My opinion on :Youth Voices in SA Echoes in the Age of Hope

By Wendy Ngcobo

One of the criteria that sparkled in the discussion that was run by PHD student Gerald Boyce was how happy the black youth were with democracy and the way things are run in South Africa. In my view that was not a correct account of the youth at large.

Young people are not happy with a lot of things that are happening and concluding that they are over a research that was done with 10 people is a bit shocking. Having just come from the Municipal elections it was discovered that young people did not bother to vote in these elections. Now I am not a researcher but they did not need to do a research or evaluation .It was the young people themselves speaking out ,simply saying they are not ‘happy’ with the way things are run in South African.

And this is not to say this is a recent account, but they have not been happy for along time only they have been trying to find measures and ways to make their voices heard.

The democracy issue in my view goes beyond race because to perceive that the black youth are happy with what they have now is not an accurate reflection of every one that considers themselves to be a young person in South Africa. 

I am young person in this beautiful country of ours and feel Mr Boyce should consider engaging with us   on an advanced approach  because then he will have a realistic analysis on what I as a young person really think about the political structures and about the democratic structures in our country .

The love of a mother

Twitter

   By Wendy Ngcobo
 

The cord is a powerful instrument 

that unites these two beings for life.

The maternal bond a child has for her mother.

Its an unspoken code that is formed from conception,

She knows you more than you know yourself.

Digital/ Class Divides

Digital/Class divides

The world has certainly become so advanced and digitalised, so much that existing without basic knowledge of technology and digital devices has become a yoke. Noting the importance of a digitalised world, one should take into cognisance the divide that digitalisation has brought between the different levels and realms that exist in society. We now live in a world where modern activities are distinctly contrasted to the rather more ancient ways of communication. FJP’s came together to discuss this issue, and everybody had an opinion to contribute. The ‘natives’, being those born in the digital age, had contrasting ideas to the ‘immigrants’, these being people who are new to this age of technology

WENDY NGCOBO: Poverty should be at the forefront of this topic, children or parents from rural areas cannot worry about internet or a cell phone when they don’t have food.

MEGAN STACY DEANE: It will take more that just schools getting computers and kids getting internet access to bridge the gap between the class divide, it will take time and great innovation.

NOKUTHULA WATHI: I think the focus should be on bridging the literacy gap than the digital. Being able to read and write is essential. Then they can worry about learning the technology later on.

SESETHU MALGAS: The lower class lack exposure and cannot afford these expensive digital equipments but as they get older, educated and become a working class they can get access to these technologies.

AKHONA VALASHIYA: I think before there's even introduction of digital literacy in schools. Schools need to have proper classes and digital literate teachers to bridge that gap between digital and class literature.

NOKWAZI KHUMALO: Access to the internet and technology is still a huge issue in African countries and has dramatic consequences. Non-commercial intervention is my suggestion in bridging the gap.

DUSCHANKA HITZEROTH: The PUKU project bases concern on the education crisis and to bridge the gap of literacy. However, 90% of African children are without internet access thus making it virtually impossible to mend the issue.

BUSISIWE BUSENGA: The digital age is widening the gap between the rich and poor. There is a gradual increase in the ethnic barriers, political regimes and without access rises underdeveloped economies.

THABISO SIHLALI: Worrying about moving with the new media instead of being concerned on the basics of our ailing school system won’t benefit the pleasure of new media to those who need it most.

BHEKIMPILO DUNGENI: Digitalisation has created a bigger rift between people at large, and countries stand so much apart, now that some countries have resource and others, especially African countries, do not.

The gap between the rich and the poor has increased so much that it has become difficult to close. Societies are now part of a table or a chart that has been dissected into small parts that hold dichotomous values and quality. I believe one of the solutions, which is providing education and access at to it at an early age, will certainly make a difference for everyone in the world.

Artists showcasing their art at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival

Rus Judda  showcasing shoes he makes by hand

By Wendy Ngcobo

photo by Wendy Ngcobo

The Grahamstown National Arts Festival has attracted many artists to come and showcase their arts including Rus Judda who is a designer specialising in shoe making.

Rus has been coming to the flea market at the Festival since 2005 to sell his shoes. His normal day starts off early in the morning as he has to set up his stall and be ready for business.

He grew up making shoes and has used this as a way to make money and support his family. Coming from Port Elizabeth, the Festival has received him well as his merchandise sell like hot cakes amongst the locals. ”I have to pay a fee to set up my stall but its nothing compared to what I make”, he said.

He started out repairing shoes and now he designs and makes them.Rus's  shoes are made from scratch by hand with leather he purchases from PE Leather. This is a talent that he has had for many years now and it gets better as he grows older.

His only complaint is the many of the stalls that don’t sell anything that has to do with art.”They take up a lot of space and it’s supposed to be an art festival”, he said. But for now he is just happy to be at the festival.