Ntshebele March 2020

NTSHEBELE MAGAZINE MARCH 2020

ISSUE

+

“GAUTENG LAUNCHES the Hanyani Wellness Programme Amid Huge Funfair“

“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.â€? â€&#x; - Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

The Human Rights

A

editors note

s we celebrate Human Rights Month, we need to also reflect on and ensure respect for each other’s rights.

The South African Bill of Rights protects the rights of every citizen, and it’s imperative that we are all familiar with our most basic rights. Out of all basic rights set out in our Constitution, I was taken aback to learn that according to a 2017 report by South African Human Rights Commission, The Right to Equality is the most violated in South Africa.

It made me wonder just what that says about us, as a country? Have we forgotten the words by the late former President Nelson Mandela when he said: “Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.”

This thought is also reflected on this month’s book review titled The Café de Move-on Blues written by Christopher Hope. I don’t want to spoil this for you, but it also touched quite a bit on the historic identities of South African communities and their festering wounds. Could our acts of violating each other’s right to equality be the result of our horrid past experiences?

The one thing we always need to remember is that it’s easy to lose faith when pain is plaguing your mind, body, and soul, but it’s never too late to begin bettering yourself and pushing past this pain.

I do acknowledge that not all of us follow the Christian religion, but I also do believe that we pray to the same God and should ask for healing from our Creator.

Psalm 6:2 “O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.”

God hears us at our most fearful, reach out and find the healing you need. I hope you will enjoy this amazing issue of Ntshebele.

N. Ntlokwana Editor-in-Chief

02

CON 23

Fallen or celebrated heroes, both sport and arts

12 Getting to know Paballo Mogoje

03

NTENTS 08 28

Human Rights

Lifestyle and Fashion

30

Best reads, movies

Content Contributors Nomazwe Ntlokwana Editor-in-Chief

Kefilwe Mphake

Editor & Creative Director

Lebohang Bell

Graphic Design & Layout

Ashley Mabasa Kefilwe Mphake Lebohang Bell Lorato Molepo Nhlamulo Baloyi Nomazwe Ntlokwana

04

W

hen I started my term as the MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, it was the beginning of the journey of helping our nation to build a capable state and enhance the agenda of social radical economic transformation. However, the government is a structural bureaucratic structure that operates within the paradigm of legislation, people’s will and executive authority.

The inception of my term showed determination and willingness to undertake the journey of transforming the sporting fraternity in Gauteng, helping the creative industries to address issues of copyrights and performance rights and boosting the service delivery of libraries in our communities.

Furthermore, I am also committed to building social cohesion and nation-building.

The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation is the capable department with its workforces to delivering social cohesion and addressing social ills of our society, including deconstructing the legacy of colonial and apartheid systems.

In 2019, Premier David Makhura outlined the objectives of the six administration which serve as the guiding mechanism for our Department to achieving our objective and the National Development Plan (NDP) objectives. The Premier asserted that the following are objectives of the six administrations; · Economy, Jobs, and Infrastructure · Education, Skills Revolution and Health · Integrated Human Settlements and Land Release · Safety, Social Cohesion and Food Security · Building a Capable, Ethical and Developmental State

05

Moreover, to achieve the objectives, set by the Premier and to avoid the unprecedented policy and strategy contradiction between provincial objectives and our department objective, the department (SACR) had to restructure from its current form and structure. To ensure policy coherence and objectives of the sixadministration restructuring of the department (SACR) is fundamental. I, therefore on 2019 July, tasked the team which includes various units of the department, amongst the team, includes the Human Resource, some Chief Directors and IGR unit.

In my address with the department staff, I have assured that the restructuring of the department does not mean to displace people from the department or severely frustrate the staff. The restructuring meant to boost our capabilities to improve our service delivery.

Of course, it does not need a rocket scientist to observe that the department staff is demoralised, however, this is not to say that it is solely because of the department, surely there are also external social facts that interfere with them exercising their full potential and capacity to work and be the social change of the department.

Again, the staff does not have to stress with the restructuring of the department, as it is meant to assist the Weberian Bureaucratic System to be in a better position to fully implement the envisaged tasks from the National Development Plan, the six administration objectives and our constitutional democracy imperatives enshrined in our section 9 of our constitution-building equal society.

It is our responsibility to build a developmental

state, part of the requirement for building a democratic state is having patriotic government workers. Therefore, restructuring the department underpins the imperatives of building a national democratic society with the characteristics of the development state.

By restructuring, we do not mean to purge or marginalise some staff, but we meant to harness the department (SACR) to function in the best interest of the people. Of course, looking at supporting capabilities of staff and improve their skills to be better government workers guided by the spirit of social transformation.

MEC

06

H

uman Rights Day in South Africa is historically linked with 21 March 1960, and the events of Sharpeville. On that day 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws. This day marked an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. It became an iconic date in our country’s history that today we commemorate as Human Rights Day as a reminder of our rights and the cost paid for our treasured human rights.

What are human rights?

Human rights are rights that everyone should have simply because they are human. In 1948, the United Nations defined 30 articles of human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It established universal human rights on the basis of humanity, freedom, justice, and peace.

South Africa has included indivisible human rights in our own Bill of Rights, Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The articles of our Constitution can only be changed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which means it is difficult for anyone, including the government, to take away the basic rights of a citizen.

The Bill of Rights preserved in our Constitution is the cornerstone of our constitutional and representative democracy. The Constitution as our supreme law means that no laws may be passed that goes against it.

The Bill of Rights also comprehensively addresses South Africa’s history of oppression, colonialism, slavery, racism and sexism and other forms of human violations. The Bill of Rights embeds the rights of all people in our country in an enduring affirmation of the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.

Source: www.gov.za

07

SACR EVENTS

08

T Staff Reporter

he Hanyani (live long) Wellness Programme launched on Saturday 22 February at GaRankuwa Stadium in Tshwane, has been welcomed by many as an important and necessary initiative.

Old and young people came in their numbers and all were left calling for more from the day’s activities.

They participated in activities provided by professionals including yoga, aerobics and a walk around the Stadium. Other services included health screenings and advises on healthy eating.

The programme is aimed at getting Gauteng active and healthy and thereby reducing the burden on health services in the province. Many more people are said to be visiting Clinics and Hospitals for ailments that could have been prevented through healthy diet and exercise.

Launching the programme Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe and MEC for Health Bandile Masuku encouraged Gauteng to care for their health through healthy living and exercise.

Said MEC Hlophe: “Being health conscious is the most important thing we can do for our bodies.

If we take of these (bodies) they will take care of us not only now but in the future. While we still can let’s eat healthy and exercise. We need

09

a strong and healthy workforce to begin to make an impact in our society and most importantly to live long and care for themselves and thier families. Our sports teams need healthy talented youngsters whose ability is not stunted by nyaope and all illicit substances”.

Said MEC Bandile Masuku “Conditions we see in health facilities can be prevented. Let us take responsibility for our own health”.

The Hanyani Wellness Programme is also endorsed by the gym company, Virgin Active South Africa. The department will be announcing other private sector partners on this initiative in the coming weeks.

SACR EVENTS

10

GETTING TO KNOW

Where is your hometown?

I was born and bred in Kagiso.

What is your motto or daily personal mantra?

I have a bible verse that I live by every day, which is, Psalm 46:10 “Be still and Know that I am God�. I love this verse because in everything that I do and go through I include God in it, because He has the final say and has better plans for all of us.

When did you join the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation?

I joined the department in January 2013 as a contract worker in the management accounting section, in April 2013 I became permanently employed.

Before working here, what would you say was the most unusual or interesting job you ever had?

The department was my very first job, so I have never really experienced any unusual job.

What would you say is the most challenging part of your work?

Having to deal with all different kinds of personalities and sometimes getting along with all of them can be a bit of a challenge and when people are hard to deal with, it can lead to slower productivity.

What is the most favourite part of your work and why?

That I get to do what I love, which is working with figures, though it can get a bit tough sometimes and there is always something new to learn every day.

11

If you could change one thing about workinwg here, what would it be?

The fact that it gets hectic to a point that I get overwhelmed and at times never know how to handle it.

Since you started working for the department, what has been your proudest moment?

Acquiring the skills that I didn’t learn in varsity like work ethics, to be analytical and to be able to solve problems. When I got a promotion in 2016, it showed that I am developing and growing in the department.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

It takes me about an hour and thirty minutes to get ready in the morning.

12

What kind of music do you have on your playlist?

I enjoy listening to old school RnB, likes of Dru Hill, Toni Braxton, Luther Vandross and Boys II Men. I also love house music.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

I would sing, “I wanna dance with somebody”

by Whitney Houston.

If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?

I would change my level of confidence. I would tell my younger self to believe in herself, to speak out more.

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

A cell phone with signal, sunscreen and a box of matches.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

Was losing someone that I love, it happened so suddenly which made it so difficult to deal with, but now I’m learning how to accept the situation. I’m taking it one day as it comes.

What is your favourite hangout place and why?

I am an introvert, so I hardly go out. I am always indoors, but when I get the chance to go out, I am a fun person to chill with.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of love?

None Tell us three things most people don’t know about you…

• Public speaking is my biggest fear • I am a very spiritual person • I am an over analyser. It’s very hard for me to turn off my brain and just go with the flow.

13

14

GAUTENG EMERGING WRITERS & DIRECTORS MAKING THEIR MARK

By Godfrey Pitje

T

he Gauteng province prides itself on being the home of artistic excellence and nucleus of South Africa’s entertainment industry.

The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation implements several programmes throughout the province, which work towards the development of the province’s creative industries from grassroots to national levels.

The Basetsana Script Writing and Directing Workshop and the Ishashalazi Theatre programme are two of the department’s most formidable initiatives which give up and coming artists a platform to expand their skillsets and audiences beyond their communities. These programmes place their beneficiaries on a trajectory to great mainstream success, by providing education and training to aspiring arts professionals who are utilising their talents to produce quality work that has earned acclaim.

Happy Simelane is a young writer who pens works in indigenous languages. Following her participation in the 2019 Basetsana Script Writing and Directing Workshop, she was selected to represent Gauteng at the National Arts Festival, where she placed top for her script.

Simelane aspires to achieve international recognition for her work, especially since produced in indigenous South African languages.

She writes as a form of self-healing and looks to educate and inspire audiences with her works.

15

Molelekena Lebeko is a 37-year old writer who attended the Basetsana Script Writing and Directing in 2018 and 2019. She is now a professional writer, who works with Mthakathi Productions and StepUp Pro Media, writing for television productions. She is also a published author with her book Mphe Nako, which she is adapting into a script for a feature film that she will direct.

Lebeko is also currently working on three film projects, with one of them in the final stages of production with a trailer out. Initially an actress, Lebeko pursued writing an entrepreneurial endeavor in exploration of the business of performance and the arts. She saw the opportunity as a writer to be self-employed and employ other actors. Her story telling is driven by the desire and need to tell accurate and authentic women’s stories from the female perspective, a narrative that’s often and notoriously told from a place disrupted by gender and racial inequality.

T

habang “Smallisto� Mboshane, 36, is a writer and director from Daveyton in Ekurhuleni, who started out as an actor in 2013 before auditioning for the Ishashalazi Theatre Programme in 2018, participating in East Corridors festivals and workshops.

With encouragement, mentorship and guidance, we are able to tap into his potential beyond acting and found success writing theatre productions in the Ishashalazi Theatre Programme, where he qualified for the top 20 of the provincial festival in 2018, for his play Scorned.

Mboshane won Best Script for Scored at the 2019 Ishashalazi Theatre Awards and has since showcased at the 2020 Zwakala Festival at the prestigious Market theatre with his current production, Tainted.

Mboshane says that in addition to enhancing his knowledge and skills in writing and directing, the exposure he has received and his experience in the Ishashalazi Theatre Programme has been his greatest gain.

He continues to work hard in making an impact in moving from community to mainstream theatre productions, as well as plans to write short films, sitcoms, dramatic series’ and telenovelas.

16

BEYOND JANU-WORRY: 5 top savings tips for the rest of 2020

The new year is in full swing and for most people “#20plenty” is all about maximising opportunities, doing things differently and achieving more goals. According to a recent survey by YouGov, 59% of South Africans are more determined to make saving their main priority this year.

This is all good as a broad goal, but how do you make it happen practically, especially when times are tough?

“Even with a budget under pressure, there are quite a few smart adjustments you can make that will help to turn your financial health around in 2020,” says Susan Steward from Budget Insurance.

“The easiest and most obvious way to save money is to look for cheaper deals and to cut back on your luxury expenses. However, once you’ve trimmed your budget to have more disposable income, there are still a few good additional strategies you can try to get the most out of your money.”

Steward offers the following advice for savvy saving and spending in 2020: Pay upfront to maximise discounts: Paying upfront can save you a substantial amount of money. For example, schools may offer discounts if you pay upfront for the year. Even some of your luxuries, like TV subscription fees, offer discounts when you pay in advance.

17

Start an emergency savings account: We often rely on our credit cards as a fallback if we’re faced with a surprise bill. This is how credit card creep begins, and before you know it, you’re in the red – struggling to make repayments, unable to extend your credit and wasting additional money every month on card charges.

Set up a debit order that automatically moves a set amount into a savings account every month, so you don’t have to rely on credit when there’s a financial emergency.

Relook your budget: once you’ve distributed your salary into necessities and savings, look at what you’re left with. What spending habits can you change? Doing your grocery shopping monthly or in bulk, rather than daily or a couple of times a week, not only brings good savings, but will also curb the urge to make costly impulse purchases. Keep all the receipts from the grocery bills over a month or draw your bank statements, then analyse – in detail - where your moola is going. Once you see the numbers, you’ll be able to see where you can make adjustments to save even more – buying at more affordable stores, limiting your outings, using loyalty cards for discounts etc.

Cut that debt: if you have created a dent in your credit card, but want to work your way out of debt, get clued up on how to pay it off as affordably and quickly as possible. Firstly, stop using the card. If you don’t have the discipline to keep your hands from swiping, chop it up. Always pay the minimum payment requested on your statement, no less, or you will pay backdated interest. If you’ve managed to save any money during the month, pay it into your credit card. The quicker you pay it off, the less money will be leaking away in charges.

Long-term savings on a budget: ‘Think you don’t earn enough to invest? Investing in unit trusts is cheaper than you think. A unit trust fund is one that is managed for you by an expert. Invest only a couple of hundred rand a month, and you’ll see your money grow over time. Pension funds and retirement annuities are also a valuable way to gain wealth as they come with tax savings.

“Getting the best value for your money means taking a proactive, critical look at your spending and savings habits. A clear understanding will allow you to set the necessary targets, promptly make the adjustments needed and set yourself up for a much healthier year financially,” Steward concludes.

“Also remember that it’s never a good idea to cancel your insurance cover to save money. This will leave you even more vulnerable when a crisis hits because at the end of the day, no one can afford to go backwards in life.”

Source: iol.co.za

18

E

xcellence in Gauteng school sport took centre stage at the 9th annual Gauteng School Sport Awards, which were held on Thursday, 27 February 2020 at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.

Top performing schools, teams, sporting codes and individual coaches, administrators and learner/athletes were recognised for their outstanding accomplishments in 2019.

Administrator of the Year: Nkosilathi Moyo - Volleyball Primary School Male Athlete of the Year: Ockert Spies - Multi-coded (Hockey, Rugby, Athletics) Laërskool Impala Primary School Female Athlete of the Year: Kajol Naidoo – Chess Radfrod House Primary School

Organised annually by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation together with the Gauteng Department of Education, the School Sport Awards shine a light on achievements made in school sports as the foundation of talent identification, development and catalyst for social cohesion and transformation.

Secondary school Female athlete of the Year: Dane Roets – Athletics Hoërskool Noordheuwel

In a congratulatory message, Gauteng of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC, Mbali Hlophe “A massive congratulations to all of the winners.

As we prepare to revive the Wednesday League programme in schools across Gauteng, it is very exciting and inspiring to see such great talent coming out of our schools.”

Learners with Special educational Needs (LSEN) School Female Athlete of the Year: Basetsana Skosana - Itumeleng Special School Netball/gymnastics/rowing

Gauteng has performed exceptionally well in school sports for the past five years, with consecutive national championship wins and dominating in several sporting codes, such as swimming, athletics, chess, netball and volleyball.

2020 Gauteng School Sport Awards Winners: Coach of the year: Tebogo Mochobo - Rugby Technical Official of the Year: Americo Juma - Softball

Secondary school Male athlete of the Year: Sinesipho Dambile – Athletics TUKS Sport

Learners with Special educational Needs (LSEN) School Male Athlete of the Year: Ofentse Matsite - Itumeleng LSEN School Athletics/Football Primary School of the year: Laërskool Impala Secondary School sport of the Year: Queens High School Sport Team of the Year: Hlangabeza Primary School Girls U/13 Chess Team LSEN School of the Year: Itumeleng Special School Sports Code of the Year: Rugby Special Award(s): Independent Media Oupa Mosai (Lifetime Achiever)

19

Staff Reporter

ANNOUNCEMENTS

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMPULSARY 2020 INFORMATION SESSIONS Be on the lookout for Strategic Planning Information Sessions that will take place from 1 – 8 April 2020 for all staff members. You can expect presentations from: Strategic Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Performance reporting Audit and Risk requirements

14 20

21

UN DAYS

DID YOU KNOW

21 February

International Mother Language Day

8 March

International Women's Day

20 March

International Day of Happiness

21 March

World Poetry Day

Source: Images Google 22

LIFESYLE ashion

Wardrope Color Coordinating

23

Source: ClassyYetTrendy.Com 24

Marking the 30 T

th

's

Return

he 11th of February 2020 marked the 30th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela's return from Victor Verster prison, a move that altered the history of South Africa. In 1994, Mandela voted in South Africa’s first democratic elections and was inaugurated as President on 10 May of the same year.

#MandelaReturn

25

18 26

27

Birthdays

28

Best Reads Review of:

"The Café de Move-on Blues"

I

By Norman Moemise Mphake have always been suspicious of white South Africans and their views of the world and more so of my/our country. But in his book, The Café de Move-on Blues, Christopher Hope afforded the racial cynic in me, the opportunity to lend an ear and patiently but cautiously, journey with him through postdemocratic South Africa, to places I am very familiar with and also to places that I ironically would still not be welcomed into... for obvious South African reasons.

Much like Sihle Khumalo's travelogues, Christopher Hope discretely unveils the hidden and often horrid historic identities of South African communities and their festering wounds, while simultaneously discovering and celebrating the country's sophisticated beauty and innate potential. In his search of/for the new South Africa, the author often finds remnants of the old South Africa...a daily reality that many South Africans, both black and white, pray, wish, declare and sometimes pretend will disappear with every World Cup win.

What this book offers my fellow South Africans is the following scenario: “Whether we remain hopeful in the midst of hopelessness or become hopeless even in the presence of hope, is a matter of choice - the ultimate Pygmalion effect”.

29

Movie Reviews

A

nti-romcom Seriously Single screened at the 28th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) which took place in Los Angeles from 11 to 23 February 2020.

The quirky film, directed by brother and sister team Katleho and Rethabile Ramaphakela, is an hilarious take on the hurdles faced by single black women navigating the world of romance in Johannesburg.

It stars Fulu Mugovhani (Ayanda, 2015) and comedian Tumi Morake (3 Days to Go, Kota Life Crisis, Red Cake - Not the Cooking Show), as two friends looking for love and trying to define themselves as they deal with life in the real world and on social media.

Seriously Single releases in cinemas nationwide on 1 May 2020.

Source: GFC

30

Pottery Productions Ubuntu Arts and Craft Centre R509 Koster road Ubuntu arts and craft centre Magaliesburg 1739 Obakeng Mohloiwa: 073 975 2420

31

Fallen Heroes/Heroines

Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder, Joseph Shabalala

May your soul rest in eternal peace...

32 Source: Google

EVENTS

33

Date

Event

Venue

Time

Contact Person

01

SAFA Women's Football League

Sinaba Stadium, Daveyton

10:00

Harry Letsoalo 072 693 0604

06 - 17

Zabalaza Festival 2020

Baxter Theatre, Cape Town

10:00

Themba Mahlangu 073 516 5120

12

60th Anniversary of Human Rights Memorial Lecture

VUT Amphi Theatre

10:00

Shirley Naran 083 554 1981

14

Soweto Indigeneous Gospel Festival

Uncle Toms Hall, Orlando East

10:00

Khosi Zikalala 082 818 4494

14-15

Knowledge is Power Arts Festival

Ivory Park North Hall (Behind the Police Station)

09:00

Lindile Masuku 065 526 0161

21

Human Rights Day Commemoration

George Thabe Cricket Pitch

09:00

Mandla Yengeni 071 853 4369

21

Kagiso Arts and Craft Market

Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, 3847 Seeiso Str, Vereeniging

07:00

Dikeledi Chakane 071 863 3365

26

Winterveldt Massacre Commemoration

Rock City Stadium

07:00

Chamaine Hlatshwayo 071 906 5750

28

Basic Compliance Workshop

Mafatsane Precinct, Evaton

09:00

Paul Makhale 071 071 854 7895

28

Vesta Smith Commemoration

Noordgesig Creation Centre

07:00

Chamaine Hlatshwayo 071 906 5750

MEC & HOD

AROUND THE HEAD OFFICE

35

LOVE IS IN THE (OFFICE) AIR WHY SHOULD YOU DISCLOSE A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP TO YOUR EMPLOYER? Remember that employers are obligated to safeguard their employees against sexual harassment.

Telling them will help them assess any associated risks (if any) at work in order to protect you.

You can find more relationship advice at www.mywellnesscompass.co.za

For confidential assistance on psychosocial matters, contact your ZINAKEKELE EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMME

on toll-free

0800 611 169 © Life EHS. 2018

HEALTH Information

PSYCHOSOCIAL Counselling

FINANCIAL Assistance

LEGAL Assistance

#GrowingGautengTogether @GautengSACR

Tel: 011 355 2534/2814/ 2766 SACR.communications@gauteng.gov.za www.gauteng.gov.za Surrey House, 35 Rissik St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2001