Ntshebele May 2023 Issue

NTSHEBELE

Time surely does fly. Can you believe we’re already five months into the year? It feels as though the year had just begun. I hope that these last five months have been kind to you all and full of prosperity.

This month is another special month of the year, as we celebrate Africa Month and Day. Africa Day is a day set aside each year to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. Numerous nations on the African continent as well as other parts of the world celebrate it. With each year having a theme or purpose, for this year it has been decided as “accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to bring greater prosperity to the continent.” The trade agreement’s goal is to further economic integration on the continent by establishing a single market for products and services for roughly 1.3 billion people throughout Africa. Africa Day is also an avenue to celebrate African uniqueness and achievement and to draw attention to the continent’s rich cultural and economic diversity.

Dr Masondo

Africa Day has developed into a day of joy for Africans and people of African origin all over the world, and it has evolved into Africa Month, which is observed during the whole month of May. To show the immense diversity of our continent, people choose to celebrate in many ways from showcasing their beautiful traditional attire, to their various cuisines and display of music and dance.

Let us embrace all we are as Africans and show the world just how bright we beam.

Happy Africa Month!

By: Dimpho Maboya

Workers’ day is a public holiday in South Africa that is celebrated on the 1st of May every year. It celebrates the role played by Trade Unions and other parties to achieve equal employment standards for everyone. Other countries might refer to the day as Labour Day or May Day but whatever you call the day, it has the same purpose - to celebrate all the hard work done by everyone and the importance of every job in society.

This day is a testimony to the hard battles that workers in this country and in other parts of the globe have waged for workers’ rights and social justice over many decades. It is also a reminder of the many challenges that still confront working people and the poor in South Africa - and which remain obstacles to sustainable human development among all developing nations.

Workers’ Day has been officially recognised and observed since the first democratic elections in 1994. The holiday serves both as a celebration of workers’ rights and as a reminder of the critical role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the fight against Apartheid.

Workers’ Day has its own cultural significance in South Africa, since the national holiday has come to represent not just the lengthy path towards equal employment standards, but also the difficult campaign against Apartheid, in which trade and labour organisations played a crucial role.

As a result of Apartheid’s worst oppression of South Africa’s working classes, the fight for better working conditions and the fight to end structural segregation grew increasingly tangled. Before the elections of 1994, labour and trade groups often used Workers’ Day as a symbol to rally the population against the segregation and oppression of the Apartheid system, organising demonstrations and encouraging widespread resistance.

Workers’ Day not only commemorates previous battles and successes, but it also serves as a reminder to examine how we work today and strive for a better future. Let us continue to celebrate and invest in employees beyond May 1st in order to elevate and enhance working conditions for all, ensuring that we have even more reasons to rejoice in the future.

https://www.twinkl.co.za

CONGRATULATIONS TO CLASS OF ‘22

AFRICA DAY

WARM WINTER WEAR

Senzeni Marasela is a South African visual artist born in Thokoza who works across different media, combining performance, photography, video, prints, textiles and embroidery in mixed-medium installations. She obtained a BA in Fine Arts at the Wits School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in 1998.

Global a rt award winner

How does your work on the lived experiences of Black South African women extend to wider conversations on the place of Black African women in society, given how attitudes towards gender equality are increasingly hostile?

Perhaps if I explain how I started working, this will answer your question. I began working with Theodorah, my persona named after my mother, for the body of work Theodorah Comes to Johannesburg (2004), a few years after I left the University of the Witwatersrand and at a time when I was quite disillusioned by a lot of things,

such as the role of Black women in academia and in the production of knowledge and thought.

I was also engaging with quite a lot of texts, and began to observe a gap where Black women weren’t allowed to speak for themselves. This operates quite pervasively in literature as well. One of my favourite books, The Cry of Winnie Mandela by Njabulo S. Ndebele (2003), which I loosely based this body of work on, frames Winnie Mandela, and other Black women, through the eyes of men.

On Friday, 5 May 2023, employees converged at the Kagiso Sports Complex to officially commence the Employee Physical Wellness League, aimed at boosting staff morale and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

With sporting codes including Soccer, Netball, Volleyball and FootGolf, staff members took to the fields with corridors competing for the best results.

Even though not all corridors could make it to the games, enthusiasm could be felt all around.

Employee Physical Wellness League Kick Starts in Kagiso

By: Kefilwe Mphake

Gauging by the excitement expressed by employees on the day, it would be safe to say that the aim to boost staff morale has already hit the positive mark.

The league will further be used to select a team that will represent the province at the national games due to take place in Kwa-Zulu Natal sometime later in the year.

The league games are expected to take place every second Friday to ensure employees still complete their work for optimal service delivery.

Lookout for fixtures and log updates.

GAUTENG TROPHY TOUR GUIDE GAUTENG TROPHY TOUR GUIDE

30 MAY 2023 - SOUTH CORRIDOR

SICELO STADIUM, MIDVAAL | 11H00 -12H00

SAUL TSOTETSI SPORTS COMPLEX | 13H00 - 16H00

31 MAY 2023 - CENTRAL CORRIDOR

MAYORAL CHAMBERS, BRAAMFONTEIN & DSACR OFFICES | 09H00 -12H00

MAPONYA MALL, SOWETO | 13H00 -16H00

1 JUNE 2023 - WEST CORRIDOR

MATLAPANENG PRIMARY SCHOOL | 09H00 - 16H00

2 JUNE 2023 - NORTH CORRIDOR

JACARANDA FM | 06H30 - 07H45

ROSINA SEDIBANE SPORT SCHOOL |09H10 - 09H45

NETBALL SA OFFICES | 10H55 - 12H00

UNION BUILDINGS | 12H05 - 12H45

LOFTUS VERSFELD STADIUM | 13H15 - 14H00

SPAR DC - HEARTFELT ARENA | 14H30 - 19H00

3 JUNE 2023 - EAST CORRIDOR

GERMISTON CIVIC CENTRE | 08H30 - 11H00

SAM NTULI SPORTS COMPLEX | 11H00 - 16H00

I am passionate, very ambitious and driven to thrive on challenges and constantly set goals for myself so I have something to strive towards. I am not comfortable with settling and I am always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness. Currently I am employed as an Assistant Director in North Corridor responsible for Arts and Culture and Library component.

My recent greatest academic achievement is in graduating for a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Governance, Administration and Developmental Studies accomplished with 8 distinctions .

I am so grateful and very proud to have achieved such a prestigious accomplishment that has been a transformation towards my professional development and growth.

In what way has the department been able to alleviate the stress and challenges faced during the above-mentioned?

I am highly blessed and honoured to be a recipient of the departmental bursary scheme and I cannot express my gratitude enough on their financial support as it was a stress-free relief that helped me to my lifetime dreams.

What are the few difficulties you have faced in relation to juggling your career and your studies? How did you overcome them?

While working full-time it was a challenging but rewarding experience it showed me that through hard work, dedication, and prayers anything is possible. I am grateful for the lessons I learned during that time because working under pressure never phases me out, in fact, I was often feeling motivated when there is a sense of urgency. I remained calm and focused even in the most chaotic working environment and my strong spiritual belief, family and close friends support was one of my key strength. I`m grateful that I will put these skills to use in my career and it will be something that I will continue to learn on as I move forward. Studying and working at any level requires good time management and I have overcome all the challenges by creating study and work plans tactics by being more disciplined with my constant routine of getting up earlier, planning out my day, making maximum productive use of time to each of my subjects and work in order to meet deadlines of both tasks assigned to me.

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you wish you could change and why is that so?

To be very, very honest all my eyes are filled with tears because today I have again got that hope of becoming what I wanted to be in my very life. As the hope which I lost all due to my financial problems is back in me with this bursary I wish not to change anything but to request more financial assistance to still further my studies.

Please tell us one thing you enjoy doing that no one knows about you.

I have a wonderful, humble and God fearing twin sister Juliet, my prayer warrior gorgeous mother Thelma, my one and only daughter Rearabilwe, twin sister daughter Atlegang and Niece Bokamoso.

These are the closest people in my life that complete me to enjoy life to the fullest. Most importantly traveling the world is my biggest hobby which occasionally on my vacational leave, I booked myself cheap flights to discover new places which my first international trip was Mexico City, Thailand and Bangkok which is my wish to be a second home.

I frequently enjoy traveling to Hong Kong and China. Due to COVID-19 restrictions I was unable to travel for the past 2 years. This is something I really enjoy, and it also helps me to gain some perspective of life, to understand how lucky I am to have all these possibilities to work and to travel and to enjoy life. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and gratitude.

Considering that May is Africa month and the African experience in terms of shortage of resources for the African child, what does it mean to have your dreams and visions propelled forward through the department’s support?

Investing in African Child education is vital in creating and sustainable broad- based economic growth. The positive contribution by the department on my educational investment has a huge positive impact on my future endeavours.

What words of encouragement would you give our readers should they decide to further their studies whilst actively working?

The road to success is not easy to navigate, but with hard work, drive, and passion, it’s possible to achieve the desired dream.

Let’s start by thanking you and your team for choosing us.

Andrew

After completing my National Diploma in Sport Management at University of Johannesburg in 2011, I got an internship here in 2013 through my sponsor (Gauteng City Region Academy Bursary), I was placed under Sport Development and Coordination (SDC) and I was reporting to Gauteng Sports Council. I’m currently a Sport Promotion Officer (Contract worker) under Recreation based at Head office where I’m currently responsible for reporting and coordination of Provincial Siyadlala Programmes. My current position made me develop love and passion for reporting and planning. I see myself in the field of strategic Management.

Mabel

After the completion of my National Diploma in Sport Management at University of Johannesburg in 2012, I started working for the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation as a School Sport Coordinator in October 2015. In 2018 after the end of the contract I was appointed permanently as an Auxiliary Support Worker for Recreation in North Corridor. During my years as a School Sport Coordinator I developed passion for Office Administration in the field of finance and procurement. I want to see myself as a Financial Planner/Coach of which I’m working towards that by learning more about the field of financial planning and money management.

Let’s start by conveying our genuine gratitude to SACR for funding our studies. We Graduated in 22 March 2023 at University of South Africa Diploma in Public Administration and Management, the reason for the course is because of the passion in administration and public service delivery. Our target was to study the same course and graduate at the same time as husband and wife. That target was achieved and we thank the Almighty.

What difficulties did you both face while juggling your careers and studies? How did you overcome them as a team?

When we wrote our exams online, the system glitches made things worse for us, one of the exams (Policy Studies) did not go through due to glitches and we could not submit and therefore wrote a supplementary exam.

Another difficulties we faced was when we registered 10 modules in 2021.

We had a study plan in place and studying at nights. We also shared house chores. Weekend nights we dedicated to assignments since some weekends we were working.

In what way has the department been able to alleviate the stress and challenges faced during the above-mentioned?

We have supportive supervisors and they were always understanding and never put pressure on us when we were approaching exams.

They also helped us with our Work Integrated Learning and our Portfolio of Evidence which we both got distinctions on.

Our former colleague from HRD, Ms Phakamile Mpofu-Mahamba assisted us with some of the work to ease the pressure. Study leaves also assisted us to attend to our studies. Most importantly, the department fully funded our studies.

What are the next steps you wish to achieve post graduation?

Andrew

As the saying goes “You are a drop out if you did not wear a red gown” our aim is to wear a red gown (PhD) and we will not stop until we get that red gown (PhD). I have applied for Advanced Diploma in Business Management with MANCOSA for July intake.

Mabel

I am continuing with my studies, because the goal is to get to the red gown PhD and gain more knowledge in the administration field. I am studying advanced Diploma NQF level 7 in Administrative Management at Tshwane University of Technology. My wish is to pursue my goal in financial planning/coaching and money management.

Balancing work and study life does not come easy. What words of encouragement would you give our readers if they decide to further their studies whilst actively working?

Have a vision board at the beginning of each year and stick to it. Have a study planner and it must be aligned with your vision board. Have a work plan in place and stick to it. This will help you to stay focused Weekends: Day is for family or work (if you work on weekends) and nights are for studies.

There is an abundance in reasons for taking pride in being African. Africa Day is a reminder that there’s so much to celebrate about ourselves as Africans. Given our history, taking pride in who we are and where we’re from was not easy to come by. But we need to be grateful, to our predecessors (and to ourselves) for not giving up. To say I am African, and no amount of smearing, hypocrisy and heinous belittling will change that.

Africa is arguably the most diverse continent across the world. Not in just culture, language, and skin complexities, but its richness in biodiversity as well. With 54 countries and 11 territories that are home to over 3000 distinct ethnic groups and over 2000 languages spoken, and probably just as many textiles and delicacies. How can we not be prideful with our uniqueness.

With the age of social media, we see how people have grown more aware with what Africa has to offer more especially from a tourism aspect. Instead of being seen as a poor and developing continent, but that we thrive in so many ways. That we too, have a platform to further educate and solidify our space and the contributions we’ve made for global betterment in different mediums.

With the vast diversity of Africa, the richness in culture and appreciation of it is one of my favourite things to witness. Across the years we’ve gotten to see more individuals embracing their culture by adding their cultural twists within western tradition weddings, amongst other things. A surge of African influenced garments and trends have made it to runways of big fashion houses and shows.

We got to witness this in tv shows and movies alike, the Black Panther movie is the perfect example of this. In music and music videos as well as other forms of entertainment, so much African influence comes forward. Seeing more African inspired restaurants open in many places across the world is just another aspect of our visibility and importance.

There is so much to write home about as to why we need to take pride in ourselves as Africans. We could talk circles all day about what we truly believe it means to be African, from the texture of our hair, the sound of our voices when we laugh or cry, the colour of our skin, etc. I for one, feel boastful about who I am, and where I’m from.

To be in a space where not only do I embrace all that I am, but people in other spaces alike and unalike can resonate with the feeling and gesture.

By: Koketso Raletele

https://ghi.wisc.edu/a-diverse-continent-african-textiles-in-context-exhibition-opening-may/

Today we celebrate Africa, Africa Day Celebration at Maropeng Cradle of Humankind. We will celebrate this day with the people of West Rand and our stakeholders, A colourful day with a scenic display of cultural representation is what today is all about.

People from all walks of life graced the event with their unique cultural regalia, african songs and dances as they celebrate unity in diversity at the “City of Human Origin”. African Day celebration, which is also celebrating 60th Anniversary of African Union (OAU).

The President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address on the significance of Africa Day. Part of the delegation was the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, MEC Morakane Mosupyoe and Mogale City Executive Mayor Mr. Danny Thupane.

Today message was clear from our President, “we are a people of many cultures, many languages and communities of many experiences. We speak different languages and have different customs, faiths and traditions. But we are bound together by the invisible thread that is our Africanness.”

outlines r 1b bud G et allo C ation for s port, a rts, Culture and r e C reation

MeC Morakane Mosupyoe tabled the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation budget at the Gauteng Legislature.

The department will utilise its budget allocation of just over R1 billion with arts and sports, as a lead in the drive towards economic empowerment and social transformation in the province.

The allocation of R1 089 937 billion for the year 2023/2024 is according to MEC Mosupyoe “aimed at expediting service delivery through strategic interventions to:

• Uplift township libraries and sporting facilities to enable them to host international events.

• Refurbish township sporting and recreational facilities.

• Invest in sports and recreation to build a home of champions.

• Invest in the cultural and creative industries.

• Preserve and promote our heritage”.

Remember to always keep close to nature

Styling You, where you’ll find simple tips to help you feel confident in your everyday style.

Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida has written a children’s book – Shudu Finds Her Magic in six languages

The book is inspired by Musida’s own childhood and the bullying she experienced when she moved to a new province and a new school.

Musida is a well-known advocate for mental health awareness, and this year launched her online mental health initiative #MindfulMondays on her Instagram platform @shudufhadzomusida, in conjunction with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Discovery Vitality.

The book is aimed at children aged between four and 12 years of age and deals with bullying and the power of friendship. I hope that youngsters will be able to see themselves reflected in the storyline and be able to take something positive away from it.

Andrew Tiko

Mabel Nnana

CLASS OF 2022

Phalane

Mokoka

Paballo Mogoje

Malekoa Rachel Mokoena

Boitumelo Shirley Thabalaka

Josephine Elsie Macfarlane

Sinovuyo Cimane

Sibongile Verinica Nhlapo

Octavia Lindiwe Shongwe

Thabang Shaun Ramaboya

Darien Parimal

Neo Lerato Madlopha

Jhavulani Mashaba

Montsheng Kola

Kelebogile Seage

Waratwa Moilwa

Zwelithini Ndlovu

Zimasa Agnes Mxaka

Ntshehiseng Motloung

Baleseng Qambela

Jacob Serekwane

Thabo Molubi

Mathonsi Msimeki

Mokoena

Thabalaka

Macfarlane

Nhlapo

Shongwe

Ramaboya

GRADUATES

a sbonge

e ditorial t ea M

Themba Masondo

Chief in Editor

Nomazwe Ntlokwana

Editor

Kefilwe & Vinolia

Contributing Editor

‘Monde Ngcobo

Design & Layout

Photographer

Dimpho Maboya

Koketso Raletele

Vinolia Chabedi

‘Monde Ngcobo

Pexels

Sindi Buthelezi

Content

Dimpho Maboya

Koketso Raletele

Mpolokeng Moloi

Vinolia Chabedi

Mthunzi Ndimande

Lebo’ Bell

Kefilwe Mphake