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.