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.

Youth Day - To commemorate or celebrate

SOUTH AFRICA comes a long way from the days of Apartheid and just when I was asked if I have the movie ''The Line'' in my collection I knew that commemoration was in place. However it is with sadness to realise that the youth of our era are clueless of what June 16 is all about, to them it is just another holiday and an excuse to indulge in booze.

Typical routine on the said day involve wearing school uniform and making way to a drinking den (sic), what are we saying, that the youth of 1976 were drunkards?

Asking the youth what happened 35 years ago symbolizes you are bound to get response like ''celebration'', what are we rejoicing? That people were oppresed and killed and the manner to honour them is by drinking? Could this be being ignorant at its best or what?

Youth day should be commemorated meaning ''A call to remembrance, keep alive the memory of someone or something as in a ceremony''

As we laid Mam' Albertina Sisulu to rest this past weekend I realised that great leaders are slowly but surely perishing away. We are going to loose our identity as it stand because by the look of things we heading that direction. I yearn for a harmonic place where the youth will be tutored about Mandelas, Tambos, Sisulus, Hanis, Biko, Joe Slovo, Helen Suzman (nee Govronsky), Helen Joseph, Lillian Ngoyi and many others maybe then just maybe they will repent and realize that the struggle for freedom is on-going and that the blood shed should not be in vain.

A friend of mine asked me ''If you were to die and be born again who would you like to be in the next lifetime and which continent would you like to be a citizen of''? Though I'm not sure if I'd want to be another person what I'm certain of is that Africa is where I would want to be without a doubt. For the past few months we have witnessed war in our neighbouring countries with leaders who are reluctant to step down and pass on the baton to others. Luckily Mzansi is a democratic country where a leader is rightfully elected by masses and can be recalled should s/he not live up to expectation.

Remember:
Youth day is NOT a celebration but a commemoration, let's make it our mission to teach those who don't know.

Child Stars

FAME and fortune are at most every masses dream but unfortunately not everyone can make it a reality and as a result will remain a fantasy. With fame comes responsibility as for fortune, well just like the late Christopher Wallace (widely known as Notorious BIG) said ''The more money you got, the more problems you'll see''.

South Africa has had its fair share of child stars in different medium ranging from Ricardo of ''I love you daddy' fame to Sboniso Dlamini (Msawawa). Having produced such talent it meant progress in the creative sector but the major challenge will always be sustaining them and keeping them at the fore front.

With the introduction of Lil Bow Wow and Justin Bieber abroad and their success I took some time and thought if we are on the same par or we lacking and if indeed we're behind how do we go about catching up? Majority of the stars abroad who entered the industry at a relatively young age and most of them are still in existence.

Nkosinathi Zwane (Mzambiya), Thobi Mkhwanazi, Sphiwe Mtshali, Stephina Zwane, Wright Ngubeni, Mandisa Nakana-Taylor and Sipho Ngwenya (Psyfo) are some of the names that comes to mind when thinking about child stars in our country. Though some are still gracing our screens it baffles me where others faded.

Just what role do casting agencies and record companies play? For one, they expose their budding-stars to the dog-eat-puppy industry, is there any support rendered once they're in the limelight? I wonder; they won't spoon-fed you, that's for sure. The term ''celebrity'' has lost its meaning in our shores, as anyone who is everyone is regarded as a celeb. Nowadays we running short of personalities who can be regarded as role-models and be celebrated in one go. Just what it is that needs to be done in order to restore what was once known as the entertaining, educational and influential field which has now became flashy and boastful about absolutely nothing?

Most of the child stars succumb to pressure and end up taking drugs which lead them astray and destroy their promising careers which our children emulate with a mentality that it is the right thing to do since those they idolise are doing it. Wouldn't it be nice and thoughtful to initiate programs that will nurture our jewels from their up-bringing stage until they are grown up's and can be able to fend for themselves?

Emfuleni Municipality mayor sworn in

Sedibeng region made history when one household produced two mayors in a form of a husband and wife; Cllr Nomadlozi Gretha Hlongwane was inaugurated as the new Executive Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality in a ceremony held at Wilberforce Community College, Evaton. In attendance was the MEC for Local Government and Housing, Humphrey Mmemezi, councillors, the outgoing mayor Assistance Mshudulu and the community at large.

In a lively event that resembled a revival mayor Cllr Hlongwane and her cabinet were sworn in by the District Magistrate Sibanyoni. Great leaders lead from the front and as such they coordinate ideas of others, a leader need to have a vision as it is a source of hope and light. Success is gauged by knowing the difference between being in the corner and cornering people these were some of the advice echoed and addressed to the mayor as she took oath.

''We want this administration to be known and remembered as one of urgency when dealing with issues of delivery. The current status quo and patterns of development will not be allowed to continue. We are preparing the stage for bigger role for Emfuleni in the formulation and development of a region into a thriving metropolitan economy by 2025, among the things we want to do within our 100 days plan of action is to focus on the youth, especially empowerment and unemployment. Within this youth month we want to convene a youth summit to solicit the divergent views of our young community in order to marshal a way forward and find practical solutions jointly on issues affecting them.'' Mayor Cllr Hlongwane said.

The mayoral committee leadership will be doing the rounds within the communities to interact with the people and see what projects are taking place, and also seeking answers on projects that seem to be lacking in progress.

She further went on to say ''Operation Khanyisa will be implemented with an emphasis on public and street lighting, robots and high mast lights. We believe these will play a role in our fight against crime as our prevention strategies will include more effective policing of streets, expansion of cameras in crime hot spot areas and enforcement of by-laws. We will be breaking new ground working with the province in the renewal of Vereeniging Central Business District, KwaMasiza, Evaton, Sharpeville and resolve the housing allocation disputes in Tshepiso and Zone 24 Sebokeng. Big business will be approached and requested to adopt and maintain a park for the sustainability of our environment and beautification of our communities.''

In conclusion the mayor urged the councillors to call public meetings to inform the community about the resolutions of council including information from provincial and national departments like Home Affairs and Justice Department to educate people about their rights.

OVERALL MAYORAL COMMITTEE

Chief Whip
Cllr DE Tshabalala

Speaker
Cllr MP Gqelosha

MMC: Public Transport, Roads and Public Works
Cllr SE Pitso

MMC: Infrastructure, Electricity, Water and Sanitation
Cllr NR Thulo

MMC: Environmental Management, Health and Social Development
Cllr KJM Ranake

MMC: Housing
Cllr ML Khubeka

MMC: Public Safety
Cllr WV Mcera

MMC: Corporate Services
Cllr K Ntombela

MMC: Local Economic Development, Development Planning and Tourism
Cllr K Malindi

MMC: Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture
Cllr SJ Radebe

MMC: Finance
Cllr MT Ronyuza

MMC: Waste and Landfill Management
Cllr VM Godoli

Beauty in the eye of a beholder

Eyes are the most important organs in a human torso, one morning when I woke up and struggled to widely open them as they were partially closed; it hit home badly that I could be getting blind.

The thought of not being able to see was bitter, depressing and a daunting experience. Back at tertiary I was so obsessed with contact lenses that I saw myself wearing them that's until my side-kick discouraged and warned me; ''Mina angazi ngoba amehlo akuyona into yokudlala'' (I don't know; because eyes aren't something you can toy with) he said. From then onwards I never wanted anything coming near my eyes.

At some point in my life, I encountered a physical accident and later learned that I had a fracture. During this period where I nursed my injuries I came face to face with not being able to use certain parts of my body to their maximum, it was then that I realised how precious each and every organ in a soul's body can be.

The incident with my eye was questionable as there were no visible uppercut or a blue-eye as a result of bumping into something or maybe got beaten. It was swollen, teary and a bit itching and I had to seek medical advice. It came as a relief when it was confirmed that it was nothing to be worried about as I might have consumed something that went against my system as I am allergic to certain food, how ignorant I could have been I wondered...

ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

Is an inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids (conjunctiva) due to a reaction from allergy-causing substances such as pollen and dander.

CAUSES

When your eyes are exposed to anything to which you are allergic, histamines is released and the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen (the conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the 'white' of the eye). Reddening of the eyes develops quickly and is accompanied by itching and tearing.

Allergies tend to run in the families, although no obvious mode of inheritance is recognized. The incidence of allergy is difficult to determine, because many different conditions are often lumped under the term 'allergy'. Keep in mind that rubbing the eyes makes the situation worse.

SYMPTONS

* Red eyes

* Intense itching or burning eyes

* Puffy eyelids, especially in the morning

* Tearing (watery eyes)

* Stringy eye discharge

* Dilated vessels in the clear tissue covering the white of the eye.

TREATMENT

The best treatment is avoiding exposure to the cause or allergen. Unfortunately, this is not often practical. Discomfort can be relieved by applying cool compresses to the eyes or taking antihistamines by mouth (many of these are available over the counter)

If home-care measures do not help, treatment by the health care provider may be necessary. This may include:

* Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drops that are placed in the eye;

* Mild eye steroid preparations applied directly on the surface of the eye (for severe reactions);

* Eye drops that prevent certain white blood cells called mast cells from releasing histamine; these drops are given in combination with antihistamines for moderate to severe reactions.

OUTLOOK (Prognosis)

Treatment usually relieves the symptoms. However, the condition tends to recur if exposure to the offending agent continues.

There are no serious complications, persistent discomfort is common.

PREVENTION

Prevention of allergic conjunctivis is best accomplished by avoiding the allergen, if it is known. In many cases, however, this is impossible since the allergy-causing agents are everywhere nearly all the time.

#Additional_info: vision.about.com