – Leading global IT solutions and technology provider, Dimension Data, celebrates the 25th anniversary of its hugely impactful Saturday School programme. The programme offers high school students across Gauteng (and now Port Elizabeth) a free to attend tutoring and educational support programme to assist disadvantaged grade 11 and 12 students with supplementary lessons of their weekday classes. Each year 100 learners show true commitment and ambition to build bright futures as they spend their Saturdays attending Saturday School classes, receiving additional lessons and tutoring in mathematics, physical science, English, life sciences, computer studies, coding, leadership and entrepreneurial skills. “The Saturday School is our flagship CSR programme because of the year-on-year success it has shown, not just in the results achieved but also with the impact on the lives of those who join us for the programme,” says CEO Grant Bodley. “I’m particularly proud of our staff who give of their time to mentor our Saturday School learners. “We don’t do this because it looks good on a shareholder report or tells a good story. We do it because we believe a business needs to justify its place and role in society by mentoring the citizens of tomorrow as part of doing ‘good’ business.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has of course preAdvertorial sented some challenges in teaching learners in the 2020 intake, but Dimension Data employees have used technology to make the transition as seamless as possible, delivering reliable mobile connectivity so that teachers can teach virtually through WhatsApp where they can share content, answer questions, and facilitate online learning. Embarking on the next 25 years Testament to the success of the programme and in the 25-year legacy, the programme now expands beyond the Gauteng region into Port Elizabeth. Bodley says that was driven first and foremost by the company’s employees in the region. With no sign of slowing, the Saturday School programme has shown resilience during Covid-19 working tirelessly with the class of 2020 as we approach the end of the academic year, demonstrating the breadth and impact of this youth development programmes across people, their communities and our continent. More information on the programme can be found on the Dimension Data website, or by clicking through here.
Bamboo beneficial or maybe not In the previous article, we determined that African governments are using Bamboo plants to foster the reversal of Environmental damage. In this article we look into the uses and look at whether some of the uses of the plant are beneficial or not. Keeping in mind that the bamboo plant is one of the most versatile plants on earth. Firstly, the bamboo plant can be used as food. There are handful species of Bamboo that are edible for humans. This is with reference to the sprouts and the shoots. These sprouts and shoots are known for their impact on weight loss, balanced cholesterol and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, they are said to contain high amounts of vitamins and fibre. Of course, this can be beneficial to all populations. If we look at any good Chinese shop, we will see plenty of bamboo in jars or tins. It is an integral part of a lot of dishes. The second most popular use of Bamboo is Construction. This is because bamboo plants possess strength coupled with lightweight characteristics. The plants are used as a source for building bridges, houses, scaffolding and floors. Furthermore, due to the
plant’s flexibility, it can be bent, split or shaped according to needs. Of course, the plant material has to be treated in order for it to be used as construction material to avoid rot and insects. Does this prove beneficial? Well, it too depends on the context. Does the nation really need to build a lot of buildings or not? Is the construction process of using bamboo plant really sustainable? Lastly, the Bamboo plant is used as a source of fuel and in textiles. Using bamboo as a fuel has proven to support local economies in less developed countries. When the plant is used as fuel, it results in less eco-cost than hardwood and results in a higher yield of biofuel. In the textile industry, the plant is used for clothing, cloths and yarn. However, in the textile industry, the use of the plant has resulted in controversy. Especially since the process was found to be toxic and releasing pollutants in the air. Bamboo is versatile, but it is not a ‘silver bullet’ for anything. The beneficial aspects must be weighted against the draw-backs. And that is also a political process.
Masiziba Hadebe
The Bamboo War If we are really determined to get rid of bamboo – we can always eat it! ‘Menma’ is made from fermented Bamboo Shoots and it is a very popular topping for Ramen Noodle Soups. However, it is tricky to make ‘Menma’ at home as it involves drying and fermentation processes. But this ‘Braised Bamboo Shoots’ tastes quite similar to ‘Menma’ and it is so easy to make. Use Canned Bamboo Shoots that are available from most supermarkets. Fresh Bamboo Stir-Fry with Sweet Peppers To remove the skin when preparing fresh bamboo, make a shallow cut lengthwise down the skin, then peel away and discard it. Cut off the in¬edible thicker end of the shoot. Never wash fresh bamboo with water, which can give it an unpleasant flavor. Instead, use a dry towel to brush away any dust or dirt. In a wok over very high heat, add the lard or oil, and swirl the pan to coat its surface. When the oil is smoking, add the ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, just until fragrant (avoid browning or burning the garlic), about 1 minute. Add the bamboo and bell pepper, and continue stir-frying until both are crisp-tender, 2–3 minutes. Season with kosher salt, pour in the potato-starch mixture, and let cook for 30 seconds more.
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What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
What does NSFAS do? Supports access to and success in, higher education and training for students from poor and working-class families who would otherwise not be able to afford the cost of studies at a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. • Provides financial aid to eligible students who are studying or plan to study at any of the 50 TVET colleges or the 26 public universities in South Africa • Identifies students who qualify for the bursary • Provides bursaries to students
Who qualifies for NSFAS funding? • All South African citizens • All SASSA grant recipients • Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum • Persons with disabilities with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per annum • Students who started studying at a university before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum
What does the NSFAS bursary cover?
• Registration • Tuition • Book allowance • Accommodation allowance • Transport allowance • Food allowance • Personal care allowance
Does the NSFAS bursary offer any additional support for students with disabilities? Yes, NSFAS further supports funded students with disabilities through an additional allowance that covers: • Medical assessments • Assistive devices • Human support to cover for the cost of a caregiver, guide dog, scribe or tutor.
How, where and when can one apply for NSFAS? The 2021 application season will be communicated through media, social media and the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za. Applications are submitted online through the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
To apply for NSFAS funding students must have a registered myNSFAS account. If you plan to study in 2021 and require support from NSFAS, you may open your myNSFAS account now to keep updated with the latest funding information.
Connect with us using the following channels: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
myNSFAS
myNSFAS
NSFAS Connect: www.nsfas.org.za and log into your myNSFAS account NSFAS Connect gives you access to quick facts and frequently asked questions. Applicants and students can also submit and track a query for further assistance.
The Post-Trump era Finally. US elections over! ‌ Or not really, sort of. Maybe.. Let us recap a few things: The presidential election is conducted in the states. That means that either trump or Biden had to win the majority of votes in any given state. By doing so, they will then win the number of electors per state. The number of electors (all 558 of them) per state is determined of how big the state is. The bigger the state, the bigger the number of electors. Alaska is sending three electors, Georgia is sending 16 and so on. Biden got enough votes in some of the big states (and the smaller ones as well) to cross the barrier of 270 electors. The tradition is that the losing party (Trump this time) will acknowledge the loss and congratulate the incoming president. That is then it. Biden gets into pre-president mode.
Oh yes: the inauguration is 20 January – the formal date of handover from one president to another. At 12:00 20 January, Trump is no more president. By recognising defeat, the outgoing administration is then also freeing up funds for the incoming president’s team to get started on doing the business. Like appointing different officials. Trump is still believing that he won. He is now going to court (in a very big way) to demand a re-count as he is claiming that there is fraud. Nobody has been able to prove any fraud and trump has not provided any evidence. In essence: Biden cannot start in any meaningful way right now – as was otherwise the tradition. By 20 December, the electors are meeting and ‘voting’ for a new president. Then their vote is taken to the House and the senate for verification. So, beginning of January, we have a final tally and that should be it. Oh yes! Another thing: If you click all the votes together for Biden and Trump (regardless of which state) we get the ‘popular’ vote. Biden is getting some 75 million, Trump some 70 million. It is of course great for Biden and so on. Biden campaigned on principles and programmes. Trump campaigned on his personality. People voted for Biden’s programmes, but others voted for Trump as the person. THAT is the scary thought.
The Post-Trump era What do we see as the pressing issues for Biden? One thing is to undo the Trump damage, another is to map out what he actually wants to achieve in the next four years. Let us look at what impacts us all – globally. Iran: Biden wants to carry on with the original agreement where Iran scraps its nuclear bomb programme. That is the one Obama negotiated and Trump cancelled. It is a risky one as Iran has used the time to produce more bombready material. EU was a signature on the agreement, so it is rather complex. And of course: will Iran go back to the original agreement? China: The trade war is hurting the entire world. The US consumers are basically paying the tariffs on imported Chinese goods as the Chinese just lumbered their prices with the tariffs.
The problem is that too many US companies rely on Chinese parts and it is rather time-consuming to try and find a new supplier (quality, price, track record and a million other things). Can Biden get a working relationship with China? Will Hong Kong sour the efforts. And do remember, China is on the prowl in the South China Sea (Spratley’s etc). Europe: With US having bailed out on a lot issues dear to EU, the US ‘lead’ of the world is diminishing. EU economy is now bigger than the US economy (US is #3 after China and EU). EU is flexing its muscles and the first area will be oil. As Trump cancelled the Iran agreement (JCPOA) EU decided that invoicing and payment of oil from countries party to JCPOA should not be in USD, but in a basket consisting of Euro, Yen and so
on. It takes time to re-direct all these things. It sounds flat, but it is not. It is crucial to US economy. Brexit and UK: Boris probably hoped for another Trump presidency. The hope was for a close relationship with US instead of EU. That hope went out the window with the new bill Boris trying to get through. The one that states that a UK minister can break international agreements and treaties. Now we talk about Northern Ireland of course. And Biden said that tinkering with that agreement will prevent any agreement with the US. Boris: think again! There are many other things on the go, but this is the international stuff – I think
It’s mov
Things are happening - En movies are just so much a pa
Wonder Woman Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) returns, and somehow her lost love Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) does as well, in this 80s-set sequel to the 2017 DC superhero hit. Patty Jenkins resumes directorial duties, overseeing the retro blockbuster extravaganza that introduces new characters, a powerful businessman played by Pedro Pascal and Kristen Wiig’s awkward archaeologist. Screening: 25 December 2020
vie time!
ntertainment is back and art of it. All courtesy of
Death on the Nile Fancy a classic mystery: Agatha Christie is the top of the ladder in that department. Classic: one dead, many suspects ‌ and nobody fromt the outside could have done it! A young heiress on her honeymoon aboard a river steamer has been murdered - and everyone on board is now a suspect. For Detective Hercule Poirot (Branagh), what started as an Egyptian holiday adventure abruptly descends into a frantic search for a murderer. Sceening: 18 December 2020
What is Christmas without the carols? But it is not just all the usual ones. There are many different carols from around the world. Listen on: The first one is of course the absolute classic: BoneyM!
Of course there is also Christmas in Japan:
China is not far behind!
Of course France is here:
Russia has to be there
and of course: ourselves!
Ndlovu Youth Choir: listen to them!
December is without doubt connected to Christmas and the solstice and the druids and Stonehenge and much more. We are probably all well-versed in this, so let us look at something else. Scotland: It has to be different – and it is! Hogmanay! This is a celebration of the last day of the year. Scotland has not always celebrated Christmas (regarded as too papist) but Hogmanay is the one. It goes back to Norse and Gaelic times (and probably more). Nobody knows the origins and the way of celebrating is very much local. The carrying element is to celebrate the ‘first-foot’. The first visitor who crosses the doorstep after midnight 31 December. The visitor will typically bring gifts for the household. Gifts in Scotland is a bag of salt or some coal or a ‘black bun’ which is some sort of cake. All good practical things for any household. The visitor will then be seated and given gifts, typically food. The ‘first-foot’ is supposed to bring good luck for the year and that is why (oh my Wiki says so) ‘first-foot’ is preferred to be tall, dark-haired men!
HumanLIght Day: The background is a bit different. What about people who do not celebrate Christmas or Hannakuh or any other (religious) festive day? Would such people not also like to have something to celebrate? Without being associated with other things? So, here comes the idea – in 2001 – why not have something called HumanLIghts Day – 23 December.
It is a humanistic holiday and the idea was (Wiki): “HumanLight is a secular holiday that focuses on the “positive, secular human values of reason, compassion, humanity and hope”. The inaugural event occurred at the Verona Park Boathouse in Verona, New Jersey on December 23, 2001, and was attended by nearly 100 people, including prominent Humanist Paul Kurtz. What did they do? have a communal meal and enjoying entertainments and art. It has evolved and now includes exchange of gifts and so on. It is now spreading across the globe and the form is very much up to any organisation or group of people. There is no real central organisation setting the format. The only thing the first organisers prescribe is that any celebration should take into account promoting the positive values of Humanism, avoiding negative messages related to religions, and keeping it family and children-friendly.
We need writers! Hola MaHigh-School is YOUR magazine. That is why we would love to see students writing for students about student life and everything of importance to a student in any grade10-12 across the country. What is required? That is easy: You have to be in grade 10-12 somewhere Impeccable in your preferred language-and that might not be English. We try to be more than just English. Passionate about your topic of choice - no dull articles here. Do you get anything out of it? Well, not money, sorrry. BUT if we publish your articles you will have: Your bio in a commercial magazine A photo of yourself You can put it all on your CV you can use us as a reference
Is it important? YES it is. Look what Rofhiwa said: My name is Rofhiwa and I love to write. I have used my skills to express my thoughts on international dealings of the world which have been published in Hola MaHigh-School. It has paid off, not only is my work printed for young people in the country to read, but it also contributed to me gettng a bursary from CNBC-Africa to do my post-graduate studies. Would be a lot harder to get by if I didn’t have a platform like Hola MaHigh-School.
What me on
to do?
ivan@ ro name mele.co.za : Cell n u m b e E-ma r i ... and l address we wi ll talk !
Next Issue Next issue will be the 2021 issue - January 2021. A new year and a new beginning for new readers. The current grade 9. We know that results of grade 12 will not be out before February 2021 and it is going to disrupt everything. Smile and endure! At least one thing to look forward to:
Hola MaHigh-School We will still be there for you. And we might just have some updates on how to get hold on us. Until next year! Merry and Happiiii
Sybil
