Hola MaHigh School Volume 6, issue 7, July 2017
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Why M andel ... and a as a lots m world ore icon?
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Contents 06 Editors letter 07 Poem 08 We need writers 10 Contributors 11 Holler at us 12 July Month: Surprises 14 Ford Community Projects 20 Matric Advice 22 Masiziba: How to volunteer
Contents 24 Hotel School: a great future 26 Madiba: How did he do it? 28 Hatfield Square showing the way 08 We need writers 32 G20: what came out of it? 36 2nd semester: a new beginning 38 A great conspiracy 43 Dunkirk the Movie 46 Next issue
Editors Letter July - again. It means a lot to us all, I think. Mandela day. 67 minutes. We have an article from 2014 from Madzena on ‘Why Mandela’? It is a hard question to answer. Masiziba is also busy on another interpretation. We will see that in August. It requires a lot of thinking. And Mandela is after all not only July. G20 is the international thing this month. What actually happened? NSTF Awards ceremony! I love it. The long evening dress and the men dressed in tuxedo. Great evening But it was also an evening of recognising achievers. Also the Brilliants Programme. Young students on their way PS: Look it up on the NSTF website. ... and be impressed, as I am always impressed, every year. Masiziba is on a roll, as usual. Always worth reading. We have chosen to write a lot about community projetcs. In essence to honour Madiba a bit. ... and a good conspiracy. GOOD READ
Sybil
Time for poems:
July, so cold Enter August. Hot and dustry Or so they say The cold snap, Still. And back again The longing for the sun. Next season Holidays finished. Back again. Longing for change. Can hardly wait And nature cannot be rushed. Although I wish...
Sybil
We need writers! Our writers are growing up and getting older That is og course good. BUT.... it means they are leaving us Therefore: would you like towrite for us? What is required? That is easy You have to be in grade 10-12 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 ... and it goes in your portfolio
Is it important? YES it is. Look what Rofhiwa said: My name is Rofhiwa and I love to write. I think I am rather decent writer too. I took my talent and have used it 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 platform like Hola MaHigh-School.
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n iva n co.za @romele . : nam e scho Cell n ol E-ma umber ... and il addres s we w ill tal k!
Meet our contributors I am Masiziba Hadebe. I study a BSc in Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State. I am originally from a small rural town in Mpumalanga, Balfour. My hardworking trait proves that anyone, regardless of the background, can make it. I love plants and animals. During leisure, I read anything readable and interesting. Writing is and will always be my passion, I would starve food just to write! Pinky Rapoo is a creative writer by nature and not yet by profession.She lives in Vosloorus and is currently in grade 12 at Vosloorus Comprehensive SecondarySchool. Listening to music is her hobby,writing is her passion. Her motto is “Think twice before speaking,think three times before acting and think thoroughly before writing�. My name is Fikile Unifire Zulu, I hail from Evaton West in the Vaal Triangle, Gauteng. I love art and started doing so ever since I can remember. I am a go-getter, determined, ambitious and diligent young woman, I strongly believe in reading because it allows you to look at the world in a new perspective and writing .. well you get to express your thoughts and imagination without any fear. Besides writing, I am passionate about serving the community, currently I am a Provincial Secretary-General for Disabled Youth South Africa, Deputy Chairperson for Evaton West Local Drug Action Commitee, PR officer for Educate South Africa and part of Gauteng Youth Road Safety task team.
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The month of July Month of July. Still cold, though. But July is also Mandela day and 4th of July in America. We have more on Mandela, but let us just turn to what UN (and Wiki) has to say about Mandela Day. Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. However, other groups began celebrating Mandela Day on 18 July 2009. On 27 April 2009, the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invited the global community to join them in support of an official Mandela Day. Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values, through volunteering and community service. Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. The Mandela Day campaign message is: “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.” “We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity,” according to a statement issued on Mandela’s behalf.
y: so much really US 4th of July: colours and party - and death Wiki and other sources says: Independence Day, also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States. But insofar as it is a long weekend as well, it always seems to be going out of hand: More than 100 people were shot in Chicago over the long Independence Day weekend as a deadly wave of violence once again rocked the massive city besieged by unrelenting gun crime. At least 14 of the gunshot victims died, police said Wednesday
Four New Enactus F Aim to Improve Liv This is editorial provided by Ford Motor Company of South Africa. The opinions expressed and the facts provided are for their account. • Ford College Community Challenge (C3) runs in partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund and international non-profit organisation Enactus • Empowers students to improve and uplift communities through sustainable economic and environmental initiatives • Student-driven projects selected at Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, University of Pretoria and University of Witwatersrand to receive USD 5 000 each for their Ford C3 projects PRETORIA, South Africa, 12 July, 2017 - Job creation, economic empowerment, recycling and environmental sustainability are the key focus areas for four new student-driven community projects selected by global NPO Enactus and the Ford College Community Challenge (Ford C3). “The purpose of Ford C3 is to challenge colleges and universities to partner with their local communities to design innovative, student-led projects that address critical community needs,” says Bheki Mdzikwa, program manager for Enactus South Africa. The overarching theme of Ford C3 is “Building Sustainable Communities” by empowering students to make a difference in
Ford C3 Projects ves in South Africa the world, bringing their unique perspective on what it takes to be a sustainable community. This is the basis on which the four new projects in South Africa were selected by Enactus and Ford Motor Company to each receive funding of USD 5 000. “We selected these four projects due to the potentially far-reaching impact they could make on the respective communities,” Mdzikwa adds. “They go beyond just job creation and skills development to include crucial environmental considerations that are an intrinsic part of creating a sustainable future.” At the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, the Enactus team hopes to break the shackles of poverty through creating empowerment opportunities for women in Tongaat. Having identified a niche opportunity within the hospitality industry, the students will be working with the Melokuhle Women’s Cooperative to recycle and upcycle old linen into a variety of consumer products. This addresses the practice of disposing of old linen in landfills once they are replaced by hotels. The fabric is given a second lease on life by being turned into inexpensive school shirts for local children, laminated to produce waterproof fabrics utilised in the production of tote bags and mats, and some of the material will be hand painted and used in the production of unique chandeliers and lamps.
Four New Enactus F Aim to Improve Liv The project will impart an extensive set of skills on the members of the women’s cooperative, including improved sewing skills, expanded production of quality products, entrepreneurship and increased business and financial literacy. This will ultimately create the platform for greater income generation and improved quality of life. For the Mangosuthu University of Technology, the team has focused on expanding an existing project in Umlazi, near Durban, that produces cheaper and environmentally friendly fly ash bricks. This fulfils the need for safe, affordable, durable and sustainable construction that maximises the use of renewable and recycled resources. Empowerment and participation in urban and ecological construction methods and design are linked directly to job creation and skills transfer, thus truly building a sustainable community to improve quality of life and standards of living. The University of Pretoria is starting its Fruitful Living project by partnering with an existing NGO, Vastfontein Community Transformation. According to the student team, Fruitful Living meets two unmet and urgent needs within the Tshwane region by firstly addressing the need for employment opportunities for women in the Vastfontein community.
Ford C3 Projects ves in South Africa Secondly, it addresses the need for an avenue through which the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market can divert its food waste, which is estimated at R100-million per annum - even though a large portion of this fresh produce is still safe for human consumption when the market needs to discard it. Fruitful Living will use this produce to manufacture dried or preserved food for sale, using solar hydrators developed by the university’s Engineering Faculty. The project also partnered with students from the Department of Food Sciences to adequately test the efficiency of the second dehydrator and to research methods of food preparation and hygiene practices. A training manual has been successfully developed which comprises a replicable business plan and model, safety and hygiene practices for food production, the solar dehydrator design and maintenance instructions together with a financial literacy model. This will be available to beneficiaries that wish to replicate the business.
Four New Enactus F Aim to Improve Liv The Enactus team at the University of Witwatersrand has partnered with the Sugar Honey Project, a community-based business located in Roodepoort that produces a wide range of hair and skin products from honey, bees wax and other natural ingredients. The project is set to empower unemployed rural women and youth by providing them with agricultural skills, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, offers business training and creating job opportunities for them. The project doesn’t only harness the honey, but will also brand, market, package, store, and deliver the product to customers as part of its income-generating mechanisms. About Enactus Enactus is a global non-profit organization that brings together students, academic professionals and business leaders who are committed to using entrepreneurial action to improve lives. It mobilizes over 1,700 university programs and more than 70 500 students in 36 countries across the globe. Similar Enactus Ford College Community Challenge (C3) projects are underway in Ghana, Kenya, and Morocco, along with Brazil, Germany and the UK.
Ford C3 Projects ves in South Africa
An annual series of regional and national competitions provides a forum for teams to showcase the impact of their outreach efforts, and to be evaluated by executives serving as judges. National champion teams advance to the prestigious Enactus World Cup to experience excellence in competition, collaboration and celebration. The 2017 Enactus World Cup will be held in London from 26 to 28 September. All four teams selected in South Africa in 2017 will submit a Final Impact Report in October 2018 to detail the success of their projects. To learn more about Enactus, visit www.enactus.org.
MATRICS: TIME FO AS FINAL STR The editorial below is Issued by MEROPA COMMUNICATIONS on behalf of THE INDEPENDENT INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION. All opinions and facts are for their account and do not necessarily represent Hola. As the Class of 2017 return to their desks for arguably the most important few months of their school careers, it is time for them to eliminate all distractions, and budget their time to ensure they stay in control of their revision and ultimate success, an education expert says. Although some exciting events will be happening in addition to exams – think Matric Farewells, 40-days celebrations and the like – these must not be allowed to overshadow either time or energy-wise the really important work that should be taking place, says Nola Payne, Head of Faculty: Information and Communications Technology at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest private higher education provider.
OR LASER FOCUS RETCH LOOMS Payne says although Matrics should still make time to lead a balanced life – getting enough exercise and spending quality time with family and friends – they should be more careful than ever about not allowing time-leakage. Exercise, for instance, can be done with friends. Family time can be built around mealtimes. “As an experiment, learners can take a day or two tracking their time and keeping a detailed log. Break the day down into 10-minute slots where you carefully note what you spent your time on. The results can be scary but also empowering. Upon waking up, do you intend to quickly check what’s happening on social media, and then only get back to reality an hour or two after you logged on? Do you take a break to watch some TV, only to find 3 episodes into your favourite series that you haven’t done anything useful for hours? Then it’s time to take action and salvage your time,” says Payne. “In the world of work, most people are compensated financially according to time worked – whether that be hourly or monthly. Essentially, time is money. For matriculants, their focused investment of time pays off in results. It is therefore in a matriculant’s best interest now to take careful stock of their time and carefully budget it for the rest of the year,” says Payne.
Masiziba at Univer To volunteer is to offer to do something freely while community work includes one being involved in local or neighbourhood groups or associations and volunteering ; basically being an unpaid worker willing to be involved in a non-profit, or charitable organisation or association for public benefit work. During my June holidays, I decided to volunteer for different organisations including ploughing back to my previous high school and offering to
help at a centre for impoverished children. The centre offered 2 day meal to all ages of children, whether in high school or primary school with additional support with their homework’s. This is an initiative supported by the Social Development and a church from my community. My assistance made me experience a handful of emotions. I re-realised that poverty is such an issue, and how it could never be something ‘normal’ especially in rural areas. In addition, all forms of assistance do go a long way in empowering these children. Especially when they begin to believe that these temporary circumstances do not determine their future and how vital it is for them not to make permanent decisions based on short-term conditions.
rsity: To volunteer Returning to my school, and helping out with winter extra classes put a knot on the fact that being at university inspired those I left behind. I was initially there to help with office work, and distributing attendance registers, however, I found myself offering “university� and career advice to learners. Of course there were rock throwers as some people suggested I was wasting my time working at 7 am instead of me enjoying my holidays. That is why volunteering requires heartfelt enthusiasm and motivation, or else it won’t work out, you might give in to the rock throwers. Yet the most important thing was giving back unconditionally and gaining some knowledge other than my own box of agriculture and writing. Witnessing smiles and joy in those you help without any form of gain is the best feeling and only a few get to know the feeling. I highly recommend volunteering and giving back. If I did not try it, I would have never known the feeling.
CAPITAL HOTEL SCHOOL PR TURE R59 BILL The below has been issued by Capital Hotel School. All opinions and facts are for their account and do not necessarily represent us. Pretoria, South Africa – July 2017; PwC (PriceWaterhouseCooper) has just released its 7th edition of the PwC Hotels outlook: 2017-2021: South Africa – Nigeria – Mauritius – Kenya – Tanzania), www. pwc.co.za/outlook report that highlights the hotel industry as one of the fastest growing and most energetic contributors to the African economy. This, in an incredibly volatile and politically tumultuous economic environment is incredibly good news, although a question must be raised around the educational institutions responsible for facilitating its development. Ronel Bezuidenhout, Managing Director of leading South African Hotel School, Capital Hotel School (CHS), expresses concerns around the caliber of candidates graduating from hospitality programs. “Although these courses offer an impressive compendium of necessary certification logos, the reality is that only parts of these certifications are being met through the 6 month courses currently on offer to make the school and qualification more attractive to a generation that’s become synonymous with instant gratification.” Bezuidenhout believes what will set a student or individual working in hospitality apart, is the quality of their work and service they deliver – whether turning down a bed in a hotel or preparing an a la carte meal in a Michelin Star restaurant. “How can we expect to be offering quality candidates to an industry that is
REPARE STUDENTS FOR A FULION INDUSTRY earmarked to be worth an incredible R59 billion by 2021, when we’re arming them with an incomplete qualification?” says a very passionate Bezuidenhout. “According to the PwC Hotel outlook report, of the 9.3% increase in hotel room revenue over the next 5 years, over 50% of this growth comes from four and five star establishments – not quite the level that can be adequately fulfilled by a team with a few months of educational training.” CHS has always been meticulous about keeping abreast of industry needs, both locally and internationally, through the partnerships they have established over the years. “We keep our ears to the ground as far as what this industry needs and place a large focus on how we can help support those needs as we prepare the generation that will continue to drive the industry forward,” says Bezuidenhout. “There is no way I would send a candidate into a world where the likes of that responsibility rests on their shoulders, with only half the skill required to make it happen.”
MADIBA The former president of this county has been revered worldwide, receiving an astronomical number of great accolades. There are plants, bugs and even nuclear particles named after him; he’s certainly a man that became a legend before he even passed. Now even though the media has always portrayed Nelson Mandela as a hero, he certainly rejected the image that had been created of him by the media. On various occasions insisted that he was “an ordinary man who had become leader because of extraordinary circumstances”. So, how come he became an inspiration to people? He was in jail for 27 years, but so were others He was sentenced by an unjust system, but so were others He was …, but so were many others.
What made him different? Who felt inspired by Mandela? The most fantastic person is Obama. No doubt there. Let us look at the trial, the (in)famous Rivonia Trial. That is where his most famous quote is from: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal for which I hope to live for and to see realised. But, My Lord, if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die� What now if he did mean it? It is easy to say, but let us imagine that he actually felt that the world (to him) would not be worth it, unless it could be a free world? It was his conviction about being able to have a positive impact on the world which drove him. That can only be achieved by integrity and honesty, even honest mistakes. People can spot a fake and whatever Mandela was, he was no fake. The sentence from his trial shows exactly that. He was prepared to pay the ultimate price – His own death if need be. For you and I. THAT is the inspiration for others. Stand up for what is right. As Obama is doing. Because of Mandela. We need not always agree with the decisions, but nobody should be able to question our integrity. The inspiration for world leaders is of course to put their country first. To do what is right, all the time. It is the same for us: Do the right thing first time. I believe Mandela meant it. He was prepared to die for this ideal. We need not die on a daily basis for what is right, but we can at least try to live by his ideals and appreciate his sacrifice. This is an article produced by Rofhiwa Madzena from April 2014 (edited a little bit)
Hatfield Square has retailers on
All retailers will be op The below editorial is provided by Tribeka on behalf of Respublica. All opinions and facts are for their account and do not necessarily represent us. 19 July 2017, Pretoria – The Hatfield Square precinct is ready to reclaim its legacy as Pretoria’s student district hot-spot for all the right reasons: a selection of restaurants and lifestyle outlets are open for business in the completely rebuilt student accommodation and lifestyle complex, owned by Respublica. Pizza Hut and Fanakalo offer quick and affordable meals to students, while Rhapsody’s, offers the perfect venue to kick back and socialise after hours. Urbanite, a second on-trend restaurant and bar offering, will open its doors on 1 August 2017 Studio 88, Princess Hair Salon and Cross Trainer bring on-trend fashion and sportswear to the district, and several more retailers, food and beverage outlets and entertainment hotspots will open in due course. “Respublica created the Hatfield Square precinct to offer a purpose built, mixed-use precinct that creates a safe, healthy, balanced student life, providing the perfect backdrop to students’ academic and social development,” says Respublica CEO, Craig McMurray. “We’re delighted to welcome our retail and lifestyle partners to the area, as they help us realise our vision of creat-
n site for students’ convenience
pened by August 2017 ing a Hatfield community that supports the city’s residents with all their needs.” Within walking distance from the University of Pretoria’s main campus, Hatfield Square includes state-of-the-art student residences, retail and leisure facilities, specifically designed for Pretoria’s large student community from various campuses as well as the Hatfield public at large. Registered students from any academic institution in Pretoria can apply to join Respublica’s various residences, which are close to public transport nodes, and offer a range of fully inclusive amenities including unlimited Wi-Fi, gym, multiple recreation rooms, outdoor courtyards, communal pause areas on each floor, laundry facilities, study rooms, computer labs and a swimming pool. The varying accommodation configurations within individual residences make them accessible to students with diverse resources, with options ranging from standalone bedrooms with communal amenities to four-sleeper apartments using a shared bathroom as well as single-sleeper studios including an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette. More information about the Hatfield Square development and other Respublica residences can be found at www.respublica. co.za.
We provide loans and bursaries to students at all 26 public universities and 50 public TVET colleges throughout the country.
G20: What is OK, let us first see what G20 is. Wiki says: “The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies. Currently, these are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union. The G20 aims to discuss policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability. It seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization. Membership of the G20 consists of 19 individual countries plus the European Union (EU). The EU is represented by the European Commission and by the European Central Bank. Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 85% of the gross world product (GWP), 80% of world trade, two-thirds of the world population, and approximately half of the world land area. With the G20 growing in stature after its inaugural leaders’ summit in 2008, its leaders announced on 25 September 2009 that the group would replace the G8 as the main economic council of wealthy nations. Since its inception, the G20’s membership policies have been criticized by numerous intellectuals, and its summits have been a focus for major protests.
s it all about? It is noteworthy that these countries dominate the world economy. They do claim they are there to coordinate, align and adjust to the betterment of all. But who decides what is to the betterment? Where the discussion about legitimacy arises is that nobody has elected them. There is no charter. It is not a UN initiative or anything. In essence, 20 people coming together to dictate how the world is going to look. Of course we see the ‘good ol’ discussion’ about capitalism dictating, etc. Is G20 then representative? Africa is represented by South Africa. So we just have to smile and accept it all. Asia’s economies are growing fast, but are they represented in numbers? It might be true that the world could need a bit of concerted efforts of alignment rather than trade wars, but if so, should it be via self-proclaimed bodies or not? Reality is that if those countries can agree, the world might be a better place after all. And that could just rub some up the wrong way! Membership is another issue: who is ‘in’ and based on what? Right now it is claimed to be according to size of economy, but then there are contradictions! Not so easy this.
G20 meeting in Hambur Was it G20 or G19 + USA? It seemed that whatever was discussed, Mr trump was against it all. On top of, it seemed as though his only ‘ally’ was Putin. So, the trump family tried to dominate, obfuscate, intimidate and so on. But did it succeed? That is the acid test. What was agreed upon? Despite USA, the Paris Accord on climate deal stays. This is significant. Climate is not just ‘bad weather’. It is reality and it impacts millions of people RIGHT NOW. So, we might see some initiatives and at least a desire to do something about it. The European migrant crisis was on the agenda. This is a serious problem and does not just impact Europe. World terrorism was on the agenda as well. The 30-page summary released at the end of it all was a bit vague on a lot of things. Of course. Agreements were reached on a lot of disparate topics – women empowerment, trade, renewable energy, etc etc. But the real significance? The world leaders had an occasion to start knowing each other. To interact, to coordinate, to form a network, to understand each other. Do we need an example? “Trump and Putin reached a partial ceasefire agreement in Southwest Syria, starting Sunday, 10 July 12 o’clock local time the representatives of the two nuclear powers talked with each other. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters at her closing press conference of the G20 summit: “I was delighted that it was on the margins of G20 that the first meeting between Trump and Putin took place. It’s always better to talk one to the other, not
rg! What came out of it? one about the other. I was gratified to hear that they talked at a great length.� The two had met in person there for the first time. Suddenly, at least, it looked like the world moved forward. Understanding = tolerance = common solutions And way forward? Hard to predict. Maybe it will just be a discussion club, easing international tension, which is not bad. Maybe it will be a real group determined to eradicate poverty, take care of environmental issues, establish itself as a Global Government perhaps? Good or bad‌ it will evolve and morph into something else over time. The shades of democracy or the shades of dictatorship?
Masiziba at 2nd semest A few days in second semester and a lot has changed. Some students have left while others have changed direction by transferring to other courses. In addition, the second semester is short (about 3 months of lectures) and is claimed to be difficult by senior students. They blame end year events along with tight academic schedules. However, top students state that staying true to yourself is a known secret to surviving in university especially in this second semester. Staying true to yourself actually means attaching your identity to your studies and remembering why you are at university. It is difficult to actually choose to avoid temptations, and it is more challenging in the second semester. In fact, the first semester is usually much longer, as some would mention that it gives you the last few seconds to change your year. This translates to a second chance (if you can use it). Conversely, the second semester is completely dif-
t University: ter arrived! ferent as the academic load strengthens and the time period decreases. On the other hand, as believed by some, it is about overcoming all your challenges and typically being a ‘student’. A transition that not many first years get the first time as senior students title first years to be the ones to expect flames since they tend to enjoy independence, particularly those who study far from home. Nevertheless, I have definitely witnessed that the second semester is different from the first semester due to my academic schedule and all the changes around me, but I will have to see whether the assumptions are to be true. But positively, I know that I have to use the known secret to make it through; which I firmly believe I will use to survive this semester!
Masiziba Hadebe.
Conspiracy. Denver airport Why so big? It is 53 square miles! The 2nd biggest in the world. Is it because the bunker underneath and especially level 2 underground must accommodate the aliens (one theory). And why was it put so far from Denver city itself? And there was a perfectly fine and well-functioning airport close to the city. Did they even need a new airport? Why does the baggage system not work at all? Was it ever meant to work? And those gargoyles! The dedication marker says New World airport commission – but there is no such thing. It is the Illuminati! And finally: CIA is moving to Denver. Or the Nazis or both and the Illuminati and the aliens are claiming the airport before they take over. ‌ and they left us the clues so we know what will happen.. in the art work, nogal
NSTF Awards ceremony 2017 Finding the tuxedo and the long evening dress. The science event of the year – or at least one of them. Right up there. Soooo… what is NSTF then? Quoting from the NSTF 2017 programme: “The National Science and Technology Forum is the largest national non-profit stakeholder body for all science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation organisations in SA. Its aim is to impact positively on society and improve people’s lives by: • • • • • • • •
Playing a powerful consultative and lobbying role in policy matter: SET related discussion forums Feeding recommendations back to government Organising the NSTF Awards Outreach campaigns Top matriculants Bursary and career info available Networking within the science community
NSTF has been around since 1995, btw. And here is the It is prestigious. Top achievers are their peers. And it I know of where community is tion.
crux of the matter: The awards are real! being recognised by is the only gathering the entire science looking for inspira-
Via its interaction with government (Department of Science and Technology, minister Pandor) the theme for the years are set and input is provided. How else can government policy be aligned with the wishes of the community?
Sustainable Tourism? .. The theme for this year’s NSTF programme is ‘Sustainable Tourism for Development’. This is inspired by UN declaration as well. In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, the #IY2017 aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviours towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can tribute to the SDGs. Tourism and science? Are we not being too ‘clever’? what about overseas people going to Kruger park to see a lion? Well, the reality is that ‘tourists’ of today do want more. Much more. Astro-tourism (yes, stars and planets!), SKA is an attraction. And SA is ideally placed for a lot of things. So let us also turn to ‘tourism’ Wiki says: “International tourism receipts (the travel item in the balance of payments) grew to US$1.03 trillion in 2011. International tourist arrivals surpassed the milestone of 1 billion tourists globally for the first time in 2012. This is BIG BUSINESS. Chinese tourist spent some $300 bn in 2015. London raked in some $20 bn in 2015. From tourists alone! SA made some R102 bn in 2012 from tourists and that caters for some 10% of all jobs in SA. This is more than going to see the lion in Mpumalanga! So, what does the modern tourist want? Of course it is still the pristine beaches, the sun, the and so on. But no we see activities as well. These are active holidays: Ecotourism, Pro-poor tourism, educational tourism,
. and Science? Nogal? medical tourism, art tourism, Experiential tourism, social tourism, religious tourism, space tourism and nearly anything else. Put this into perspective that 1 billion people (and counting) every year do want to do something with themselves during a holiday. And it has to have some meaning. Sustainable tourism is the next step in this chain. Modern tourists would not like to ‘disturb’ the environment. It has to be ‘zero impact’. NSTF is, via its approach, putting some thought into this rather diffuse concept. We should be able to tap in to a huge industry with nearly unlimited potential. What do we have (besides the lion in Mpumalanga of course)? Beaches, nature, 5-star hotels in walking distance, shopping, international atmosphere, infra-structure, SKA, activities, Cradle of humankind, whales, history, battle fields… what is missing? Hardly anything. But it takes effort to get it into a proper prepared package and that is where we should look towards NSTF to provide some significant input.
The NSTF Awards Trophy A story all by itself This is an article copied and edited from Mail & Guardian from 1 July 2016. Manufacturing the trophy The new Awards trophy was created by using additive manufacturing with South African expertise and state-of-the-art laser technology. It was conceptualised in association with the CSIR National Laser Centre (NLC) and created by Mr Johan Steyn, specialist in femtosecond and nanosecond laser ablation, laser micro processing and 3D metal printing at the NLC. How the trophy was made The entire trophy consists of titanium. Once the feather design is created in CAD, the file is exported to the manufacturing machine (which uses a technology similar to 3D printing). The trophy is “grown� by welding layers of titanium powder together on top of the trophy base with laser beams. In the case of the NSTF trophy, a laser powder forming machine, also known as a LENS (laser engineered net shaping) machine, was used. LENS systems involve a high-power laser that fuses powdered metals into three-dimensional structures. The trophy is then polished and more detail is carefully cut with a metal laser-cutting machine. The names and logos are engraved using a laser ablation machine with a laser of 40 microns in diameter spot size. The laser intensity of this machine is so high that the titanium goes from a solid to a gas immediately, evaporating the metal.
Let me confess: I have not watched the movie yet. But hey, others have. I picked this from IOL website from 28 July 2017, 10:28am review by Jamal Grootboom. “‘Dunkirk’ tells the story of thousands of British and Allied soldiers as they struggle to get off the beach as the enemy forces close in on them during the second World War. Rating: 5/5 In ‘Dunkirk’, Nolan places you in the middle of the war and will have you unconsciously holding your breath with no emotional breaks in between. This film is a true masterpiece with regards to storytelling and use of cinematic elements to convey emotions and makes it feel as if the viewer is part of this warfare. The cinematography in this film is spectacular. If there is one movie you need to see in IMAX this year than ‘Dunkirk’ is the one” – That is not a bad review at all. Problems? Well, where are the French troops? And the Indians in the British forces? And what about the re-invasion which took place at the same time? (operation Ariel - look it up) That is where the (few) French got ferried back to France to keep on fighting. PS: they by and large marched into captivity together with the 52 Highlanders
Dunkirk: a few facts Ok, let not a few facts get in the way of a good movie. I believe it is pretty close to reality, but let us put it into perspective. Germany had invaded France on 10 May 1940. Blitzkrieg it was called. The idea was to do as the Allied expected, invading in the North. Then, according to the Allied, they would quickly move North and defeat Germany. End of the war. No problem. Unfortunately, Germany had a 2nd invasion a bit further South. And trapped the British and the French in Northern France and Belgium. So while the Allied fought WWI again, Germany did WWII on them. The French were encouraged to keep on fighting as the British (secretly) planned for themselves to sail home. Germany stopped the offensive for a few days to catch up (the halt order) and to save the panzers for the next phase. It enabled Dunkirk where some 338,000 troops got back. It was a miracle, but it cost French troops to do the rear-guard action. It was later followed by a re-entry into France and another evacuation. US entry in 1941 created more problems. US had wanted to invade France in 1942 and did not see any problems with that. After all, who could resist US forces? really? The big question is of course: What if Dunkirk did not happen? All the famous generals would have been prisoners: Montgomery, Alexander, Gorth, Brooke etc. And Overlord in 1944 might not have been possible. Simply too few to train the new soldiers and too few to attempt it. However, the myth that Blitzkrieg was a success. Well, it wasn’t. The goal was to capture the entire British force. And there it failed! Never mind that France was knocked out in two weeks.
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