My Democracy My Write, By Thabo Mongoato

                          My Democracy My Write

                  Future Journalists Programme

                            Opinion

By Thabo Mongoato

Journalism is about getting (involved) out in the world. (A crazy ask and a crazy ‘Yes’ Philipa Bradbury; Groccott’s Mail Tuesday, 13 March 2012)

For me democracy means to be free to walk on any path that I so choose.  It means being free to choose who I want as my leader and being able to question anything that I see as an injustice or misrepresentation on their part. Choosing to be a journalist is one of the most democratic gifts I have ever presented myself with. But being free does not mean I must trample on others chosen paths.  Respect for others, respect for life and respect of knowledge I possess is sacred.

The one thing I notice from today’s youth is ignorance about the role they could play in shaping our democracy by using the tools in their hands to inform their heads.  There is social media like twitter, facebook, myspace, blogger, wordpress etc where any one can voice their views on issues at hand and inspire a lively debate. Instead the youth prefer to talk about mundane things like fashion, television shows, cars, sex and all other useless things.  As a democratic people we have the power to influence intellectual debate. 

The Sunday Times (S.A) is running a campaign called ‘Each one Hire One’ which is an initiative to try and address unemployment.  Opinion leader and writers offer advice on how to create and retain jobs.

                            

                            
                                         Workers installing optical fibres in East London

The youth has a platform to also contribute to ease the burden of illiteracy amongst us.  There is the National Youth Development Agency which I feel we can put pressure into addressing this problem because I believe their core function is to address youth development. There can be no development without youth education.  In future blunders like the R370 million used for the 2010 NYDA festival should be avoided at all costs. Was there any value in such wastage of money? How many people would have benefited in getting bursaries from that money? (www.southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2010/12youth-fest-blunders-on-as-delegates.html) Most of that money came from the National Lotteries Board which is basically our parents’ money.  If only we can pool all our communication tools together and have our own campaign called ‘Take one youth to Tertiary’ I believe we could be on the right path.

                                           

                      
                          

                                          Students learning Final Cut Pro                                  

The youth think that ‘media is accidental’ (Injury Time by Mark Fredericks lecturer of Photojournalism at WSU in East London).  The media is there to push agendas, it is a well oiled machine, the messages we receive have been well planned and carefully executed if we are ignorant of their intentions we may find ourselves as agents of destruction. I believe that as the youth we must not forget the ‘complexion of our business’ (Injury Time by Mark Fredericks) which is to grow up and look after one another by addressing issues as one we will get heard and so the better for the majority of us.

One matter of importance to me as free individual is of religion.  I believe to be truly free, an individual one must have a right to choose which religion to follow.  Being born into a family of Methodists/Anglican/Zionist or any other dominion does not naturally make you one.  Religion and spirituality are not a matter of perpetual succession, it is a matter of choice.  I believe that suppression of thought leads to the death of individuality. 

The youth has no choice but to claim their thought time.  We cannot be mxiting, facebooking, twitting, listening to music and thinking at the same time.  We need to awaken our minds and think a little a day.

                                                                       

                                                                

       

               A WSU student preparing for a test

Dr Peter Magubane 

                                                       Bibliography

1. Bradbury, P. 2012.  A crazy ask and a crazy ‘Yes’. Groccott’s Mail, March 13: 12
2. Fredericks, M, Injury Time


3. www.southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2010/12youth-fest-blunders-on-as-delegates.html [Accessed: 24-05-2012]

Sthembiso    Sithole

@SITHOLEEXPRESS

                         African Reporting Brought to the Spot Light

The issue of how the media reports on African stories has always been a discussion that media practitioners, journalists, government officials and ordinary citizens have always discussed.

The International Relation and Cooperation in partnership with Oresego Holdings hosted a second Media and Communications Colloquia titled “Telling the African Story: Presenting the Continent to the world”. The event was held at OR Tambo Building, Pretoria on 21 May.

Minister of Home Affairs addressing
at Media Communication Colloquia

Different media practitioners, journalists and government officials such as The Star Editor Makhudu Sefara, political adviser to the presidency Charles Nqakula and Minister of Home Affairs and former Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was amongst those who attended the event.

“What is story telling? How to tell it in your advantage? Those are the questions that were asked by Koffi  Kouakou a senior lecturer and programme convener at the Wits University Public and Development Management during the debate about how media reports on Africa.

The debate was on, as the panel debated some of the challenges that are faced in the African media landscape. One of those challenges that were debated are ownership of the media and what influences the stories that editors chose when running their publications and news bulletins.

Charles Nqakul, Mandy Rossouw
and Makhudu Sefara

 Nqakula expressed his views on the media reports about Africa. “The story that we are carrying is about failure. The president cannot read his speech that is a story.”         

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma also took part in the debate were she made her remarks about the theme of the Colloquium. She spoke about the need to tell African and South African stories.

In her opening remarks she said “Telling a story should be our collective responsibility media and all of us.”

“There is a saying that says as long as lions don’t have historians the story will be told by the hunter, we should tell our own story,” Dlamini said.

Mail& Guardian political reporter Mandy Rossouw responded to the remarks that were made by Nqakula that the media reports mostly about negative things that are taking place within government while there are good things that are done e.g. opening clinics and so on.

“Why should we congratulate what the government is supposed to do while my editor does not congratulate me when coming to work?”

The audience were also given a platform to ask questions and one of the questions that were asked was what can journalism schools do to ensure that journalism students are taught about the need to tell African stories.

Other debating panels were Tsepiso Makwetla PM Live presenter an Mzilikazi Wa Afrika and Profesor Pippa Green.

 Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma also urged young journalists to report about African stories

 “Young journalist should be inquisitive and should want to find out for themselves and not write down stories they hear from other people. They should find out for themselves, they should tell stories themselves and should be proud themselves to be Africans

Future Journalists Programme: FJP Assignment(Article)

Future Journalists Programme: FJP Assignment(Article)

FJP Assignment(Article)

My Democracy, My Write

By: Kgowa Tiragalo

It has been 18 years since South Africa has gained its independence. Ever since1994,after the first democratic elections,the government has been promising a better life for all the citizens of this country. 

Amongst other well known rights,which were stated by the freedom chatter drawn by the ANC in 1955 was that"The people shall govern" and "All doors of earning shall be opened for all". However there are mixed-emotions about the present government amongst youth.Some people feel that the government has done much to improve the situation in the country in the of the human rights that were suppressed by the apartheid government.


Some of the people are still not convinced that the government is truly performing its duty as it promised. Tiyani Chauke a 1st level Bachelor of Arts female student in the University of Limpopo feels that the government has failed its people."Jacob Zuma visits Limpopo when he needs our votes and promises us that our social needs will be taken care of.Even the government hotline which was supposed to be helping us in conveying our concerns to the president is not helping us at all" said Tiyani Chauke.


Meanwhile,Ngwako Fortune a male 3rd level Bachelor of Social work student think that the government has done much as it promised that all doors of learning shall be opened for all as he appreciate the National Student Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS) but he also think that the government must take the information to the people in rural areas as they do not have access to information."It took me three years after completing my matric to know that there  are bursaries for previously disadvantaged students to further their studies,so I think,we rural based youth do not have access to information" said Ngwako Fortune.


Mangoro Naomi Thizwilondi, BSc in Community Water and Sanitation Services 2nd level student said that the platform is there but most of people choose to remain silent as to avoid conflicts and being discriminated."People are no longer complaining because their grieviences are ignored by the officials"she said.


A 2nd level Media Studies male student Tshotheli Tuwani said the platforms are but people do not utilise them."There are programmes that give ordinary people a platforms to raise their opinions on issues that affect them.On Phalaphala FM,there is a show called Tshiko tsha mafhungo where listeners get a chance to raise their concerns"he said.


The issue of human rights is very controversial as there are differences amongst people regarding this issue.Some of the people think that the government has done enough to meet the needs of the people  whereas some feel that it has not done anything as it failed to meet the components of the freedom chatter.

“Let’s forget the negatives and appreciate the sacrifice.”

Sphelele Ngubane

Born in the valleys of Qunu, a small village in the middle of beautiful mountains of the Eastern Cape, Dr. Nelson Mandela remains the world’s iconic leader.  The 94-year-old Mandela is well-known for his profound sacrifice he made for the liberation of South Africa (SA).  In his first public speech after being released from prison, he assured people: “....I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.....”

Hiding and trying to run away from the police, Mandela was arrested by police in Howick, a town in KwaZulu Natal.  It was the 5^th of August 1952 when his independence landed in the hands of the apartheid government.  On 1964, it became a black day for Mandela and his family. He was sentenced.  But his imprisonment in the Robben Island is a result of what SA is now.  It is a free country.

People have a lot to say about the retired president of SA.  They seek a platform to air their appreciation to Madiba.  Many have positive but there is also a few with negative feelings towards him.  In the vicinity of Durban, many interviewed have spoken around the element of sacrifice.

“When other men were working for their children, the father of six remained in custody for 27 years, with a dream that one day SA would be freed from the “ruthless” leaders that believed in separation,” said Melizwe Khomo.

The 23-year old said 27 years in prison may seem short when being read about in books but in reality it is extremely long.

Khomo, a Durban University of Technology student, believes that people should forget the bad side of Madiba and start cherishing the good.  He said people should not act like the media which says bad news are worthy than good news.

“Life is too short we cannot camp around the negatives of people’s lives but we should celebrate the good......what is the use of speaking bad about Madiba while the whole world loves him?” concluded Khomo, his facial expression and hands gesture posing a question.

Flashing back at Mandela’s hardship, he experienced his first divorce in 1957.  He had been married for 13 years with his first wife: Evelyn Mase.  Amongst the causes of their divorce, one is said to be Mandela’s constant absences and devotion to revolutionary agitation.

The absence also went for his children.  Mandela missed both good and painful moments of his family: One being the death of his son; Thembi.  He could not also attend the wedding of his daughter; Zenani.  The daughter was getting married to Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini of Swaziland in 1963.

“I suppose the current leaders we have here in South Africa can walk in the footsteps of Madiba.  He has created a path they can follow,” said Lu-Anne Thomas, a Political Science student at the University of KwaZulu Natal.

Thomas criticised the way politicians in our age handle the country.  She said during the struggle, people were in oneness.

“Nobody had a spirit of ‘I’ but they were together......”

Thomas boldly said that the politicians are now working for their own benefit.  Thomas’s dream is to have a school of politics where she will groom upcoming politicians in the values of Mandela.

“I would teach about sacrifices, dedication, passion and a lot that Mandela portrayed as a leader.”

No one ever dreamt that Mandela would be released from prison, neither him nor his family.  When he was captured, it was seen as the end of his road in politics.  Less he knew that being in the prison was a way of questioning his passion about the liberation of South Africa

Resuscitate the principles of Gandhi: Dr. Netshiombo

Sphelele Ngubane

“I wish Mahatma Gandhi would be alive again to proclaim the principle of Satyagraha, that philosophy which says respect the truth,” said Dr. Kenneth Netshiombo, an Executive Dean at the Durban University of Technology.

Welcoming attendants in the lecture hosted by the Journalism Programme, Dr. Netshiombo expressed his disappointment in what he said is not respecting the truth by government and political leaders.  The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design said protests all over the country suggest that South Africa is in deep trouble.  He further pleaded with students to spread the message of truth and non-violence, as Mahatma Gandhi urged.

“If government, the local structures, the municipalities and private sector are going to respect the truth, than half of our problems as the nation would be resolved,” said Dr. Netshiombo.

The keynote lecture titled – Gandhi and the Founders of the African National Congress, was delivered by Advocate Anil Nauriya.  He based his address on the relationship between Gandhi and the ANC.  Adv. Nauriya taught about Gandhi’s role during the struggle against apartheid.  He also spoke severely on the close relationship between Gandhi and the late founding members of ANC, namely: Dr. Prixley kaSeme, John Langalibalele Dube and Dr. Walter Rubusana.

“Gandhi encouraged the ANC to protest non-violently and never hit back to their enemy,” Nauriya said.  He referred to Gandhi as a man of decency, who believed in truth and respect.  Referencing on Dr. Netshiombo’s speech, he said the principle of Gandhi which said: never hit back our enemy but treat them with respect so they may realise their wrongdoings, should be resuscitated.  He said it should be preached amongst children and youth, as they are the emerging leaders of the country.

The lecture themed: Our legacy of non-violence – a reflection on the ANC centenary, had an attendance of the direct descendant of Mahatma Gandhi; Ela Gandhi.  The granddaughter of the philosopher expressed her appreciation to the Journalism Programme.  She said it is an honour that her grandfather’s work is still significant.  Ela Gandhi said it should be remembered that his grandfather ran a number of newspapers in Durban.

“He was a person very closely tied with media,” said Ela Gandhi.  She acknowledged the relationship between Gandhi Development Trust and the Journalism Programme.  She said they have employed a number of graduates from the programme.

“I hope our good relationship won’t end,” Ela Gandhi said.

The lecture ended with thanks from the Journalism Programme Co-ordinator, Adv. Robin Sewlal.  He thanked everybody who made the lecture a success.

Plagiarism solution introduced at DUT

Plagiarism solution introduced at DUT

Sphelele Ngubane

The Durban University of Technology introduced the Turnitin plagiarism detecting software, as a solution for plagiarism prevention earlier this month.  The software will be used by lecturers when assessing students’ work.  This came after the university realised that many students plagiarise when writing assignment.  Students also fail to acknowledge their source but pretend the work they submit as theirs.

The Turnitin software is a web-based programme.  Students are now said to be required to submit both hard and soft copy of their work.  The soft copy is put through Turnitin and the software is able to tell how much the student has plagiarised.

Improve students’ thinking

DUT spokesperson, Alan Khan said that there was an urgent need that the university gets a programme of this kind.  Khan mentioned that there are many students who graduate without mastering the art of thinking.  He said this is caused by students who plagiarised.

“We were really in need of the solution to plagiarism.  We have produced thousands of students whom some of them were copying other people’s work and pretend it was their own.  We have spent a lot of money in buying this software but we believe it will benefit us and mostly the improve students,” said Khan.

Original writings required

The Department of Media, Language and Communication is said to be the one that needed the software of this kind mostly.  According to the Head of the Department, Ms. Mbali Makhubu, the department requires students to be able to form their original written pieces.  Makhubu says students need to be able to come up with new writings to show that they really understand what they are being lectured.

“Students need to apply the knowledge they acquire in lectures and be able to write original work.  We do not want students who will pass and when they get to workplace they fail to deliver because they have been plagiarising other people’s work.  The Turnitin software is really going to help us in this mission of ours, the mission to create students with originality,” said Makhubu.

The Journalism Programme

While other programmes are seen to be using it once in a while, the Journalism Programme has started using it.  Adv. Robin Sewlal who lectures at the department said it became much more paramount that the Journalism Programme uses the Turnitin software.  He said as the programme they really want to promote original thought and the culture of original pieces.

“I fear that if we do not curb plagiarism could be taken out in the industry and the industry does not need that, and if the industry does not need that, your respective audience does not need that,” Adv. Sewlal said.

Sewlal said he would recommend the software for all universities.  He said one would not expect people, be the student or the academic staff to be copying other people’s work.

“By having the software, it provides a deterrent to people who would want to plagiarise, so if students know such a software has been put into use they will stop plagiarising. Whenever they are writing their assignments they will remember to acknowledge other people’s work they have used.  They will also be encouraged to write their own stuff.”

Teach using Turnitin

The Faculty of Arts and Design Writing Centre encouraged the use of the software even by students themselves.  The Writing centre co-ordinator, Andrea Alcock ensured that there has been a serious problem with students plagiarising.  Alcock advised that the software be used as a teaching tool.

 “It’s better to use it in a more positive way, where Turnitin tells the students what level of originality they managing to create when they are writing and that way Turnitin does not have to be seen as a punishment or as a big stick thing waved but rather as a way to develop oneself as a writer.”

Production of quality students

Simethembile Mbatha: Journalism student said the software is seen to be a way of failing them but he does not believe in that.  Mbatha said it will ensure that students of quality are produced.

“I believe this will be good help.  It will make us work hard and stand on our toes.  The unprofessional practice of “cut & paste” will be over and students now will create their own writings and do thorough research and also be able to paraphrase the information they get,” said Mbatha.

The Turnitin plagiarising software is currently available for lecturers in DUT.  Students hope that they will soon have access to it, so they may check their work themselves before they submit to lecturers.

Come Saturday 19 May will the lean years wait over for Moroka Swallows? or Orlando Pirates be celebrating their unprecedented second treble in a row?

By Tendai sibanda

The last day of the 2011/12 Absa premiership season on Saturday 19 May is quickly approaching us and what an interesting day it looks to be. I love soccer and it flows in my veins. I have to say how exciting it is that the destiny of the league tittle will be once again decided on the last day of the season. Will history repeats itself, Orlando pirates find themselves in this situation as last season were they clinched the tittle on the very last day of the season, facing the very same team Golden Arrows whom they beat 2-1 at Orlando Stadium. But this time around they have to do it away from home which makes it a very breaking point game.While Moroka swallows have a tricky away encounter against  Mazitzburg United who broke Ajax Capetown hearts by holding them to a draw while a victory by the Capetown side will have handed them the league crown in the expense of the Bucaneers.

The last day of the season keeps the anticipation levels highly especially if you are a supporter of either Orlando pirates or Moroka Swallows. As it stands now at 29 games the race is between the two Soweto giants and it is of no doubt that it makes for such exciting end of the season.

Its days like Saturdy 19 May, i realise how much emotional attachment i have for this beautiful game as famously dupped by  the greatest player this word has ever seen Pele. He once famously said football is not like war, it should be played with smile. Some teams like Mamelodi Sundows have just thrilled the fans with their breath taking touches and attacking flair all season long.

With just one game to go before the league rounds off and the curtain closes. We have the Absa premiership tittle heading either of the Soweto giants Orlando pirates who currently stands on 55 points and Moroka swallows on 53 points. Orlando pirates takes on Golden Arrows away while Moroka Swalows have Maritzburg United also away. Neither of the teams are going to be willing to squander these games. With Orlando pirates ahead on 2 points could they actually hang on to the top and successfully defend their titte or will the history books be re written by Moroka swallows. For now we dont have answers, come Saturday 19 May the answers will be provided.

It does not end with the Soweto giants there are also some mouth watering ties and dog fight battles for the top 8 finish to go with and thats what makes it even more interesting. The third and fourth place is to be decided between Supersport United on 51 points, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer chiefs  on  both 49 points. However chasing on their tails is Free state stars on 48 points who will also relish   a chance in finishing on the top four position. As it stands if either of the third or fourth placed teams draw or lose and fifth and sixth teams win their games this could be a tricky finish to the season.

The last decider of Saturday 19 May's season end is also the relagation battle between Jomo cosmos, Santos and Black leopards. Black leorpards 14 on the log are on 25 points and can ease their woes if they can hold their nerve and cruise to the last 2 games by regestering outright victories. Leopards had had a tough season back on the PSL and their median season following many years battling in the lower ranks not made easier by their commintment on the CAF cup on the African stage. Santos who lie 15 on the log on 24 points and they welcome fellow strugglers Jomo cosmos home which is certainly going to be a tough match of the 3 games. They will be hoping to regester a win and relish their survival hopes in the elite ranks through the psl promotional play offs with the two teams which finish second and third in the national first division leagues (NFD).Jomo Cosmos on 18 points are rooted at the bottom of the log which can be certainly the end of their campaingn in the psl and they should be preparing a life in the NFD. With them playing Santos away doesnt make it any easier , but one will excpect Jomo and his men to give out  a gallant fight and bow out bravely.

What a tense and entertaining season it has been. I certainly didn't think all will be decided on the last day. I am not sure anyone could have predicted the twists and turns of the season at all. Heading to the christimas break Sundows looked on poll position to go all the way and clinch the league tittle. In the second stanza they have blown away that and as it stands now they are out of the picture and they have themselves to blame for this. It is yet another frustation for  Motsepe's highly assembled squad with only the nedbank cup final set for 26 May against city rivals Supersport United to play for presenting them with a chance to finish with silverware or risk another season with so much promise but ended on empty hands.

Its a different story altogether to some teams. Moroka swallows have pulled together really well and proved everyone wrong considering that last season at this stage of the season they were involved on th dog fight battles of relagation. Fast foward that ,now are sitting  right up there with the top teams standing  a chance to outset Orlando pirates and pip them on the tittle on the last day of the season. Gordon Igesund and his side deserves to be appauded for sterlling performances this season.

The defending champions Orlando pirates in the first half looked liked they will surrender their tiitle on a silver plate. In the second half of the season they have bounced back on style and it takes such a strong character by players to achieve this. As things stand now they look on the course to regester their second successive unprecedented  treble with Golden Arrows the team standing between them and  success . In the past two seasons they have been slowly stamping their authority on the local soccer and at present moment no one can deny that they rule the local scene.

Jomo Cosmos, Black leopards and Santos fell apart and have given a few shocks. Jomo cosmos with two wins all season.The fight for the top was pretty much between Orlando pirates, Mamelodi Sundows, Supersport United, Kaizer chiefs , Moroka swallows and high flying Free State Stars whole way through. Ajax Capetown, Amazulu, Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic suffererd a bit this year they are not near what they were last season. Mamelodi Sundowns came out firing but subdued towards the end and Ajax Capetown, Maritzburg United just fired their way out after selling their best players following their unprecedented seasons the previous year.

As a soccer lover, i have enjoyed the thrilling displays and battles on the field of play this season. 19 May is almost upon us, i hope all the Mzansi football lovers enjoy the last action and day of the season .Remember its not over until the final whistle will be blown. If Orlando pirates  lose and Moroka Swallows wins on the day they will grab the chance to be crowned the Absa premier soccer champions following a  long lean years.

All the round fixtures 19 May 2012, kickoff time 15.00 across all the matches.

Home teams drawn first

Black Leopards vs Ajax Capetown

Bloemfontein Celtic vs Supersport United

Golden Arrows vs Orlando pirates

Kaizer Chiefs vs Amazulu

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Free State Stars

Maritzburg United vs Moroka swallows

Platinum Stars vs Bidvest Wits

Santos vs Jomo Cosmos

Five top scorers in the league so far                            The league table

1. Siyabonga Nomvethe ( Moroka swallows)   20             Team                         Games   Points

2.Eleazar Rodgers          ( Santos                 )  12             1. Pirates                    29          55

3.Edward Manqele         (Free State Stars    )  11            2.Swallows                 29          53

4.David Mathebula         (Moroka Swallows )   10           3.Supersport Utd        29          51

5. Katlego Mphela          (Mamelodi Sundowns) 10          4. Sundows                29          49

                                                                                        5.Kaizer chiefs            29          49

                                                                                        6.Free State Stars       29          48

                                                                                        7.Bloem Celtic            29          41

                                                                                        8.Amazulu                   29          40

                                                                                        9. Ajax Capetowon     29          40

                                                                                        10.Platinum Stars         29          36

                                                                                        11.Maritzburg              29          34

                                                                                        12. Golden Arrows      29          32

                                                                                        13.Bidvest Wits           29          30

                                                                                        14.Black Leopards      28          25

                                                                                        15. Santos                  29           24

                                                                                        16. Jomo cosmos        28           18