Youth in Sports Magazine

A new breed and a light to the youth in the southern Johannesburg region is about to dawn in a form of a publication. Frying Pan Media House in conjunction with the Gauteng Department of Education will publish a magazine which will be distributed to ninety-eight schools in the District 11.

The magazine which is a first of its kind will cover sports, arts and culture and is armed with youth mainly from Orange Farm and surrounding areas.

Bafana Luwenda, the coordinator said “during our days in schools sport was a priority irrespective of whether you are active or not, nowadays our youth are misled and seek solace in barbaric activities. It is this mentality that made us act; our vision is to make sure that we keep learners in the playground instead of the streets. It won’t be easy though but through working with the community, schools and department we are certain positive results will be achieved”

Youth in Sports Magazine is expected to be launch on Friday the 27th January 2012 at a venue that is still to be confirmed and will be available from schools on the 30th January 2012.

“Prior to Christmas weekend we conducted interviews as we source staff, it is disheartening that our youth lack confidence and most importantly they can’t express themselves to the core. Overall it was an eye-opener for our young team as they learned from the experience which is why some must be given credit in a sense that they were prepared and knew their story”, said Oupa Leboko.

You can ‘like’ their social page or follow them:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouthinSportsMagazine
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Email: youthinsportsmagazine@gmail.com

Ho-ho-ho, make a wish!

Christmas came early for the physically challenged residents of Takalani, Lakeside. Evaton SAPS showered the destitute souls with gifts and lunch. In attendance were members from the station, officials from provincial, local councillor and the community at large.

The event which was taking place for the second time dubbed “nothing about us without us” was made possible by several stakeholders who donated wheelchairs, walking sticks, shoes and food and is believed to be growing rapidly.

Lehlohonolo Leeuw, event coordinator said; “This is a symbol of showing that SAPS do care about disability, as the station we are trend-setters seeing that it’s a first of it’s kind. Police force caters for physically challenged in terms of recruitment but this will only happen when they arm themselves with education. With our efforts in curbing the stigma about disability, we hope the community will come onboard and aid us in making people living with disability feel safe and comfortable within our areas.

Not only was this event all about thanksgiving but a strong message about HIV/Aids was uttered, where physically challenged were urged to take precautions, love one another and be alert at all times, this comes after a frail granny was brutally raped and stabbed several times on her private parts.

A prayer’s walk for peace, hope and harmony

Members of the Orange Farm SAPS Social Crime Prevention embarked on a prayer walk for moral regeneration and for missing persons around the area and also peace and crime free environment during the festive season.

The 5km walk which is in commemoration of the sixteen days of activism against gender abuse campaign was in conjunction with a local radio station, pastors, victims of abuse and members of the community.

“In a short space of time that I’ve been working here, I’ve experienced a whole lot of things and it goes without saying that something must be done. Through our sixteen days of activism programme, we saw it fit to dedicate a day where a prayer can be accommodated, as we believe that it is powerful especially when we seek intervention from God. Evil is so immerse within our community and the situation in our area is unbearable, it’s high time masses repent and cease to be associated with bad stuff.” said Lieutenant Anna Mbaso.

Know your status and live positively

EVATON - Last week Thursday marked what is known as World Aids Day. Mpumelelo Clinic in Evaton North held a candle light prayer and awareness campaign. In attendance were members of Emthonjeni Centre, Reach-out Community Project and a few crowds which consisted of grannies.

Sister Aletta Legoale expressed her disappointment at the lack of attendance by the patients “I believe we have difficulty in accepting this illness and it’s a pity because it does not discriminate. Treatment is vital and should be followed in order to curb the resistance of the virus. I urge churches to tag along and preach the importance of safe sex.”

Messages of hope for an environment that is sick-free and prayer for those left destitute were uttered, with significance that HIV pandemic is not a result of witchcraft but a reality that is living among people.
“Gone are the days where we as men would use our partners to gauge our status by impregnating them, we should face this pandemic head-on as there is no sickness that is above God” said Cllr. Moshoadiba.

16 Days of Activism: Act against Abuse – Don’t look Away (25 November – 10 December)

STRETCHING THE SIXTEEN DAYS OF ACTIVISM:
NO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILD ABUSE TO THE 365 DAYS ACTION PLAN

Programmes for the 365 Days Campaign:

• Support process of Victim Empowerment Centres and shelters for women and children

• Building Referral Systems at clinics/police stations, linking with service providers and establishing systems for tracking referrals

• Breakdown of dependency and linking women survivors of violence and abuse to Skills Development Centres

• Providing information and linking Migrant women and children to the services offered by the city and its community level partners

• Awareness and Support Programme for the Elderly ensuring that their rights are not violated

• Early Childhood Support Programme including the training of ECD practitioners and awareness programmes at crèches

• Establishment and Training of peer support groups in schools

• Prevention of Rape / Sexual Violence and information dissemination on resources available within the community

• The integration between HIV/AIDS and Gender Based Violence

• Training and involving Youth of Johannesburg in the fight against women and child abuse

• Joburg men taking a lead in the fight against gender based through establishment of Men’s Forums

SOURCE: Joburg – A world class African City

All I need is a microphone

Gauteng department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation recently hosted Puisano Live Music Showcase at Mzansi Bar, Sebokeng. The programme which tagged the Sedibeng district and Emfuleni local municipalities has been running for some time and is held annually.

This live music showcase promotes bands which are unsigned to any recording labels, are between 18 – 35 years and unemployed. These bands go onto record an album.

Five musical bands including Thoriso and Mac Jays Junior Bands from Orange Farm and Sharpeville respectively wowed the crowd with their sterling performances.

Gauteng’s SACR Communications Officer Martin Mathebula, said “Our aim as the department is to market talent to producers through this initiative, an overall of 57 bands were auditioned and only 10 made it through and 4 bands tour the province dishing out their scintillating sounds ”.

“You’re a small boy, can’t do a thing”

November 10th will remarkably go down as the day that had South Africans talking more than they ever did.

• This is without a doubt a day which BBC Journo Jonah Fischer can proudly, arrogantly and boldly say in Malema’ face “Whose a small boy now”?

• As one of my colleague said suspension of two newsmakers (Julius and Floyd)is a dark day for us (in the media industry)

For once the ANC stamped its authority by reminding the Youth League about who rules the country.The mentality of certain individuals within the Youth League is that of “our way or no-way” never before has the ANCYL been this arrogant; to its mother body even the Women’s League ain’t fronting that much.

It irked me when one veteran compared Julius to Nelson Mandela, I mean really now that’s absurd! “Tata might have sold us out” so says certain politicians but I don’t recall him disrespecting his elders the way the Limpopo-lad did.
The temperamental ANCYL president who didn’t attend the verdict where he was suspended (as he knew of his and cronies fate prior to it being made public) addressed his loyal supporters and friends after he wrote his political examination at Unisa in Polokwane.

One cannot help but wonder that if the ruling party managed to part ways with Bantu Holomisa, Mbhazima Shilowa & Mosioua Lekota who went on to establish their political parties why can’t the chubby one do the same? In tow will be his allies Tokyo Sexwale & Winnie Madikizela, in there it’s where he will enforce nationalization policies and economic marches that he is accustomed to.

# These are the charges against Julius Malema – and the findings of the ANC’s national disciplinary committee

• Contravening rule 25.5 (i) of the ANC constitution by behaving in such a way as to cause serious divisions or a breakdown of unity in the party.

This followed Malema’s comments on 31 July that former president Thabo Mbeki was opposed to the idea of re-colonising Africa and that the African agenda was not a priority – an implied criticism of the current ANC leadership.

Finding: Guilty as charged

• Contravening rule 25.5 (c) of the party’s constitution by behaving in such a way as to bring the organization into disrepute.
This was after he said Botswana’s leadership “poses a serious threat to Africa, so we need a progressive government in Botswana”.

Finding: Guilty as charged

• Contravening rule 25.5 (d) of the ANC constitution by sowing racism or political intolerance.

Finding: Not guilty. The NDC said the leadership “had not proved its case on a balance of probabilities”.

• Malema, together with his deputy Ronald Lamola, treasurer Pule Mabe, secretary Sindiso Magaqa and deputy secretary Kenetswe Mosenogi, were also charged with disrupting an ANC meeting attended by senior party officials.

Finding: Guilty as charged
The NDC decided to suspend the membership of five for five years but suspended the sentence for three years. In Malema’s case, the suspension didn’t apply because of his last brush with the ANC in 2010. Malema’s suspension for five years and two years will run at the same time.

Ilobola - Overpriced and is it still relevant……..?

In African culture Ilobola over years has been a procedure to be followed when a boy wants to wed a girl of his dreams and an exchange in assets was seen as a little token of appreciation to the bride’s family for the upbringing of their daughter. But today marrying someone leaves one reeling in debts; one would swear you buying a cruise ship or a flight.

Since I’m rapidly approaching thirty and would love to be a family man someday I took it upon myself to ask kwabaphambili (those who have been there) about the experience especially seeing the high rate of divorce and relevancy in paying ilobola nowadays and of course it’s overpricing.

A cow range from 2-grand to 4-grand and if the in-laws say 15 cows which is a norm that will set you back in an excess of R 30K – R 60K

A friend of mine who double as a mentor and successful business man took me through his woeful and bitter experience about love, ilobola and all that is included.

The heart does not choose who to fall for and funny how it can also resent the one who was so dearest to it at a blink of an eye. I had been dating this woman for ages now and much as I wanted to make her my wife all things changed when I discovered that she cheated on me that’s when I called it quits. I let her run one of my franchises, bought her a sport car and foot the education bill for her child (who is not mine)”

It’s alright I fully understand that majority of kids out there are born out of wedlock and innocent bachelor’s have to play a role of step-dad, all in the name of love.

“When my uncles went to ask for her hand in marriage I was shocked by her family demands, R100K was what they wanted with R80K being their lowest price they’d settle for; these for a woman who doesn’t have matric, has iveza ndlebe (child born out of wedlock) whom I’ve been taking care of, umabuy’emendweni (marriage returnee) and living off my companies revenues.

The family was without a doubt greedy and ungrateful and I knew I had to cut ties when one of my uncle boldly told me “mshana labantu bazokusenga uze uphume igazi (nephew, these people are going to milk you till you bleed)”
Today she has two extra kids, unmarried and abafana bangena bephuma (pretty much a hoe)

I instructed my uncles to leave them as that was unreasonable, the question I had in my-mind was banayo yini bona leyomali (do they have that kind of amount)
Luckily for me I met my mutual partner whom her family didn’t ask for any penny (which is a first) except that I should treasure their flower. This woman who is now my wife had went to the best of school money can buy, had a successful business and from a well run family all she needed was a loving husband which is where I came in.

Shot Left and Shop eKasi

Times have changed; this is evident with a handful of developments that has been taking place within our communities over the years. Gone are the days where one has to board a taxi to town to do shopping, banking or to wine and dine for that matter.
Orange Farm embraced the day where an announcement that a shopping mall will be build but up until now developments had been brought to a halt and in-fighting amongst those who are at the helm is visible which is believed to be politically motivated.

As it stand only phase three which will accommodate a cash and carry outlet is under construction and the actual mall will commence early next year. About 3 500 employment opportunities will be created by the stores while a further 1 800 as a result of construction. Seven squared meters stalls will be erected for hawkers.
Town Square shopping mall, which will consist of 158 retail stores and house a local radio station is said to be the best thing that will happen to the dusty streets of Orange Farm but it has amassed a lot of unnecessary attention before it even see its foundation being laid.

A spate of protests has been the order of the day which resulted in a drop down of tools after leaders from a ruling party’s youth league were alleged to have aired their dissatisfaction for their ward councillor not been hired seeing that the mall is going to be situated right in their ward.

Orange Farm Greater Business Forum moved swiftly by calling a meeting with the members of the community to ease their anger and assure them of their capability to see the project through.

Ward 3 Chairperson, Makhosonke and his cronies are alleged to have demanded seventy percent ownership of the mall as it in their ward while further reports are that certain people wanted the Economic Development Forum to vacate and let the trust fund take over.

Thenjwa Nene, President of Economic Development Forum which is tasked with overseeing the completion of the mall on behalf of the community said “We halted construction due to threats we received on the first day from certain individuals to torch equipment hence they were taken away and rumours that jobs were available, in our last meeting each ward submitted a list of people whom will be interviewed for jobs within the structure and then be deployed on site. Five Community Liaison Officers with a reported salary of around R 18 000 per month were interested but due to financial constraints we went back and revisited the matter”

Attempts to get hold of Orange Farm Youth league’s comment proved futile.

Another Youth Summit failed

Yet another opportunity presented to the youth proved to be just a waste of time and energy. The much anticipated Orange Farm Youth Development Summit that was supposed to have been hosted on the 17th to the 19th of November at Multipurpose Centre was cancelled at the eleventh hour. To make matters worse; the summit was unceremonially cancelled through a social network site.

An official who spoke on condition of anonymity said “It’s not surprising that the summit failed, all was well planned that’s until certain individuals were elected and given tasks which they couldn’t complete. For starters the venue was not finalized.

Among issues which were going to be tackled at the summit includes unemployment, crime, drugs, HIV/AIDS, internships, entrepreneurships, social and human development opportunities available to the youth of Orange Farm.

Parliamentary Committee Officer Patrick Mnyengeza said “The summit didn’t take place as preparations were not satisfactory and we had people showing dishonesty when it comes to finance. We therefore decided to postpone it to either February or March next year”

Stand up, you count!

Statistics South Africa conducted the country’s third population and housing census last month where enumerators went house to house asking questions contained in the Census 2011 questionnaire.The national count kick started on a sour note when the safety of the community was compromised, this comes after a resident was robbed of a firearm and cash, when he let two men posing as census officials into his home.

Due to reports that certain residents were reluctant to co-operate, Census issued a stern warning and threatened to fine people who refuse to be counted; one wonders if this did remedy the situation.

This year’s data collection was marred with allegations of contracts signed at shopping malls and dissatisfaction from enumerators regarding their salaries which was said to be below those of other regions in comparison and this resulted in a group of field workers to picket outside Statistics South Africa offices in Vereeniging.

Sedibeng District Manager, Thokozani Vilakazi said “The project went well except for minor glitches especially in farm areas where we faced hostility and list of questionnaires being torn apart by residents and police had to intervene.

A census determines demographic data, the statistics on number, the distribution, and characteristics of people living within the borders of South Africa. Census 2011 comes 10 years after Census 2001 and the data collected will track how far South Africa progressed in terms of service delivery. For instance whilst in 1996 access to electricity was 58% by 2001 70% of South African households had access to electricity. Census 1996 put South Africa’s population size at 40.5 million and by 2001 this number had risen to 44.8 million people living within our borders.

# If you were not counted, email your details to census2011@statssa.gov.za or call 0800 110248

Youth pissed on opportunity

Efforts by the government to aid scholars with their studies during examination time were tarnished and left education officials with eggs on their faces; this comes after the grade twelve revision site camps which were hosted by Gauteng department of Education at Wilberforce Community College, Evaton were abruptly cancelled three days prior to its official ending. This comes after allegations of thuggery and sexual indulgence from the scholars on premises.

It is understood that knife stabbing and sexual indulgence by learners from a certain school (name known by this blogger) were some of the incidents which led to the decision by the department to cancel the camp.

A learner who spoke on condition of anonymity said “This was a great initiative by the department and we appreciated it mainly because of the difference it made but how do you bring youth of opposite gender to one place without an elder looking after them? We know how the youth behave; it’s unfortunate that some of us have to suffer because of silly mistake as this one”

This was the second incident where youth have pissed on opportunity afforded to them, the other being a summit that was held a month ago by the Emfuleni Local Municipality which was marred by controversy.

District Manager, Sipho Chanza refused to comment and referred all queries to the department.

Gauteng department of Education, Spokesperson Charles Phahlane had not responded to questions left by this blogger at time of publishing.

Silence not always golden

Gauteng department of sport, arts, culture and recreation together with SAPS and other numerous stakeholders launched its 16 days of activism against gender violence campaign over the weekend at Chris Hani Sport Complex, Orange Farm.

This year’s awareness which is held all over the world will run until early next month under a theme “From peace in the home to peace in the world”. Among some of the activities that will take place will include prayer walk, parents and care givers workshop and door-to-door campaigns.

Letta Mahlakwana, a victim of abuse reiterated her woeful experience “I endured pain in the hands of my husband, this is someone who was suppose to be protecting me. I urge everyone to be vigilant in picking up signs from an early stages, no one deserves to be abused.

”It is very disturbing to note that abuse in any form not only is committed by men, lately women are culprits too. Gone are the days where women would not be dealt with. Being behind bars for assault reflects badly on a person hence we call on our communities to work together and stand-up against abuse,” said Lieutenant Anna Mabaso.

It’s 100.6 and counting

Orange Farm based community radio station Thetha FM celebrated its six-year of broadcasting over the weekend. The station which has been marred by numerous challenges ranging from on and off air squabbles first went on-air back in 2005

The celebration which was hosted in three consecutive days began at the station’s premises with traditional artists entertaining the revellers including drum majorettes and ended with a live performance by Professor at Muthi House, Evaton.

Station Manager, Jimmy Dlamini said “It was only yesterday when we went on-air and today we have grown in boundaries. We unearthed presenters whose language and content of the show is realistic and of good quality. The community has continued to play a huge role in supporting us to be where we are today and that didn’t go unnoticed and it’s only fair that we acknowledge that and appreciate. Suggestions from listeners are welcomed in a sense that sustainable programmes can be achieved.”

Charity begins at home

Love Life recently held a charity event at Youth Centre, Orange Farm where they donated food and clothing parcels to orphans from various shelters in and around the area.

Drama, poetry and different sporting codes were some of the activities that kept the audience on their toes as everyone seemed to have forgotten about the hardships of life for a while.

“Through this event we hope to bring the element of fun and in the same breath instill the mentality to the children that much as they cannot do anything about their current situation but they hold the power to change their future” said groundBREAKER Mahleke Matome.

Deviating from the event Matome was quick to make a plea to the youth, out there to come join Love Life not only to pass time but to be equipped with life skills “We have eight programmes which are exclusively aimed at our youth especially nowadays as they have lost hope and often sought solace in alcohol and drugs” he said.

The booth with Ivy Tshabalala

Gone are the days when fathers were the sole bread winners, mothers are no longer fierce only in their homes but corporate world as well hence it has had to adjust in order to accommodate them. After trying to pin Ivy Tshabalala down for a one on one session finally, I managed to track her down at her house in the Vaal. In due-time she will be jetting off to Namibia for two weeks on a tour for the Deaf organizations.

Ivy, a former actress, mother, ambassador and deaf activist is still nursing blisters and change in skin tone due to her recent 132km walk from Sasolburg to Kroonstad in commemoration of deaf awareness. She was born slightly three decades ago and has been living in the Vaal since her mother tied the knot. Although it is a norm that kids become completely different to their parents, she emphasize it out that she emulated a lot of things from her mother and is glad to see that even her own daughter is walking on the same path.

FAMILY

She speaks fondly of her daughter Naledi and the face glitter, showing a sign of a proud mom. “She is turning seven tomorrow and it’s been sometime since I last saw her, as she’s staying with my mom but I am planning a surprise party at the school. We recently bought a vehicle and named it after her and whenever we drive it she would remind us to drive her car gently. I must confess that I was an average student but Naledi is just too bright, extreme and fronting which is why I can’t wait to expose her to the possibilities by getting her the best education a mother can give. ”

She touches base on her mother whom she holds highly and can’t stop singing praises and a brother who came into picture recently but is quick to thread carefully about saying much about her late sister and love life respectively.

RELIGION

Asked about the escalating number of prophets who claim to be god-sent she said “Long as the people are being saved, see the light and repent it’s alright. That’s all that matters”

“At age sixteen I was born-again and received Jesus Christ as my savior, I am Bishop Stephen Zondo’s daughter – he is my spiritual father. I remember at one time I followed the music that led to a temple on my arrival I felt at home, I am a regular at church except when I’m away on business. I don’t slaughter animal to appease ancestors however I attend such gatherings and feast on food cause that’s what they are made for, though I watch what I eat”

POLITICS

“I am a staunch member of the ruling party as you might have notice with campaigns we had with my friend who is a well-known actor (name known by this paper). I will always be its activist as it was started by churches, which is why I like referring to it as African National Congregation. I believe that Julius Malema is a great leader, look at the massive support he gets with his disciplinary hearing and whenever he talks the world listens. The ruling party strides by its tagline “A better life for all” as I believe it doesn’t fail only delays, it’s unfortunate that our people grew up with the mentality that for something to be achieved toyi-toying is the way to go.

Discrimination across racial line still exist however before that we need to do self introspection, we turn to think that we are superior to others mainly because we attend certain churches and when it comes to monetary value its even worse.”

WORK

Ivy attended drama classes and considers herself fortunate to have being lectured by the veteran actor John Kani, her television career kick started with a show called Dtv and has went on to grace the small screen on Zwa-hashu and later Muvhango which made her popular although she is reluctant to refer to herself as a celebrity. “My memorable moment in the broadcasting industry was my first time on set, you know how thick make-up is and after filming I didn’t wipe it off instead I boarded two taxi back home and that’s when I knew good things were only beginning. My first scene on Muvhango with Thandaza (Sindi Dlathu), where the storyline was identical to my real life is worth a mention.”

I owe my appreciation to my team at Bathabile Training and Services for being my pillar and sharing the same sentiments and vision in seeing it take a step further in growth. The company is not that big and I source out staff and my dream is to open a school for the deaf.

It’s a magnificent Friday

The department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in Gauteng recently invaded the Sedibeng region, together with Emfuleni Local and Sedibeng District Municipalities they embarked on what they term “magnificent Friday” at Evaton Plaza.

“Our country is a sport loving nation and we would like Friday to be magnificent with people donning their sport replica. Rugby and many other sporting codes have to be available in our townships. Our aim is to divert youth from insane acts such as drugs and alcohol and help them to be fully involved in sport” said MMC Cllr. Zaza Raikane.

Numerous sporting codes were on display and revellers took some time to indulge, despite a no-show from the professional soccer teams including MEC Lebo Maile, hip-hop muso Mr. Selwyn and House music sensation Micasa gave a sterling performance.

A leading clothing company was welcomed as it opened doors at the plaza and it is understood that in the near future another major food outlet will be forthcoming. A reported R 22 million is in place to upgrade the plaza into a mall.

Hold on, Libraries are on suspension

It is now a norm that politicians often make an avalanche of promises to citizen when vying for their votes and its very rare that they keep them upon being elected; but in cases that they do it is puzzling as to why the end product takes longer to be brought to use that’s if its not poorly constructed.

At an IDP (Integrated Development Planning) meeting hosted by the Emfuleni Local Municipality which this journalist attended, community voiced their anger and frustration over an abandoned building which they say is a library. This building which was built and completed over two years ago and up until now is not operating is situated in Palm Springs, Sebokeng.
Maya Morongwe, a concern resident said “That building has been vacant since 2009, though it is too small for a library but at least it’s a good deed by our government. Municipal vehicles are often seen making their way into the yard but nothing seem to progress. Ward Councillor Louis Ngubane referred all queries to the office of the speaker.

When contacted Emfuleni Local Municipality, Spokesperson Klaas Mofomme said “I’m currently in a meeting but l will liaise with the relevant personnel regarding the matter then will get back to you”
Meanwhile Evaton library which was closed last year due to construction after the ceiling fell is said to be at an advanced stage and will soon re-open.

Sedibeng soccer legends and disability

South African Soccer Legends which comprises of five Gauteng regions graced Lebohang Centre in Zone 10, Sebokeng for the Mental and Physical illness awareness. In attendance were members of Emthonjeni Awareness Centre and football superstars of yester-year including the likes of Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe (who is now using a walking stick), Vincent Makroti, Peter “Fuduwa” Mokotedi (who is now blind) and Super Mofokeng to name a few.
It was all joy and smile on children’s faces at the centre as they danced and sang with the legends. The Soccer legends are in the process of ploughing back to communities and often give massages to the kids and they reportedly responded well to such therapy.
Nkosi “Let them dance” Molala, former Bantu Callies star who gave a keynote speech said “There is no such a thing as a perfect person, and being disabled mean partially or a complete dysfunctional part in one’s body. It is up to us as public to create an environment that is viable for the mentally and physically challenged. We know how expensive their lives are, in other countries the illness has disappeared not because people are not impaired but community structures are being implemented which are conducive to them hence we call upon the government to come on board and aid us.”
”It is a health month and when we planned this awareness, we took into consideration these legends whom some of them experience lives of disability. Disability is not immune even kids who are here today didn’t choose to be in that condition. We fill that we can teach people to live with any disability, however we are disappointed with the lack of support from the community, we hope that with time they will buy into the idea and take part as they are doing with other diseases. Our aim is simply to teach people that disabled people need to be catered for and loved, and not be locked indoors as such they have a constitutional right to live.” Sedibeng Soccer Legends Chairperson Bricks Mokolo, said.
Mental illness and emotional disorders in children can be treated through various methods, some of which include counseling, psychotherapy and medication. Environmental factors also contribute to emotional disorders in a child. A child can develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress or panic attacks if the child witnessed a traumatic episode.

A summit that aim to uplift the youth

In an effort to uplift and better the lives of the youth, the Emfuleni Local Municipality hosted a summit under the theme “The generation with a mission” which was held at Ingwe Lodge, Vanderbijlpark. This comes after a Youth dialogue which was convened by the Executive Mayor Cllr Greta Hlongwane.

The summit which took three days to conclude was chaired by MMC for Public Transport, Roads and Public Works Cllr Sello Pitso. Among topics covered included social and economic development, sports and recreation, youth development policy and crime prevention strategy.
Amid threats from individuals and political parties to boycott the summit and cause disruption the event went well and showed signs of development especially as it was a first of its kind in the region.
“Unlike the youth of the apartheid regime whose challenges were oppression today’s youth are faced with different challenges which among includes lack of employment, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. We want to take this opportunity afforded to us to change all negative things about the youth, the summit was a first step and we are ready to go out there and implement whatever we agreed on, it won’t take a day or a week but in due course changes will be visible for all to see” said one delegate.

In taking a stance and making their voices heard and presence felt, the youth of Emfuleni urged the municipality to accommodate them in the upcoming budget and elect a representative in the forum within the structure and further went on to draft a policy.
The policy was declared with a tagline “A strategy without tactics is an easy way to victory” uttered as a motivation.

Alas my own house

Government’s initiative to provide destitute and elderly people with houses, has been hit by a backlog to extend that phrases such as “Don’t ask what they can do for you, rather what you’re doing for them” has been the meal of the day. It was all smiles and joy when Samuel Radebe and other Orange Farm residents were handed keys to their new houses by Habitat for Humanity.
This great deed was in collaboration with Arcellor Mittal, AfriSam, Nedbank, Independent Development Corporate and other stakeholders.
Radebe who is partially blind is a father of four children, he lost his wife and job 8 years ago and now survives on grant.
“After having waited for 16-odd years to have a civil roof over my head, I had lost hope that one day my dream of owning one was ever going to be realized. I will now sleep peacefully in my new house and not be bothered by rats which were now taking over my shack” he said.

Another one bites the dust

It is often said that 'crime does not pay' and one soul had to learn this the hard way. A 28-year old man was gunned down on Monday in Lakeside Extension 2, Orange Farm. Arthur (surname unknown) met his untimely death when he and two friends came across police. It is understood that they were stopped and searched, he allegedly refused and a gun shoot-out began. An eye witness relived the tragedy; ''It was around midday when the deceased came running towards our direction, by then he had already been shot at from the back. He fell and another cop who had just disembarked from a police vehicle appeared from the front and shot him five times as he lay on the ground.'' Orange Farm Police Spokesperson, Johannes Motsiri said; ''Our men were doing a stop and search when they met the deceased, up-on being asked to be searched; he resisted, drew a gun and shot randomly at the cops. Police returned fire while racing him for about 800 meters which is where he finally fell.'' An inquest docket has been filed while a case of unlicensed firearm and attempted murder has been opened.

Municipality engage community on Integrated Development Planning

Emfuleni Local Municipality recently hosted the IDP and Budget Public Participation meeting with the community at Palm Springs Hall, Sebokeng. The residents packed the tiny venue to hear their elected leaders outline plans and budget and noted down their suggestions.

The purpose of the meeting was to present to the community the projects earmarked for 2011/12 financial year and getting inputs from the community that will ultimately influence the development of the IDP for 2012/16. The current IDP was approved by the council in April 2011 and the implementation commenced in July 2011 and it is continuing.

So far more than 200 projects estimated to be around R 350-million have been identified and are funded through the MIG (Municipality Infrastructure Grant) and the municipality only contributed to electricity related projects.

Among concerns raised by the community were lack of schools and primary health facilities in their respective wards, escalating electricity and water bills, sewerage blockage, unsafe roads, a need for a closer police station and corrupt police and traffic officials.

Osizweni Clinic was singled out as being too small to accommodate patients whom at times are found wanting outdoor and staff who apparently have no good working relationship with the community. A library was developed and hasn't operated since though it has been completed. Newly-born babies, brick and blankets are said to be some of the things resulting in sewerage as they block drains.

''I fail to understand how my electricity bill could reach R35-thousands while I don't even own a business, it is said that the municipality paid a whooping amount of over R100-million to Eskom, would it not be better to introduce solar panel system'' pleaded one resident who suggested a bio-digester be brought to use which might prove to be a hit should it be implemented.

In response for his department MMC of Public Safety, Veli Mcera said ''We're working around the clock in bringing services closer to the people whereby police vehicles will cater for basic stuff like affidavits, certifying (of documents) and constant patrol day and night as we are about to rebrand all our department vehicles according to regions and we urge the public to report any corruption committed by these officials. The recent know your neighbour campaign will see the street committee system brought back and sector policing will be implemented. A municipal court (which will be built near the Evaton Firestation) is on the pipeline and we will be engaging with a view that stop signs be installed on the Golden Highway route which is a provincial road and is familiar with accidents.''

SMS Line (Fraud & Corruption) - 32211

UPCOMING IDP & BUDGET PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETINGS

Date: 04th October 2011
Time: 15h00
Venue: Vereeniging Banquet Hall

Date: 06th October 2011
Time: 15h00
Venue: Bophelong Community Hall

...see below for Financial Breakdown for 2011/12

...see above for the article!

FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN FOR 2011/12

> Electricity - R65 Million
> Roads and Storm-water - R38 Million
> Waste Management - R11 Million
> Water and Sanitation - R60 Million
> Public Safety - R38 Million
> SRAC - R26 Million
> Primary Health - R23 Million
> Social Development - R12 Million

ELECTRICITY
Project Name > Amount

- Replace 88kV Air break switches in various substations > R2,000.000

- New connections and network reinforcement > R3,000.000

- Upgrading of Public lighting > R2,000.000

- Upgrading of Traffic lights > R600.000

- Power Quality meters > R100.000

ROADS and STORM WATER

- Tarring of Bafokeng Street: Palm Springs > R2,600.000

WASTE MANAGEMENT

- Construction of Palm Springs Landfill site > R11,200.000

WATER and SANITATION

- Upgrading of the sewer pump station > R5,400.000

- Regional Bulk Infrastructure > R30,000.000

SPORTS, RECREATION, ARTS and CULTURE

- Development of Palm Springs Sport Facility > R10,000.000

PRIMARY HEALTH

- Building of a new Clinic (Evaton West) > R10,207.504

Fame, Youth, Alcohol and Fakers (Vaal Tropika Beach Party)

The much anticipated Annual Beach Party took place at Cecil Oldridge Park, Vanderbijlpark. The dooh which was hosted by Masia Sound Productions wooed a large crowd most obviously our youth. After the Vaal Uprising Rally, we (me and the media entourage) decided to make way to the venue to see what the hype is all about.

THE ENVIRONMENT

As it is a norm that at such events stampede is expected this was no different as we struggled to find parking with fans being on their best behaviour especially up-on noticing the men in blue perhaps it was not yet 'mad' time.

Finally when we found parking, we had to walk an extra mile to the VIP entrance only to find there's one which we passed as a result of an unhelpful guard.

PERFORMANCES

The performances by All Star DJ Cleo (who earlier performed at the Vaal Uprising Rally), Wright Ngubeni and Zenzo Ngqobe (both of Rhythm City) with their groups, L-Tido, Kuli Chana, DJ Fresh, Euphonik and Ralf Gum were phenomenal. Speedy sent the crowd wild but it was sad to note that not even a single song he performed were his, how hard can it get in order to be creative? I heard one patron asking ''Are we in the States?''

The Miss Tropika Pageant was a real beauty with contestants strutting their stuff to the crowd cheers and fantasies. The friendly faces complemented everything and being served by a lady in a bikini is without a doubt enticing.

PS: Don't ask to see a journo's VIP armband when s/he orders drink that's unless you want to kiss your precious job goodbye!

DOWNWARD SPIRAL

In the evening a group of journalists and photographers had a stand-off with the securities as they forbade them access to the VVIP section citing their accreditation as being invalid and an armband required to go through. Isaac Masia, CEO Masia Sound Productions who was backstage had to be called, only to resurface an hour later demanding press cards to be presented and went further with instruction that whoever doesn't have an armband must be escorted off the section.

A lady who declined to divulge her name except that she was Isaac's PA boldly told one of the journo's companions that the drink he was sipping is strictly for the VVIP, Duh!

I was later surprised to spot strange faces in the so-called VVIP sections with media accreditations around their necks with a weed pot 'puffing and passing'. Not even one of my media colleagues could recognize or knew them. Could this be a matter of freebies to friends and family from the organiser's part or worse still municipality?

Vaal Uprising - Our heroes, our stories least we forget

The 27th Anniversary in commemoration of Vaal Uprising took place this past weekend at Bophelong Stadium. The rally which is held annually was poorly attended this despite the municipality's effort in arranging buses to ferry residents from different areas and extensive marketing on local media. MMC Community Safety and SRAC&H, Cllr. Mmakgomo Raikane expressed her disappointment ''Through out the week we held meeting with relevant stakeholders and everything was arranged, I am shocked by the turn-out. We are going back to the drawing board and will make sure that such a thing never happens again.'' The Beach Party which was taking place slightly at the same time as the rally took the blame.

This year's event which went under the theme ''Reclaiming Our Heritage To Consolidate Governance'' is in recognition of selfless hero's and heroines who heeded a call on Monday the 3rd September 1984 to observe a stay-away in protest against the rent increases announced by the then-Lekoa Council. Protest marches took place in all townships in the Vaal, where two people died.

Charles Nhlapo, a resident of Bophelong relived the memories ''I dislike the word councillor because during the apartheid regime we fought a fierce fight against them and leaders, Piet Kornhoff being one of them. I still remember vividly, whenever we had a gathering, police would pounce on us and I would urge fellow comrades to remain strong as we indulged in hymns which would rescue us as it was mistaken for a church service. South Africa would not have been free from oppression if it wasn't of the uprising, even when we felt ill, going to the doctor was a risk because instead of receiving help police would be called and you will be arrested. We boycotted the rent as we took to the streets with placards written ''Asinamali Akubhadalwa'', he concluded with a revolutionary tune ''Mabayeke umhlaba wethu''.

Sedibeng District Municipality, Executive Mayor, Cllr. Simon Mahole Mofokeng said; ''We endeavor in making our heritage known, we call up-on writer's to avail themselves as we are about to publish a book which will entail the rich history of the Vaal; at this stage it's only a draft and we tossing around with titles that have yet to be confirmed. History is done through development and not resistance''.

Mofokeng acknowledged handful leaders who played a significant role in the history of the Vaal, this include among others Elizabeth Letanta, Simon Nkoli, Esau and Dorcas Raditsela, Jerry Tlhopane whom at once jumped ship to be an independent candidate during election time and Bavumile Herbert Vilakazi who was the convener for Sedibeng Region, first mayor in Ekurhuleni Metro and was also involved in the Delmas Trial.

Discover the rhythm of the Vaal

The Vaal River Carnival kick-started with a launch held on a mayoral boat cruise at Stonehaven on Vaal. The Carnival which is in its ninth year in succession will take place over twenty-nine days staging numerous events starting on the 27th August until the 9th October.

The festivities are aimed at showcasing and profiling the beauty and splendor of the Vaal Triangle and the programme is part of a continued effort to enhance social cohesion and cultural expression, which will bring families together and both the public and private sector to share their skills in the quest of taking the region forward to revive its opportunities for economic and tourism development.

Emfuleni Local Municipality, Executive Mayor Cllr Greta Hlongwane, said; ''We want our communities to begin to look inwards with a view of identifying what they have in the area of cultural resources and using it to promote culture and tourism in their communities. Our intention is to expose those who will be visiting our region during the Carnival period to our state of the art hotels, conference, business and leisure facilities and the history of the Vaal.''

The retail sector is reported to be doing exceptionally well during this economic condition with the not-so-new Makro anticipating R1 billion during its first year of operation while Vaal Mall is expecting to reach R1.5 billion this year and this has encouraged the shareholders to add an additional 30 000 square meters to the current shopping mall.

Hlongwane urged role players in Emfuleni to join hands and expand the local tourism industry. ''There are many tourism opportunities especially in our township areas, I plea for greater financial support to individuals with bright ideas to expand our tourism product offerings in various categories such as tour-operators, guides, self-catering, guest houses, lodges, arts and craft entrepreneurs''.

As part of LED activities the region is currently busy drafting and finalizing some new initiatives to support business, encourage business to expand and attract new investments.

#SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS ON THE CARNIVAL

Vaal River Carnival - Calendar 2011Vaal River Carnival - Calendar 2011

Spring Beer Festival
Date: 27 August
Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal
Time: 12h00
Contact: 016 982 2951 / 072 394 3412
www.stonehaven.co.za

Vaal Wedding, Special Functions and Tourism Expo
Date: 27-28 August
Time: 9h00 am
Venue: Emerald Resort & Casino
Contact: 082 708 2834 info@vaalwed.co.za

Vaal Beach Pre-Party
Date: 2 September
Time: 8h00 pm
Venue: Club Illusions Vaal Walk, Vdbp
Contact: 082 223 6986 / 073 703 5100
www.masiasound.co.za

Commemoration of the Vaal Uprising
Date: 3 September
Time: 9h30am
Venue: Bophelong Stadium
Contact: 071 680 0157 / 016 450 3210 www.sedibeng.gov.za

Annual Vaal Tropika Beach Party
Date: 3 September
Time: 12h00
Venue: Cecil Oldridge Park
Contact: 082 223 6986 / 073 703 5100 www.masiasound.co.za

Vaal Beach Sunday Chilling Session
Date: 4 September
Time: 12h00
Venue: Planet Africa (Sonlandpark)
Contact: 082 223 6986 / 073 703 5100 www.masiasound.co.za

Spring Day Music Explosion: Soul Session
Date: 4 September
Time: 12h00
Venue: Vaal Show Grounds
Contact: 082 546 0909 / 082 837 5218 www.springmusicsa.com

Emfuleni Wheels at the Vaal
Date: 3-4 September
Time: 9h00 am
Venue: NWU Vaal Campus
Contact: 083 513 6632 mauritz.meyer@gmail.com

Vaal Water Festival
Date: 3-4 September
Time: 9h00am
Venue: Emerald Resort & Casino
Contact: 082 853 7995

SAPS Fun Day
Date: 7 September
Time: 7h30 am
Venue: Redan
Contact: 079 522 7774 wonderboy.jtsoari@gmail.com

TEKKIEFEES
Date: 9-10 September
Time: Fri - 15h00 Sat - 7h00 am
Venue: HTS Vereeniging
Contact: 083 287 5566 www.tekkiefees.co.za

Wet & Wild
Date: 10 September
Time: 11h00 am
Venue: Emerald Resort & Casino
Contact: 083 562 3365 www.spicedevents.co.za

Arts and Culture Expo
Date: 10-11 September
Time: 10h00 am
Venue: Mphatlalatsane Theatre
Contact: 016 950 6366 / 082 610 6723 www.emfuleni.gov.za

Indigenous Games
Date: 17 September
Time: 7h00 am
Venue: Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex
Contact: 016 986 4883 www.emfuleni.gov.za

DM Khunou Choral Music Festival
Date: 17-18 September
Time: 9h00 am
Venue: Mphatlalatsane Theatre
Contact: 082 672 9086 www.sedibeng.gov.za

The Crowning of Miss Emfuleni
Date: 23 September
Time: 7h00 pm
Venue: Vereeniging Civic Theatre
Contact: 016 950 5152 / 016 950 5420 www.emfuleni.gov.za

Sports and Recreation Expo
Date: 23-24 September
Time: 10h00 am
Venue: Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex
Contact: 016 986 4883 www.emfuleni.gov.za

Heritage October Fest
Date: 24 September
Venue: Dick Fourie Stadium
Contact: 083 303 3676

Vaal Show - Vereeniging
Date: 30 September - 8 October
Venue: Vaal Show Grounds
Time: 10h00 am
Contact: 083 418 1226 www.vaalskou.co.za

Street Parade
Date: 1 October
Venue: Starts Fire Station VDBP and ends Library
Contact: 016 950 6366 / 082 610 6723 www.emfuleni.gov.za

Gospel Festival
Date: 2 October
Time: 10h00 am
Venue: Vaal Show Grounds, Vereeniging
Contact: 082 223 6986 / 073 703 5100 www.masiasound.co.za

Campus to Campus Cycle Challenge
Date: 9 October
Venue: NWU Vaal Campus
Time: 7h00 am
Contact: 083 269 7659

Emfuleni Local Municipality launch 100 days action plan

In a bid to report back to the community after the elections that was held four months ago Emfuleni Local Municipality outlined its action plan on service delivery. Executive Mayor, Cllr. Greta Hlongwane who was recently elected as the deputy president of SALGA (South African Local Government Association) will be engaging with the authorities in a view that the municipality be reinstated to its metropolitan status as it is one of the biggest municility in terms of size.

Recently the municipality faced an avalanche of protests which among others saw residents of Debonair Park marching against the billing system and this was further fuelled by the council disconnecting illegal electricity. As it stand R4million in revenue was lost on a substation due to illegal connection.

Addressing the media, Hlongwane said ''We are a developmental municipality that continuously strives to improve the quality of life of its community by subscribing to Batho-Pele principles. We want to improve the system of inter-governmental relation and continue to build it in a coordinated way. Youth in Dialogue Indaba is already in place and are now working on convening a Youth Summit in the near future, will also be renovating sports facilities which will keep them away from crime and drugs. Audit on RDP houses that are being sold will be conducted as we don't understand why our people don't hand-over the houses to the government when they no longer need them. Residential place cannot be utilized for business because by so doing this reduce the supply of power to the other, we are also looking at implementing by-laws that will prevent people from erecting shacks and churches anywhere without the municipality's consent''.

Among projects the residents of the Emfuleni can look forward to are a number of jobs which will be created through the EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) and labour intensive construction methods with R11 million allocated, student accommodation problem resolved with stakeholders and Mayoral Imbizo's taking place once a quarter as part of public participation programme.

The municipality will be looking to name and shame contractors whose work was unsatisfactory as this is deemed wasteful expenditure. Unfinished projects will be finalised and as such no tenders will be awarded to them.

In conclusion she said: ''To complement women's month, workshops will be conducted with a manageable group of women entrepreneurs, starting from 22 August until 26 August 2011 and it will focus on issues such as entrepreneur skills, business training, registration of cooperatives and companies, taxes and funding''.

SOUTH AFRICA: The land that belongs to the rich and famous...

As I was going through my music library and playing Tumi Molekane's track 'the now rich' I encountered my own version and couldn't help but wonder what the once fierce, no-nonsense country of ours has become? Nowadays a thief breaks into your home and when you re-act in self-defence, you will be arrested as ''criminals'' now have rights and charged with attempted murder (sic)

DOCTOR KHUMALO

Recently soccer legend Doctor Khumalo was found guilty on charges of reckless and negligent driving three years after being involved in an accident and was fined R6K or 12-month imprisonment and that was it!

The incident took place when law-abiding citizens trying to make a decent living were on their way to work when the former football star's german-sports car collided with a minibus taxi near Maraisburg off-ramp on the N1 north in Jozi in May 4th 2008

A life was lost, injuries sustained and loss of income was lost but the court dismissed the drunken-driving charge after evidence from a blood sample was not presented by the state, could it be because it's a popular personality involved or just that the law in our country is lenient to culprits?

Sinah Shongwe, Bongani Baloyi and Elizabeth Slater was the passengers in the taxi. Shongwe is believed to have died from injuries related to the accident two weeks prior to judgment while Slater suffered back and leg injuries and taxi driver Willy Sanyane escaped with minor injuries.

To rub salt into the wounds '16 valve' (as Khumalo is affectionately known) pleaded not guilty despite the state argument that witnesses testified that he reeked booze, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and was unsteady and three times over the legal limit, to add a little bit of arrogance Khumalo missed court appearances which resulted in the case taking long to finalise.

In true honesty the fine is a slap on the wrist, the amount fined is a monthly installment for the said car which he can pay instantly while the lives of the victims are ruined and will not be getting any penny.

Meanwhile the taxi owner Perry Kgasoane is suing Khumalo for loss of income - R500K over a three year period. He was served with summons long time ago and can settle out of court as the date has not been set. It remains to be seen if he will budge and own up to his deeds.

MOLEMO MAAROHANYE

This is another high-profile case which should have been concluded ages ago. On March 9th 2010 Molemo ''Jub-jub'' Maarohanye and his co-accused Themba Tshabalala drove into a group of school children killing Andile Mthombeni (16), Phumelelo Masemelo (16), Mlungisi Cwayi and Prince Mahube both (17) while Fumani Mushanana (17) and Frank Mlambo (18) were injured when the two were allegedly drag racing in their sports cars along Mdlalose Street in Protea, Soweto.

The state 'again' alleged that witnesses testified that the music star and his friend were intoxicated with alcohol and drugs, cellphone footage of the racing was taken but there is a lot of controvesy around it. The case is still on-going.

# Transport Minister, Sbu Ndebele urged law enforcement officers to crack down on illegal drag racing, this comes after three people were killed in Pretoria.

TEBOGO 'Proverb' THEKISO & BRYCE MOON

Just other high-profiled personalities whose fate is still to be decided but don't read too much into it as the saying goes ''Money is the root of all evil''

Print versus Digital media

Media as it is known is an informative, educating and entertaining field and with times come change. The industry has grown over the years and continues to do so, it is also noted that technology has brought about change in this field and as such we have seen numerous media houses adapting to change in a sense that they aren't left behind in comparison to competitors.

I am so glad that I grew up in an environment where newspaper and a magazine were the order of the day; I can't help but realize advantages such setup brought.

Today we have online news subscription which is convenient but print was and still is my preferred choice; Though online media save time but it is relatively known to be unreliable with hacks taking place every second you blink while with print it's a different take altogether.

The introduction of Media 24s tabloid, Daily Sun back in 2002 set the scene alight giving Sowetan a run for its moolah. Initially the paper was seen as a gossip mouth-piece as its content was somehow unbelievable (e.g witchcraft, tokoloshe, etc) but it has managed to polish itself and aligned to a point that even an illiterate can be home with it; which was a first in the country.

From the early days of its inception to the late 90s Sowetan enjoyed a free role as it had absolutely no competition that's until ''The People's Paper'' came along and changed all that which led to its regional branches closure.

During my tertiary days as a media student a certain newspaper called ''This Day'' headed by Justice Malala hit the shelves and I still remember vividly when I laid my eyes on it I told my mates that it won't stand the test of time and rise against all odds, the reason being it was a duplicate of an already existing daily paper and my sentiments were proven right as it ceased to exist.

We have ample daily newspapers which carries serious news that people can relate to and I'm saying this with an ordinary person on the streets in mind as weekend papers are mostly about gossip but I would like to see the introduction of citizen journalism where communities are fully in charge maybe just maybe news will not be biased and the mentality will be broader.

Comrade Malema, you are just another ruthless politician

The media revelations of how you made the wealth to fund your lifestyle can't be brushed aside anymore.

I don't know if you know the saying: ''Behind every great fortune there is a great crime''. But recent reports prove just that.

Comrade, the wealth and comfort enjoyed by whites in South Africa is a product of historical violent theft of our land, labour and destruction of the African way of life.

Instead of fighting to redress these historical injustices, you have now literally joined those who stole from us to set yourself up, while the people continue to suffer.

When I heard that you were demolishing a R3,6million house in Sandton to build a better one for R16million, I calculated that you would be living in a R20million house.

I found the idea of destroying a house in a country that has a huge housing backlog a cruel act by one who claims to represent the poorest of the poor.

I know you know a place called Setswetla in Alexandra township. You were there just before the local elections with Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale and others.

The R20million could solve the appallingly hellish condition of the people of Setswetla. Do you know how many RDP houses could be built with R20million?

Exactly 50 years ago Frantz Fanon wrote that the curse of post-colonial Africa were the leaders who took over from the colonialists only to become black colonialists themselves.

He warned that such people take power from the whites to serve themselves, not the people, while using the rhetoric of a better life for all.

He called such leaders the comprador. You have become the comprador even before you take formal power as an official politician. The comprador, according to Fanon, is engaged in ''conspicuous consumption''. Please check the meaning of this concept in the dictionary, sir.

I'm disappointed because of all the leaders we have, you have stood up and spoken about the real issues that your party has avoided.

But it is clear now; you have been an opportunist who raised these issues, not to solve them, but to trick the poor who have been waiting for a better life for almost 20 years now under your party's rule.

Instead of leading the new struggle as a selfless of the poor, you only pay lip service to the plight of our people while you amass great amounts of wealth through your political influence.

You could have chosen a different path sir, the path of Thomas Sankara, who sacrificed all personal comforts to serve the people.

Or you could have chosen, just like the youth leaders of June 16 1976, such as Tsietsi Mashinini and Khotso Seatlholo, to be guided by the principle of ''the people first''.

No, instead you put yourself first! The black youth of this country has been abandoned by the ANC government. They looked up to you and you have let them down badly.

You are just another ruthless politician in the ANC alliance, who uses words to deceive.

* Mngxitama's new essay in New Frank Talk is titled Is Malema a Mugabe? A short political biography of Julius Malema.

Source: SowetanLIVE

A lifetime gift for 107-year old gogo

On a day that South Africa's icon Nelson Mandela turned 93, one elder felt how its like to finally have a house she can proudly call her own and was further showered with blankets, bed and groceries. A day filled with activities in an effort to play a part in a call to do something positive for the less destitute, Emfuleni Local Municipality made an old citizen's dream come true. 107-year-old Lettia Mthimkhulu from Sonderwater received an RDP house in Tshepiso North Extension 1, Sharpville from the municipality; this comes after her plea in the media to own a house before she dies.

ELM, Executive Mayor Greta Hlongwane said ''This is an unfortunate incident where we had to learn about gogos plight through the media, we have councilors and would like the community to liaise with them should something of this nature occur. An audit will be conducted to find out how many others can receive help, complete and empty houses will be allocated to the elderly and we acknowledge that this cannot all be done in 67 minutes. It is our mission to eradicate shacks but make no mistake as these houses are not for family and friends. We also won't tolerate people flocking into our area in a sense that they will get houses.''

She further urged mothers within the community to help those in need, they know of elders who can't do anything for themselves therefore it won't hurt to give a helping hand not only on Mandela day.

LAUNCH OF A MOBILE CLINIC

Meanwhile a mobile clinic was launched and presented to the residents of an informal settlement in Barrage, Vanderbijlpark. The clinic which will be situated next to a police station will be made available to the community three days a week.

Sindiswa Moeketsi, Acting Environmental Management, Health & Social Development demonstrated the clinic which consist of a generator on board. ''The clinic is a breath of fresh air to this area because long distance trips to health care centers elsewhere will no longer be necessary, it will render numerous services ranging from primary health care such as pap smear, chronic illnesses and mental health treatment. In circumstance where the situation is severe an ambulance will be called, I urge those who are infected with HIV/Aids to live positively by getting treatment;'' she said.

67 ideas on what to do on Mandela Day... (1 of 2)

What is Mandela Day?

July 18th marks South Africa's first black president & icon Madiba's birthday (born 1918). The message is simple. Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. It seems only fitting that we give 67minutes of our time on this day, whether it's supporting a chosen charity or serving in the local community.

It is a day where Nelson Mandela's life work is celebrated annually through an act of kindness. People are asked to spend 67 minutes of the day helping someone else, there are no set rules. Anything that will impact someone else's life positively.

1. Make a new friend. Get to know someone from a different cultural background. Only through mutual understanding can we rid our communities of intolerance and xenophobia.

2. Read to someone who can't, visit a local home for the blind and open up a new world for someone else.

3. Fix the potholes in your street or neighbourhood.

4. Help out at the local animal shelter. Dogs without homes still need a walk and a bit of love.

5. Find out from your local library if it has a story hour and offer to read during it.

6. Offer to take an elderly neighbour who can't drive to do their shopping/chores.

7. Organise a litter cleanup day in your area.

8. Get a group of people to each knit a square and make a blanket for someone in need.

9. Volunteer at your police station or local faith-based organisation.

10. Donate your skills!

11. If you're a builder, help build or improve someone's home.

12. Help someone to get his/her business off the ground.

13. Build a website for someone who needs one, or for a cause you think needs the support.

14. Help someone get a job. Put together and print a CV for them, or help them with their interview skills.

15. If you're a lawyer, do some pro bono work for a worthwhile cause or person.

16. Write to your area councillor about a problem in the area that requires attention, which you, in your personal capacity, are unable to attend to.

17. Sponsor a group of learners to go to the theatre/zoo.

HELP OUT FOR GOOD HEALTH

18. Get in touch with your local HIV organisations and find out how you can help.

19. Help out at your local hospice, as staff members often need as much support as the patients.

20. Many terminally ill people have no one to speak to. Take a little time to have a chat and bring some sunshine into their lives.

21. Talk to your friends and family about HIV.

22. Get tested for HIV and encourage your partner to do so too.

23. Take a bag full of toys to a local hospital that has a children's ward.

24. Take younger members of your family for a walk in the park.

25. Donate some medical supplies to a local community clinic.

26. Take someone you know, who can't afford it, to get their eyes tested or their teeth checked.

27. Bake something for a support group of your choice.

28. Start a community garden to encourage healthy eating in your community.

29. Donate a wheelchair or guide dog, to someone in need.

30. Create a food parcel and give to someone in need.

BECOME AN EDUCATOR

31. Offer to help out at your local school.

32. Mentor a school leaver or student in your field of expertise.

33. Coach one of the extra-mural activities the school offers. You can also volunteer to coach an extra-mural activity the school doesn't offer.

34. Offer to provide tutoring in a subject you are good at.

35. Donate your old computer.

36. Help maintain the sports fields.

37. Fix up a classroom by replacing broken windows, doors and light bulbs.

38. Donate a bag of art supplies.

39. Teach an adult literacy class.

40. Paint classrooms and school buildings.

41. Donate your old textbooks, or any other good books, to a school library.

HELP THOSE LIVING IN POVERTY

42. Buy a few blankets, or grab the ones you no longer need from home and give them to someone in need.

43. Clean out your cupboard and donate the clothes you no longer wear to someone who needs them.

44. Put together food parcels for a needy family.

45. Organise a bake sale, car wash or garage sale for charity and donate the proceeds.

46. To the poorest of the poor, shoes can be a luxury. Don't hoard them if you don't wear them. Pass them on!

47. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen.

CARE FOR THE YOUTH

48. Help at a local children's home or orphanage.

49. Help the kids with their studies.

50. Organise a friendly game of soccer, or sponsor the kids to watch a game at the local stadium.

51. Coach a sports team and make new friends.

52. Donate sporting equipment to a children's shelter.

53. Donate educational toys and books to children's home.

54. Paint, or repair, infrastructure at an orphanage or youth centre.

55. Mentor someone. Make time to listen to what the kids have to say and give the good advice.

...proceed below

67 ideas on what to do on Mandela Day... (2 of 2)

...continuing from above

TREASURE THE ELDERLY

56. If you play an instrument, visit your local old-age home and spend an hour playing for residents and staff.

57. Learn the story of someone older than you. Too often people forget that the elderly have wealth of experience and wisdom and, more often than not, an interesting story to tell.

58. Take an elderly shopping; they will appreciate your company and assistance.

59. Take someone's dog for a walk if they are too frail to do so themselves.

60. Mow someone's lawn and help them fix things around their house.

LOOK AFTER YOUR ENVIRONMENT

61. If there are no recycling centres in your area, petition your area councillor to provide one.

62. Donate indigenous trees to beautify neighbourhoods in poorer areas.

63. Collect old newspapers from a school/community center/hospital and take them to a recycling centre.

64. Identify open manhole covers or drains in your area and report them to the local authorities.

65. Organise the company/school/organisation that you work with to switch off all unnecessary lights and power supplies at night and on weekends.

66. Engage with people who litter and see if you can convince them of the value of clean surroundings.

67. Organise to clean up your local park, river, beach, street, town square or sports grounds with a few friends. Our children deserve to grow up in a clean and healthy environment.

Source: Nelson Mandela Foundation

Recapping

COUNCILLOR FACES COMMUNITY WRATH

SOWETO - Chiawelo residents took to the streets protesting about the installation of electricity prepaid meter and barricaded the busy Chris Hani Road nearby.

Ward 12 councillor Johannes Nemaungani became a victim when his house and vehicle were torched by the angry protestors; six people who were trapped in the house were rescued.

It is a norm that in winter the entire country faces an enormous power blackouts, illegal connections are not foreign which may be the contributing factor to the constant cut-off as the demand exceed supply.

As much as I don't condone the masses irresponsible acts that is without a doubt fuelled by jealousy but truth needs to be told that councillors promises heaven and earth when they campaign for votes. They forget to inform the communities that promises they make are not solely depended on them but there are protocol to follow and procedures within the government that has to be followed which usually takes forever. Worse still, up-on being elected they don't return to the people to inform and educate them about things to expect. As it stands people are fed-up with excuses and lies politicians feed them and lack of service delivery despite president assuring them that such irregularities will be the thing of the past hence they resorted to such activities. We may argue that the said councillor has nothing to do with Eskom but who owns the power supplier?

A group of protestors fought with metro police officers to free one of their own after he was arrested, overpowered and under siege the two officers fled the scene.

NATIONALISATION

It's a first of its kind in our country we have had and seen a youth leader that is so powerful, influential and dominating one would mistaken him for occupying the State President seat.

Seshego-born Julius Sello Malema was at it again preaching and talking 'nationalisation' of mines and banking institution. According to him its high time white people give back what they took from black people. ''We are going to engage with these investors with a will that they hand over 60 percent of their wealth which in this case are minerals and 'loot'. We can't have them coming into our country to invest and only for them to return to their respective countries without us benefitting'' he concluded.

Communist Party leader Blade Nzimande has came out with guns blazing about how nationalisation won't benefit the poor and this argument was backed by ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe who emphasized that the ruling party is not going to be dictated to by the Youth League and that nationalisation is not their policy; and this resulted in the ANCYL taking a stance and airing their views that come 2012 at the ANC Conference which will be held in Bloemfontein, Free State they would love to see him vacate the secretary position for Fikile Mbalula who was once the president of the Youth League.

How will they run big corporate companies when they fail to run departments like Home Affairs and Traffic for that matter; where bribes are now a procedure in obtain a drivers license. Tenders are now a mess mainly because of this type of mentality and now nationalisation, do we yearn to see Mzansi emulate Zimbabwe, ruled by dictators and losing our currency? I doubt...

R200m UNSPEND GOVERNMENT GRANT

Not a single graduate applied for funds from the government scheme set up to help settle their outstanding university fees. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) was tasked with administering the fund which was supposed to enable 25 000 students to receive their qualifications.

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande announced the grant during his budget speech in May.

Anyone who knows whether Umsobomvu Youth Fund or National Youth Development Agency are of any help to many of our unemployed youth across the country? As much as there are ample initiatives by the government to aid those in need, do these plans yield any positive results; the latest being the Digital Integration Programme that many have applied for but are yet to get a response.

HANDS OFF THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR

Lately exposing corruption in our country has taken an ugly turn where one get hunted as if s/he is the criminal. Its ironic how after a few months where the Public Protector Adv. Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela unraveled corruption in the R500m lease for police headquarters, the men in blue are now breathing down her neck.

Independent Newspapers reported that she faced imminent arrest for fraud and corruption with her work at the SALRC, three years ago. Madonsela owned the companies which did the work for the commission for about R1.8m

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said that he was surprised at the news that police were planning to arrest Madonsela on charges of fraud and corruption.

The Justice Department at the treasury request investigated if there had been a conflict of interest when her company Waweth rendered services to the department and it emerged that Madonsela did not break any laws while she was the SA Law Reform Commissioner.

Madonsela was appointed Commissioner in 2007 and became Protector in October 2009

She is considering approaching Parliament regarding her personal security.

A thin line between black and white

Looking back where our beloved country hail, one cannot help but notice the rich history it possesses. Unfortunately that was attained through tears, blood and slavery.

As much as South Africa is deemed a developing country globally but it's a complete different take when it come to being compared within the continent.

Mentioning the year 1976 and 1960 you are bound to get a hostile reaction from black people and by further watching films like Bopha, Cry Freedom, Sarafina, Mapantsula, Catch a Fire to name a few will further fuel one's anger, hatred and resentment. Apartheid was and still is part of the country struggle, I may not have been there during the 60s and 70s to can relive the plight our people went through but I know that they didn't suffer and died in vain. Their will was to see us freed from all the slavery and it is by their dedication and never say die attitude that today I am enjoying privileges that the didn't have back then.

What puzzles me is why do we still see each other's race before humanity (which I consider to be vital). Will the 'tolerance' bug ever bite us? Why inter-racial relationships amass stares?

It is very disturbing that in this day and age there are political leaders who are trying by all means to draw a line on racial tension between citizens and as a result dividing the beautiful country that the likes of Nelson Mandela, Reginald Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chris Hani, Bantu Biko, Mangaliso Bukwe and others worked tirelessly and hard for to see it civilized.

It must be noted that there is no country that can claim to be completely safe from crime, violence and evil deeds thus it is promising to not hear white people opting to emigrate fearing for their lives like it used to be some time ago.

It is absurd if you are the kind of a parent who instil a mentality to your kids that they are superior to other race just because of their skin colour and as such these people don't belong to our country.

A walk down Jo'burg vibey cities like Yeoville, Hillbrow and Braamfontein can be mistaken for being up-north of Africa due to mix of our brothers and sisters you are bound to bump into over there and democracy in Mzansi has seen an influx of people of Somali, Ethiopia and Pakistan origin as they seek to find a better life as opposed to their countries.

What was previously perceived as white predominatly places like Boksburg and Vanderbijlpark now has mixed races and that goes for townships that house whites all of these to symbolize what rainbow nation is all about.

My final take is that South Africa is for all who live in it be it Blacks, Whites, Coloureds, Indians, Khoi-Sans, Afrikaners and fellow Africans (since they no longer here for refuge but have identity documents too) on condition that they don't come here to tarnish and degrade our country in any way imaginable.