TO SERVE OR NOT TO SERVE!!!

By: Asasnda Sokanyile

I believe that in life we all have different roles to fulfil.  I therefore believe that each of us should undertake with pride our respective duties, particularly those within civil society.  With that said, I am not convinced that the South African Police Service boasts a fully committed group of community service providers.  Police are there to provide a service to the people, they are there to protect the communities and most importantly they are to uphold the good name of the country by ensuring that they are on top of all criminal activities.  They should be able to uproot any criminal elements in communities and should be visible at all times so as to eliminate opportunity for criminal activity.

In many communities, particularly black communities, vigilantism has taken over.  This is due to lack of efficient policing within the communities.  I strongly believe that the police service is filled with people who are only interested in their pay-cheques and not necessarily in the betterment of society.  Police do not respond timeously to crime scenes, they hardly know what to do in cases of house breaking (or perhaps they don’t want to do anything) and they are simply unfit.

In my opinion, the six months’ training that police/future police undergo is simply not enough.  Policing is a mental, physical, psychological and emotional job; it is therefore imperative that the training tackles all of these aspects.  How is a policeman weighing over 200kg pure fat and not muscle going to chase after a criminal weighing about 90kg? It is Ludacris to have fat policeman and expect results; they are unfit therefore they will not be able to fulfil the job so why are they in those positions?  It is also important for police to remain mindful of the fact that they are dealing with people with various problems and therefore need to be handled differently.  They need to be taught how to be empathetic; in fact, they need to be taught what it is to be empathetic.  

They need to be psycho-analysed so as to eradicate police brutality and spousal killings by police.  If police are going to be the ones committing the crimes then what is the purpose of having them?  Well, for now that is not really the issue, the issue is that though they are available they are simply not visible enough to combat any crime at all.  Have you ever called the police station to report a crime in progress and had the police tell you “there are no vans, we have to wait for a van to come back from another crime scene?” it is crazy.  Even crazier though, when they do eventually get to where they were supposed to have been two hours ago; they can’t take down a simple statement.  If you want your statement to be recorded; you have to write it yourself. 

Not only do you write your own statement, you then have to follow up with the police.  That’s if you want anything done about whatever it is that you called them about in the first place anyway.  If you are lucky, your case may be attended to in the next two to three years.  Why, you many wonder! Well because there “aren’t enough” police to get to your case.  Though you may find them hanging outside police vans eating Kentucky Fried Chicken in the wee hours of the mornings or parked outside their significant others’ place of residence while on duty, please do not hold this against them.  These people are not equipped enough to handle civil duties to their full extent. In fact, they are not equipped to handle them at all.  

In my opinion, the entire SAPS needs to be scraped and a new compliment of physically, mentally and psychologically fit people who are passionate about the job should be taken on.  If police were efficient we would not be having people taking the law into their own hands, we wouldn’t have people resorting to accepting taxi drivers “sorting out” criminals.  Crime is on the rise, don’t let statistics fool you; government is very good at covering things up.  What about the crimes that aren’t reported because people don’t see the need to? What about the crimes solved by vigilantes? What about the vigilantism itself? Is that not a crime? Well, I was of the impression it was, but hey, if SAPS says it’s not because if means extra work and not enough time to spend at the local vetkoek parlour then who am I to judge?  

The police ministry needs to go back to the drawing board and assess the current work force, most importantly look into ensuring good sound service delivery to communities, give tax-payers value for their money and clean up shop.

ANCYL Limpopo gathers for Nelson Mandela Lecture.

  By: Kgowa Tiragalo

On the evening of 25th July, the African National Congress    Youth   League in Limpopo gathered to honor the internationally acclaimed hero of the apartheid struggle Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. 

Visiting the University of Limpopo,Turfloop campus for the first time since he was appointed as the  premier of the province, Mr. Mathabatha Stan received a warm welcoming from the students. The students sang struggle songs as he was making his way into the hall.

The premier dated back the formation of African National Congress Youth League and gave the reason for its formation."In 1944,Nelson Mandela and other young comrades formed the ANCYL because they thought the older comrades were taking time to deal with the challenges brought about by the apartheid regime"said Mathabatha. The premier praised Mandela for being brave in the fight against the apartheid government.Mathabatha said that"Besides of being young,Mandela volunteered to join African National Congress, the mother body in the campaign called Defiance of the oppressive laws in 1952 and during that campaign more than 150 people were arrested including Nelson Mandela".

Mathabatha went on to state some of the events were Nelson Mandela was involved. The head of Limpopo province said that "in 1973 comrades Thabo Mbeki, Moses Mabhida and others went to Vietnam to attend what was called The People's War and by then Nelson Mandela was in jail. They came back and encouraged mass mobilization and that was when the new political parties emerged".

The name Nelson Mandela appeared more often in most of the Mathabatha's speech. Mathabatha thanked Mandela for negotiating with the,then  government to for the unbanning of ANC while he was still in jail and forcing the government to allow ANC members to be part of the negotiations.

The premier used the time and platform to criticize Julius Malema who parted ways with ANC and to clarify the misunderstood Freedom Charter."Some people decided to leave liberation movement to start something called EFF"said Mathabatha.Mathabatha continued to say"yes,the freedom charter says that the land shall be returned to the rightful owners but we cannot do that forcefully and recklessly" Limpopo premier thanked and urged the youth to carry on supporting the ANC.

 

 

A Different Youth

By: Asanda Sokanyile

Almost 40 years since young black students swarmed the streets of many townships of South Africa, from Soweto to Langa.  June 16 is a day to honour and commemorate the fallen youth who fought tirelessly against Bantu Education.  Thousands of students risked their lives for what they believed in.

The struggle has changed,  and the youth of today has its own struggles and tribulations.  We are a different youth, we have our own struggles and I think it is sad that our struggles are not realised or celebrated.  Many students at Cape Peninsula University of Technology share these sentiments and believe that it is time to start chanting new songs, not songs of freedom but songs of triumph.  We might not be fighting against the apartheid regime but we are fighting against many other forces. Some of us live in shacks, we have no proper sanitation and the lack of service delivery from government is an everyday struggle, but we are pushing on.  I remember how infuriating watching Cutting Edge a few weeks ago when the topic for the evening was the issue of "portable" toilets in squatter camps.  The lack of dignity that comes with this "solution" is alarming.  Can you imagine a man, a father, head of the home  having to go to the toilet infront of his children, in his one room home?  where is the digninty? where is the sense of worth? Is it even considered?  It is a wonder.

 

While the youth of today may know and understand the tragedy of June 16, 1976, we feel strongly about the lack of appreciation for our everyday struggles.  We spend the day drinking and going about our lives, because we feel a sense of disconnect and therefore don’t see the need to mourn and bury our  head in the sand forever.

The youth has changed, and so has the struggle, today’s youth wants to be heard and celebrated as people of character and many possibilities.

Let us continue the legacy of Madiba

By Afred Makhubela

Thursday 18 July 2013 marked  Nelson Mndela’s  95^th birthday, hundreds of people chanted and sang  birth day songs and struggle songs outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria were the struggle Icon is fighting for his life.

Ahmed Kathrada, Mandela’s long time friend  encouraged people to perpetuate the values Mandela has lived for. “ South Africa and the world  devoted  much more than 67 minutes that shows love and respect, the world has once more united,  wishing him good health and pledging  to carry on his values and what he lived for”, said the former Rivonia trialist.

Gogo On Tour marketing director  Khensani  Matjokane took his members to the hospital  for well wishes for mandela and they shared cake with  children at the hospital as part of their Mandela Day celebrations. She edged young people to reflect back  and compare current situations  of  South Africa.

“ Young people must look back and see the changes, they will know where they come from  because Mandela has brought a huge change”, said Matjokane.

The former statesman has been in hospital since the 8th of June 2013 with a recurring lung infection.  His close friends and family celebrted his historical birthday as the presidency says he responds well to medication.

Slain TUT Student Remembered

Dismayed family memmbers and friends during a memorial service  of slain TUT student Gopolang Ngobeni

 Alfred Makhubela

Hundreds of Tshwane University of Technology students and staff members paid tribute during a memorial service of slain student Gopolang Ngobeni who was allegedly shot and killed by police officials last Saturday at Caltex Garage in Randfontein.

Ngobeni’s campus life and times was described as the family of the deceased occupied the front row with sombre faces, weeping as the quivering voices of students recited poems and sang spiritual hymns.Speakers condemned  the police’s action which resulted with the  22 year old’s life being cut shot.

Emotional resident manager Willemina Mosomane said that Telkom residence where Ngobeni resided has lost not only a student but a family member and it took her time to accept the fact that he’s a victim of police killings. “It is very sad to lose a student and it was difficult to confirm that really he is gone. We built a strong bond together as I took him as my son and he called me mother. It took only minutes to take him away”, said the distraught manager.

Academic Department representative Professor MC Mashige said that the Department of Applied Languages and Language Practice is under serious attack as reports of sexual assaults and death rate escalate. He consoled the Ngobeni family and condemned the May 25^th shooting. “Gopolang’s death was not a natural death, he was killed by police. Nevertheless to the Ngobeni family we will celebrate his life and cherish the good times we had while he was still with us.” he said.

It is alleged that on 25 May Ngobeni and his four friends were travelling to the funeral of their friend’s father in Mohlakeng, West Rand. According to a media statement released by the Department of Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) the five students did not know the direction and they got lost. They then followed a security vehicle which had come in front of them. After the security vehicle made a U-turn at a cul-de-sac, the students also made a U-turn.

 While driving towards a Caltex Garage with the intention of asking for directions, another security vehicle from the same company cut in front of them. Both security vehicles stopped next to a marked SAPS vehicle. The students drove on to the filling station. It is alleged that within a short space of time, the police vehicle (with its blue light on), as well as the security vehicles, followed the students to the filling station, which is near where they were.

The students were ordered to get out of their vehicle by the police. While trying to get out of the vehicle, Gopolang Ngobeni was shot by a policeman with an R5 rifle. The victim was declared dead at the scene. The vehicle in which the students were travelling was searched and nothing illegal was found, read the statement.

 Family spokesperson Michael Ngobeni said that the family wants answers of why Ngobeni was shot. The 30 year old constable will appear in court on the 3^rd of June for a possible bill application.

Sexual assault in South African in universities

Gutuza loved to tell african stories

Chris Gutuza

  

Born in District six, Chris Gutuza was an activist and journalist, Gutuza trained as a teacher before he joined the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) formally known as Peninsula Technology in 1985 as a journalism student.  Following his journalism studies, he joined the newspaper, The South. 

His passion for the Afrikaans language led him to join Die Suid Afrikaan, an Afrikaans magazine as a feature writer.  Concerned about the upliftment of society and also being an activist, he spent many years between the eighties and nineties working with poor communities helping set up community newspapers.  This was an attempt to give or help everybody to have a voice.  He helped set up a newspaper in Namakwaland, Die NamakwaNuus.  The latter was followed by SaamStaan; another community news paper in Oudtshoorn, SaamStaan was however banned in 1987 during the state of emergency.  

Gutuza later branched to film and television, with the aim and vision to tell real and true African stories through a different medium.  To do this, Gutuza opened his own production company, Stonehouse, where he had hoped to train young people in openly telling real stories of real South Africans.      

As an educator, Gutuza believed that education, information and the access to recourses were paramount.  “Chris was highly principled, honest, humble and compassionate.” said Davids.  As an activist journalist, Davids also believes that Gutuza would be turning in his grave as a result of the textbook saga, Nkandla, the high levels of corruption and wasteful and fruitless expenditure by government officials totaling millions of rands. 

According to wife Ayesha Ismail, he was unashamedly pro-poor and everything he did was in aid of the poor.  In addition, Davids says Gutuza used to say: What’s the use of having political freedom if we don’t have economic freedom? How can we say we are free when people still go to bed hungry, children don’t go to school and the rich are getting richer?  “Chris never referred to himself as a journalist but rather as a media activist, says Ismail.  However, his love for his family was also very evident, as such he always ensured to instill a sense of self and mental emancipation to his beloved daughters.   “He loved his girls, he made sure to teach them two things; the National anthem as well as Bob Marley’s Redemption song, not only to know the words, but to understand the true meaning.” Adds Ishmail.   Gutuza is remembered for many things by his family, amongst them, his love of music, dancing and braai.  He was a real family man

Chris Gutuza sadly lost his life in October 2001 in a car accident in Pinelands

Why May Day

Why May Day

Labour day is considered a day political demostration to commemorate workers solidarity and highlight the problems that workers encounter at the hands of their employers.

Canada and USA were the first countries to celebrate May Day in 1886. It was decided during that time that a legal working day would consist of eight working hours, to ensure that all workers balance their working lives with their personal lives. Sixty-four years later in 1950, the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA) called for a protest against the Suppression of Communism Act, which declared the party an unlawful organisation. Eighteen people died during the protest. Nelson Mandela, who later became South Africa’s first democractically elected president, was part of this protest. 

Two months later the CPSA was disbanded. As a result the ANC called for national mourning on this day to celebrate the lives of the 18 people who died in the protest. On December 1985, the South African Labour Federation Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) was formed. The organisation demanded that May Day be recognised as a public holiday. 

More than 1.5 million people heeded the call by COSATU. Rallies were held in major cities, even though many of these were banned by the state.  Premier Foods, the largest food producer, was the first employer to declare this day a public holiday. Even with the immense struggles of liberation movements such as COSATU salaries desparitiy is still a problem. 

The gap between income groups is getting wider, the unemployment figures are getting higher and more people are becoming dependent on social grants. Thus, the country needs more than just a holiday to show appreciation to the workers, but also implement policies and structures which will ensure that the country enjoys a healthy and diverse workforce.

Charlie, an angel of the game

Charlie Masetla (middle) and the netball players during training at Soshanguve Block CC sports complex.

 

Alfred Makhubela

Netball has been seen as a female dominated sport but Charlie Pheagane Masetla’s passion has turned him into a renowned netball coach in Soshanguve.

Born in Walamstal, the former Jomo Cosmos development side player who is now a warrant officer was introduced to netball 13 years ago by local netball legend Elizabeth Mathibela who encouraged him to overcome the odds and be part of the female dominated sports.

“Mrs Mathibela introduced me to this sport, I fell in love with it and within a month time I was a netball player”, said Charlie.

The former TUT netball coach is currently the head coach of Charlie’s Angels, a netball team which he founded in the year 2000 and has coached them ever since.

“The love for the game and these kids has kept me going with this team for over a decade”, he added.  He is also the coach of Regional team, Cluster Team and Police netball team

Under the leadership of Masetla, Charlie’s Angels have become a renowned team winning prestigious tournaments including Soshanguve District Netball Association (SODINA) League a record 8 times, Tshwane Challenge 3 consecutive times and Love Life Games 3 times in succession.

 He is seen by his team as an influential figure in their lives. He uses netball to impose positive attitudes on girls, advising them to be responsible netball players. 

“Our coach is not just an ordinary coach, he’s a role model, a father who helps with problems such as abuse, teenage pregnancy and how to be responsible. He is one of the important people in our lives”, said 18 year old Nomphelo Ngcingwane, under 19 captain.

The ardent coach encourages boys to play netball despite being female dominated. “Boys should play netball, it is a wonderful sport. I have a boy’s netball team and I have seen potential in them.” he said.

COCA COLA POP STAR GOES SOLO



Letang Tlome performing at Soshanguve Block H, outside Pretoria

 

Alfred Makhubela  

Sometimes in life you have to do something that will represent you as an individual that’s according to former Coca-cola pop star contender Letang Tlome.

Letang Tlome was part of the pop group Adillah which consisted of members such as Karabo Motlhabi, Thembisile Ntaka, Itumeleng Kgosana and Refiloe Motha. The group lasted until 2008 and reached the top five in the 2003’s edition of Coca-cola pop stars which aired on SABC 1.



Letang Tlome performing at Soshanguve Block H, outside Pretoria



Tlome said that Adillah as a group did not give her the platform to do the kind of music she always wanted. “Adillah was a pop group and we had to do songs and subjects which were chosen for us” she said.

The 32 year old studied music and drama at the National School of the Arts. Her genre is Afro-Soul she focuses on subject matters such love and life experiences because she feels they relate with her.

Born in Soshanguve Letang is adamant that going solo will be a journey to higher places. “My dream has always been a super star like my favourite artists, the likes of Swazi Dlamini and Judith Sephuma”, she exclaimed.

She is currently working on her debut album titled Journey of my soul which is scheduled to be released this winter. The album is produced by Zakhele Mabena. “Fans can expect fun and love of any kind on my upcoming album”, she added.

Letang Tlome is a SAMA award winner with her group Adillah in 2004 for Best Newcomer with their debut album Ses’fikile which sold 40 000 copies.

Students advocate for better ways of running examinations

THANKFUL: Anelle Schoeman, Associate Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers

A year ago the University of Limpopo was approved as a SAICA accredited university, enabling students completing the BAccSc degree direct access to an accredited postgraduate programme and in turn to write the qualifying examinations towards becoming Chartered Accountants [CAs (SA)]. Since accreditation is a continuous process, the SAICA academic review team conducts a follow-up-visit to the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, to evaluate the progress of the academic offerings of BAccSc program.

The follow up visit update on all relevant aspects of the programme; course material, assessments and self-assessment (identifies strengths and weaknesses), the role of the University of Limpopo and other relevant resource information. The visit saw School of Accountancy Auditing students showered with awards. Students were tasked to make presentations on ways to better the way in which examination is conducted and security related matters are being suggested. Students’ presentations were looked at and judged by the SAICA team.

Mrs. Anelle Schoeman, the associate director of PricewaterhouseCoopers, on her opening remarks applauded the commitment that students have shown. “I am happy that students channeled all their time and efforts to this project and have learnt how to link theory with practice, not just wandering around with big text books. We noted that team work is essential to every group, nevertheless, conflict and droppings emerged among members and I am happy that they were minimal, above all, it was a success”, Schoeman declares.

Students received best presentation awards ranging from university coffee mugs, schools bags and caps. The purpose of the award giving ceremony; which was done in a form of a lucky draw, is to thank students’ determination to develop skills on library use and internet search, which is to be used by SAICA. “Through the project, you have extended enormous skills for high level engagement. You also gained skills for time and stress management”, says Professor Ambe, the Head of Department in the School of Accountancy.

"This old man can feed us, you will marry him"

Sphelele Ngubane

Many South Sudanese girls have become source of wealth for their families suffering poverty– through forced marriage, the 2012 Human Rights Watch research revealed.

South Sudan has been reported the leading country in Africa where young girls are rushed off to marriage as their families want to better off their living.  Families reach marriage agreements between themselves and choose marriage partners without the consent of girls.  They marry off their girls - as soon as they reach puberty - to a man who has offered a highest dowry, in a form of cattle or money.

The Human Rights Watch conducted a study in South Sudan on the child forced marriage.  They compiled a 95-page report titled: This old man can feed us, you will marry him.  This title is an answer one of the many South Sudanese girls got from her family when she rebelled against the forced marriage.

According to the 2006 Sudan Household Health Survey, about 48 percent of all South Sudanese girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are married, with some marrying as young as age 12.  Human Rights Watch interviewed 47 girls who said they were forced to marry because their families wanted to get dowry.  This is said to be a tradition many South Sudanese families believe in to overcome poverty.

“My father did not want to pay my school fees.... sometimes we had no food at home,” said Pontinanta J., who got married at the age of 13 in 2006.  Neither of her parents was employed.  She was told that her dowry could support her nine siblings.

The researchers established that many parents simultaneously fear that their daughters would get pregnant out of the wedlock as this would reduce the amount of dowry and the family’s economic advancement.  Marrying their daughters early is their solution to prevent this.

“If you decide to delay your daughter’s marriage, she may get pregnant, the man may not pay many cows,” said a woman interviewed by Human Rights Watch.

Some mothers have been reported to protect their children from these marriages, however in most cases they fail due to the pressure from family.  They force the marriages to have bread on their tables.  Aguet who got married at the age of 15 said his uncles beat her mother when she disapproved them marrying her (Aguet) to a 75-year-old man. 

“They said, ‘You will marry this old man whether you like it or not because he has given us something to eat.’ They beat me badly.  They also beat my mother because she was against the marriage,” Aguet shared.

The Human Rights Watch submitted their recommendations of their finding to the government officials of South Sudan.  They have asked for them to publicly support efforts to address the issue of dowry and its negative impact on the rights of girls and women in South Sudan.  They further urged the government to call for a regulation of dowry through consultation with all stakeholders, including women and girls.