Ntshebele March 2023

Editors Note

As we embrace this new month, it’s important to have a moment to reflect on generations that came before us and their impact on our lives today. This month is a reminder of the brave men and women who were wronged and put up a good fight to be where we are today.

We all need to act with the same level of responsibility that we want to see in our workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, personal relationships;, and in the future of our nation.

We should relish opportunities to endure and band together because we are embracing both who we once were and, more importantly, who we have become. By working together and taking things one step at a time, we’ll succeed.

Beginning with yourself, affect those around you on a personal and collective level. That is the true meaning behind nation building and working within “Ubuntu”.

I’d like to instill this quote from the late Tata Madiba, and he says “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.”

The annual celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, acts as an important focal point for the women’s rights movement and raises awareness of topics including gender parity, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.

The IWD was first seen on February 28th, 1909, in New York City. Arranged by the Socialist Party of America at the activist Theresa Malkiel’s recommendation. There have been allegations that the occasion honoured a march by female garment workers that took place in New York on March 8, 1857, however researchers contend that this is a fabrication created to disassociate International Women’s Day from its socialist roots.

Prior to the Socialist Second International’s general assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark, in August 1910, an international socialist women’s conference was arranged. [19] German delegates Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, Paula Thiede, and others urged the creation of an annual “Women’s Day,” however no date was selected. This idea was partially inspired by American socialists.

The 100 delegates, who represented 17 nations, approved of the proposal as a means of advancing equal rights, including women’s suffrage. It was later adopted by other nations as well.

Since 2010, the IWD has developed themes focused on these problems women experience in order to raise awareness. The hashtag for this year’s topic is #EmbraceEquity. The aim is to give the understanding between equality and equity.

How important it is to acknowledge that every person has unique circumstances and that they should have the precise resources and opportunities needed to attain an equal result.

IWD believes that if we embrace equity, we embrace diversity. Are you in? Will you accept equity? Here’s how, though.

Give the planet a warm embrace. Make the IWD #EmbraceEquity stance to demonstrate your support.

To inspire people to contribute to the creation of an inclusive society, post your #EmbraceEquity image, video, resources, presentation, and articles on social media with the hashtag #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity. If you’re looking for other ways to support the IWD initiative, click the link below for further information.

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Resources

C ontents

WORLD TEEN MENTAL WELLNESS DAY

BASICS OF STARTING A VEGETABLE GARDEN

ORAL HISTORY AT KWA MAI MAI COVER STORY

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

RELAXATION TIPS

GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS

WORLD TEEN MENTAL WELLNESS DAY

Each year on 2nd of March, we recognize World Teen Mental Wellness Day. The day aims to “raise greater awareness of mental health issues among teens, as well as provide education about removing stigmas surrounding preventative mental health.”

Many teenagers struggle with their mental health. It is important that as a society we increase awareness, stop the stigma, and let teens know that is okay to not be okay.

While we have come a long way in terms of spreading the word about mental health, there is still much work to be done. Many mental health concerns in teens go undetected and untreated due to a lack of understanding about the subject. To secure a brighter future for all children, parents and caregivers, as well as teens themselves, must be educated around the importance of good mental health.

People with mental health disorders have long been stigmatised in our society. There are numerous negative connotations linked with mental diseases and individuals who suffer from them. These are unfounded and based on falsehoods, and they make people, especially teens, less reluctant to seek treatment.

We must eliminate this stigma, and raising awareness is an important first step. For people who are hurting, especially those who are suffering silently, it may appear that no one understands and that they are fighting this battle alone. This day serves as a reminder to kids that they are not alone, that it is okay to feel the way they do, and that there is plenty of support available.

To ensure an inclusive and viable commemoration of this year’s provincial Human Rights Day on 21 March, the MEC Mosupyoe engaged various stakeholders in Sharpeville.

These included the two mayors of Emfuleni Local Municipality, Sedibeng District Municipality, various political parties, potential service providers and partners from Sedibeng including Sharpeville. This year marked the 63rd anniversary of the eventful day on 21 March 1960, where 69 innocent lives were lost, under the apartheid brutal regime.

Every year the provincial government commemorates the day in remembrance of the lives lost, but mostly in the celebration of our constitutional democracy which guarantees rights and equality of all.

By: Staff Reporter

The department works to ensure the event benefits the local economy of Sedibeng including the livelihoods of the local people. Service providers had an opportunity to bid for services which range from water supply, catering, security, sound, stage etc.

Other engagements have been with the various political parties to come together in commemoration of the event, to honour the fallen heroes of our struggle who lost their lives fighting for the freedom we enjoy today.

The department will continues to engage the different stakeholders including educational institutions, families of victims, NGOs, and more to ensure incident free and inclusive commemorative events.

Tip|

Tomatoes suck up sunlight almost as much as they take in water.

Picking a good location for your garden is absolutely key. A subpar location can result in subpar veggies!

Why garden, you ask? How about enjoying the best vegetables and fruit you’ve ever eaten? If you’ve never tasted garden-fresh food, you will be amazed by the sweet, juicy flavors and vibrant textures. There’s absolutely nothing quite like fresh veggies, especially if you grow them yourself—which you can!

It may seem daunting at first, but gardening is a very rewarding hobby. On this page, we’ll highlight the basics of vegetable gardening and planning: how to pick the right site for your garden, how to create the right-size garden, and how to select which vegetables to grow.

Sunny spot: Most vegetables need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. There are a few veggies (mostly the leafy ones) that will tolerate some shade.

Drains well and doesn’t stay wet: If you have poorly drained soil where water pools, plant veggies in a raised bed or raised row for improved drainage. Wet soil means wet roots, which can turn into rotted roots. If you have rocky soil, till and remove the rocks, as they will interfere with root growth and make for weaker plants.

Stable and not windy: Avoid places that receive strong winds that could knock over your young plants or keep pollinators from doing their job. Nor do you want to plant in a location that receives too much foot traffic or floods easily. Plant in a location that would make Goldilocks smile—somewhere that’s “just right.”

Nutrient-rich soil. You soil feeds your plants. If you have thin, nutrient-poor soil, you’ll have poor, unhealthy plants. Mix in plenty of organic matter to help your plants grow.

https://www.almanac.com/vegetable-gardening-for-beginners

In an effort to build and encourage local businesses and promote market access, the department is currently hosting a two-day Oral History and Documentation session at Kwa Mai-Mai Cultural Market. The session will touch base on oral history storytelling and discussions including cultural and traditional showcasing of products.

Major topics of the day will include indigenous business coaching methods, government intervention on market access, motivation on businesses and the tourism sector.

In line with the TISH (Townships, Informal Settlements & Hostels) Programme, the department visited Kwa Mai-Mai Heritage Site for an Oral History & Documentation Session focusing on market access initiatives, business, heritage and culture.

The Mai Mai Market in the east of Johannesburg is one of the city’s oldest markets and home to approximately 600 people who have lived in the complex for decades.

The market offers African Traditional Medicine, Cultural Artefacts and known authentic South African street food.

When life throws you curveballs, what is the one thing that keeps you going?

Iam a hard-working and driven individual who isn’t afraid to face a challenge. I’m passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn’t believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do, at least I try.

To describe myself in one word, I’m a very ambitious person. I take up all learning opportunities that enhance my skills and know-how to cope up with failures. I like challenging myself to find creative solutions as quickly as possible and resolve any issues at hand, I’m a positive self-starter.

What personal goals do you wish to achieve during your time here with us?

• Develop a Passion into my work career.

• Cultivate commitment in relationships with my colleagues.

• Boost Leadership Skills

• Build my professional network.

What goals do you wish to achieve within the department?

• Contribute positively to the departmental goals.

• To see the department being “a department of choice to the Gauteng Community”

• To build a professionalised department

• DSACR to be sampled as one of the benchmarking department in the world

• Strive to improve time management capabilities.

• Assist employees to reduce stress and frustrations, and to Increase productivity.

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

I wish I could change the negative attitude, behaviour and characteristics of some individuals in order to shape the culture of our organisation for the upcoming generation.

Outside of your previous duties, what are the things you do to positively impact someone else or communities at large?

• I share my life experiences

• I give people my time to listen and talk to through my busy schedule

• Through my hobbies of farming and woodwork projects, I create employment for community members

• I always remind people to be focused and remember where they come from because your history will shape you to be a better person in the community you are with today

What advice would you give staff for personal and professional growth? There are strategies that I can say they must be prioritised for professional development, even when they are busy:

• Focus on your objectives.

• Must learn to value individuals around them.

• Manage obstacles and distractions.

• Set boundaries.

• Control your own destiny or someone else will.

• Make learning a habit.

• Make every second count.

• Respect and humbleness are key to acknowledgement

• Learn at your best.

• Learn to have a positive attitude and a good character because this is the mechanism of attracting or repelling good things in your journey of life.

• Collaborate with others.

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

Unfortunately, it is two, farming and woodwork.

Convince with your Outfit for Career & Advancement

Plan a wardrobe that is appropriate for the organization and its culture, aiming for the most professional appearance possible. Keep your jewellery and accessories to a minimum. Try not to smoke or eat right before the interview and brush your teeth or use mouthwash if possible.

Remember that it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, and to wear clothing that fits well and is clean and pressed.

The pencil skirt is the perfect pick, ladies. Stylish and professional, it’s a key part of an workplace attire.

Loafers have an on-trend snaffle detail on the toe. Loafers are having a moment right now. Wear yours with belted blazer and ankle-grazing trousers this season.

Iwas recently asked several questions on Human Rights by a 12year old young man. I had recently learnt that he is into performance arts -drama and acting- and I suspect he was researching for this.

This how he went about throwing a list of questions: ‘Nou grootman die ding ya human rights- ke eng vele?; So if kele ntwana so, di human rights tsa ka di lekana le tsa batho ba groot or?; Wena o qadile ho tseba neng ka di human rights tsa gago?; and Vele vele why re tlamaile ho celebreita human rights?

I needed some timeout and wished to tell him that we should make time because I know he can talk waya-waya. And if freedom of expression was a person, he is a perfect fit. With so many important questions I knew I had to pause for a learning and teaching moment and with some help form the quick web search through my phone, we got down to it.

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Celebration

Celebration

Now, him and me always have some light amusing conversations, and the young fellow is always never shy to express himself and has an inquisitive brain. I have realized how much he’s using his calculated engagements with, especially adults, to absorb every little wisdom and knowledge. He is witty, sharp minded and jolly and anyone not falling for his charm is surely a coldhearted in-human being.

Often our conversations go like (Him‘Ola grootman, o grand ke kopa o ngaye ponto’. Me: ‘Ola ntwanas, ke sharp wena….eintlik o etsang ka diponto tse baaie so’? Him: Hahahaha kea saver, akere nou ke batla go baaie bo di bhathu le ntho tse mnate so that le nna ke be mnate. And weere wa tseba ka baisa, so kea stocka and then e salang ke ya e saver).

Now back to the questions I tell him what human rights is as explained in the South African constitution -and what it says about his and my basic equal human rights as fellow human beings, whether he is young or I am older.

I tell him that there’s atleast about 15 basic human rights and all this are guaranteed in our South African Constitution, something that never existed before the 1994 democratic elections. Before then, people were treated differently according to their race, colour, gender, and age among others. He was surprised to learn that there’s a list of 15 things he felt he didn’t know, “Worriedly he wonders loudly –“Eesishh, how come I don’t know these because ‘nna wa tseba’, ke batla ho tseba everything”?

I assure him that even a lot of adults don’t know this and that’s why he will never overhear them talk about it. They just know that there’s democracy, freedom and rights but don’t know what is being said there.

I tell him that in the democratic South Africa there’s among others, the rights to: Equality; Human dignity; Life; Education; Healthcare, food, water and social security; Housing; Political Freedom and Security; Privacy; Freedom of expression; Freedom of Association; Citizenship and more.

I could see he was wondering how, when, where are these rights as we go by on a daily basis. I asked if he knew about the free healthcare in clinics, free education; social grants; free housing (RDPs); and the fact that he can express himself freely and go onto criticize government.

I tell him that even though these rights are guaranteed, there’s also a limitation on the rights so that you don’t trample those (rights) of others. You can’t insult, lie or attack people because ‘wena’ you have freedom of expression. I tell him ‘di rights ha se tsa gago’ alone, but they are for everyone and therefore we need to balance these.

I also told him about how even the corruption that continues to happen today worsens the situation for many by denying them their basic human rights because the money that is supposed to give people healthcare, houses, free education and more s being stolen. Indeed President Cyril Ramaphosa is correct In saying there’s a need to bring efficiency Local Government because ‘failure to consistently provide adequate services is a human rights issue’.

By Anonymous

The Gauteng Human Rights Music Festival held in Sharpeville on Saturday, 25 March 2023 brought down the curtain on the last weekend of the Human Rights Month.

A total of 8 bands took to the stage headlined by the legendary McCoy Mrubata, who took revelers down memory lane with his iconic music.

For the past 10 years the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has been hosting this special music festival which also gives opportunities to Gauteng based emerging artists to showcase their talent and support their livelihood. Since the inaugural festival in 2013, over 70 different bands have been featured and this is thanks to the Puisano Live Music programme which identifies the best unsigned bands through regional auditions. The selected bands are contracted for a year to perform at various government led events when required.

Human Rights Music Festival attracts large crowds in Sharpeville

By Mpolokeng Moloi

Said MEC Morakane Mosupyoe: “The Puisano Live Music programme is contributing immensely to promoting and developing upcoming artists and bands in Gauteng. It has not only been instrumental in creating market access for unsigned and unrecorded bands, but it also continues to strengthen the growth of live music circuit in the province. We want to see this expand more into townships and rural areas”.

With the 30th anniversary of our democracy loading in 2024, the festival promises to be bigger, bolder boisterous.

Meanwhile, the department has been working hard to improve its performance for the 2022/23 financial year. In the last 3 quarters, the department reached hundreds of beneficiaries achieving 90% of its target within the element of Creative Arts.

The beneficiaries received arts equipment; emerging creatives were trained as part of the creation of a transformed, capable and professional Arts and Cultural sector; participated in capacity building and enterprise development programmes; street artists were supported with developmental programmes, to only mention a few.

Focus has also been on Creative Industries deliverables, where 60% was achieved in the last 3 quarters. This includes job opportunities created through arts and culture; supporting living legends; financial support provided to arts organisations; Community Arts Centers implementing arts programmes.

Working with the industry, the department has market access programmes to help expose artists including crafters, designers and artists, to new and bigger markets. Recently the department held a successful access to markets initiative at the Sharpeville Monument during the provincial Human Rights Day Commemoration and a few days later, it was the Kwa MaiMai heritage celebration.

In the coming financial year 2023/24, the department will be looking to do more through its programmes that are geared and aimed at dealing with areas of development and support across the art forms within the heritage, arts and creative industries.

Many of the departmental programmes include funding (Grants in Aid) in theatre (iShashalazi); DJ development; dance; art in schools; Puisano Live Music; donating art equipment; capacity building; Skills transfer all targeted at providing support and necessary interventions at the emergent level of our programmes.

Relaxation tips when you can’t leave the office

Take a 10-minute break

Read, take a walk or even daydream while looking out the window.

Meditate with technology

Use online apps like Calm, Headspace and Buddhify to help you meditate.

Manage your emails

Schedule specific segments of your day to review and respond to emails.

Stay in touch

Take a break, chat with coworkers, or call your spouse or a friend.

The 11th annual Gauteng Sports Awards were held on February 18, 2023, at the Soshanguve Campus of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). A night filled with glitz and glamour as people from all around the province gathered to celebrate and support the winning nominees.

A lot of the guests really came to show up and show off their beautifully put together garments for the black carpet. The atmosphere was so full of frenzy as we awaited to see the victors of every category. What is an award ceremony without a little razzle-dazzle with entertainment. With Pabi Cooper, Focalistic and Dr Malinga with one of the biggest performances that night. An established dance crew also took center stage to keep the crowd moving.

With this year being the year of women in sports, it comes as no surprise that they were the ones that dominated the bulk of the victories that night, including the lifetime achievement award.

The women that came to the stand as victorious were Irma Reyneke (athletics)won Coach of the Year, Michelle Joubert (hockey),

Michelle Joubert was named Technical Official of the Year and Nelly ‘MaNellys’ Kubayi was crowned Sport Fan of the Year, while Retha Ingenbleek won for Online Virtual Sport & Recreation Programme of the Year in athletics.

We also had Primedia’s Palesa Manaleng was named Sport Journalist of the Year, Zalika Methula won Most Promising Athlete of the Year for diving, wheelchair basketball’s Michelle Mmasefako Mona was awarded Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability and Olympic swimming champion Lara van Niekerk was crowned Sportswoman of the Year.

With one of the biggest achievements that night being, Shihan Shabnum Mia’s lifetime achievement award for her stellar contribution in the sport fraternity in Martial Arts.

Other major winners of the night included Titans Deaf Cricket Team for Sport Team of the Year with a Disability, Aquatics Gauteng winning Federation of the Year, Tshwane FM announced as Community Media of the Year and the night’s youngest award recipient was Caleb Levi Levitan, winning Amayanga Yanga Young Athlete of the Year.

Furthermore, Fireballs Netball, Titans Cricked (4 Day League) and the Mamelodi Sundowns males and ladies’ teams were recognized as Sport Teams of the Year, receiving the acknowledgment for winning their leagues in the 2021/2022 season.

The Gauteng Sports Awards’ intent is to reward the province’s sports stars for their efforts in keeping the passion of sport alive. Their aim is to recognize and honour individuals and teams who have excelled both on and off field. We got to see new faces coming on to the scene as nominees. Maybe this time around they will bag a few wins. We will have to await to see, who will become victorious this year.

Remember to always keep close to nature

BY: Tshedza Pictures Phatu Makwarela & Gwydion Beynon

Taking place in Johannesburg, Adulting follows four varsity friends. Their strong bond has held them together even as their journeys in life have taken them in very different directions. Theirs is the bromance of the decade.

Thembinkosi Mthembu (Mabutho in The River and King Dingiswayo in the upcoming Shaka iLembe) stars as successful businessman Bonga, with Luthando BU Mthembu (Big Brother Mzansi) as toy boy Vuyani, Thabiso Rammusi (The Suit) as cheating family man Mpho, and Nhanhla Kunene (Muvhango) as hot-headed bad-boy Eric.

Also look out for the likes of SAFTA nominee Winnie Ntshaba (The Herd) and Sikelelwa Vuyeleni (Hope) as Vuyani’s sugar mamma and Eric’s baby mamma respectively; Lungile Duma (The River) as Mpho’s wife; and Buhle Samuels (One Night KwaMxolisi) and newcomer Londeka Shishi as Bonga’s love interests.

Adulting is created by Tshedza Pictures’ Phatu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon, who’ve won five Best Scriptwriting SAFTAs in the past four years for smash hit shows like The Republic and The River, which was also nominated for an International Emmy.

https://stories.showmax.com/za/what-to-watch-onshowmax-in-march-2023

Asbonge

EDITORIAL TEAM

Themba Masondo

Chief in Editor

Nomazwe Ntlokwana

Editor

Kefilwe Mphake

Contributing Editor

‘Monde Ngcobo Design & Layout

Photographer

Dimpho Maboya

Koketso Raletele

Kefilwe Mphake

‘Monde Ngcobo

Content

Dimpho Maboya

Koketso Raletele

Mpolokeng Moloi

Vinolia Chabedi

Tumelo Taunyane

Lebo’ Bell