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

Zooming on the SAMAs

The MTN 17th Annual Music Awards which was moved to Montecasino in Fourways, north of Jo'burg after a successful stint over the years in Sun City, North West took place this weekend which closed off an eventful week.

To begin with the venue was criticized as being small but having two stages was a good idea, I always emphasized that the public should be given first preference and be housed around the stage and not the so-called VIP's because they (public) bring the event to live with the cheers, screams and the likes. As for the line up for the night... geez! one would swear we were on Jacaranda FM.

The organizers roped in Majota 'Phat Joe' Khambule and Bonang 'Ur gal B' Matheba as hosts, well Jojo is controversial (no wonder he was censored) and can be funny at times I can live with that but Bonang oh, please! She's one of the reason I don't watch Live Music Show (the other being Minnie 'Minaj' Dlamini) as she is too loud (which is good for voice-over) beats me how she got a slot on YFM but then again what has the once fierce youth station become lately but at least she is better than the twins.

The event was a big yawn and a complete bore except for closing performance by Zakes 'Bum Bum' Bantwini whom I believe deserved an award on the night; and of cause Professor a graduate from the varsity of Kalawa stable who scooped three awards but taking to the stage with Mzansi's gold-digger Khanyi 'Blackberry' Mbau is a recipe for disaster. Could it be that she spotted a gold mine in the Jezebel star? Take a leaf from Mandla. Ray 'Chikapa' Phiri deserves a mention on a Sipho Gumede's classic and that goes for Vusi Mahlasela as well.

It felt right for a change to have someone other than Rebecca Malope winning the Gospel award and it wasn't surprising to later learn that she dashed. I hope the former street-kid Sechaba Padi won't trade the award for a quick buck as he is said to be at loggerheads with his manager at Bula Records over money owed to him.

Earlier on one of the oldest team Orlando Pirates were crowned PSL 2010/1 Champions after a ten year drought and knowing how passionate we are about our football it is therefore understandable to brag about such achievement as they earned the rights but for a political party is a no-no. At some point I wondered if these were music or political awards.

As a norm two awards went to the late Bhekumuzi Luthuli and Sipho Gumede respectively which goes to show that as an artist in our country you are only appreciated once you no more. It was also a wise decision by Liquideep to withdraw their nomination in the 'newcomer of the year' category, how sick and degrading that can be? Congratulations to all the winners and to those who didn't better luck next time!!!

OVERALL WINNERS...

Best African Traditional Gospel Album:
Sechaba - Thank You

Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Ological Studies - OS Freedom

Best Maskandi Album: Bhekumuzi Luthuli - Imali ya belungu

Best Sokkie Dans Album: Kurt Darren - Die beste medisyne

Best Pop Album English: Jax Panik - I am Jax Panik

Best Urban Dance Album: DJ Kent - I can't survive

Best Urban Pop Album: Kwela Tebza - Gauteng made in South Africa/Mzansi

Best Pop Album Afrikans: Juanita du Plessis - Engel van my heart

Best Pop Album African: Theo Kgosinkwe - Grateful

Best Rock Album English: Prime Circle - Jekyll & Hyde

Best Kwaito Album: Professor - University of Kalawa Jazzmee

Best Rap Album: Amu - The Principal

MTN Best Selling Mobile Music Download: DJ Cleo & DJ Muzi

Music Video of the Year: The Parlotones - The stars fall down

Best Selling Album: Locnville - Sun in my pocket

Newcomer of the Year: Locnville - Sun in my pocket

Duo/Group of the Year: Liquideep - Fabrics of the Heart

International Achievement Award: Die Antwoord

Lifetime Achievement Award: Sipho Gumede & Lance James

Female Artist of the Year: Thandiswa Mazwai - The forgotten free (live in concert)

Male Artist of the Year - Professor - University of Kalawa Jazmee

MTN Record of the Year: Professor - Imoto

Album of the
Year: Liquideep - Fabrics of the Heart

Aftermath

This picture caused an uproar on my social pages prior to municipal elections that took place this week with 'loyalists' citing Photoshop when in fact it had nothing to do with that. In a bid to woo voters in Midvaal, the ruling party took it upon themselves to campaign. In presence was the controversial youth league president Julius Sello Malema, as usual promises were made and other parties and it's leaders ridiculed which goes to show how dirty politics can get.

Among the bold statements uttered by the chubby leader which ended with a signature song 'ibhunu' but this time around with a twist of lyrics were:

* Democratic Alliance being a white only party with a madam dancing like a monkey;

* Inkatha Freedom Party, a traditionalist party which doesn't believe in women being leaders; and

* Two separate COPE (i.e. One of Lekota and the other of Shilowa) and how the ANC president is democratically elected by people and not the court.

It must have been a huge blow for him loosing the hate-speech court case brought against him with a plea to appeal turned down, we haven't heard the last of it (as it has been brought before the Equality Court) and I bet now his attention will be channeled on nationalization of mines as his request for the government to curb tenders ain't surprising as he already has benefited immensely.

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Most parties held their closing rallies few days before the elections and analysts warned that this should not be mistaken for marks on the ballot paper, indeed this was evident as most people boycotted the elections and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why.

As it stand the ANC triumphed in the Northern Cape which house Orania (which is an Afrikaner community) but the same cannot be said about the highly contested Midvaal.

DELIVERANCE

Irrespective of who came out victors I strongly believe it's about time ordinary people get the first preference and lack of service delivery be a thing of the past. We have been fed manifestos, promises and now mandate has to be maintained. Putting blame on the apartheid regime is a lame excuse considering how people lack basic things like water while politicians are mocking each other and corruption being the order of the day. Never again should we have civilians killed for protesting for what is rightfully theirs, at least these leaders owe that to ALL the struggle heroes.

There's music in the air

Music is undoubtedly one of the finest crafts everywhere in the world and just how far are artists prepared to go in satisfying their listeners. The world is revolving and as such the music industry has had to keep up with the pace.

As glamorous as this industry is, it will not be fair if I don't mention the hardship that goes with it. In Europe, United States to be precise musos are enjoying the limelight and sky rocketing sales but in our country it's a complete different story.

Each and every country take pride in their own type of music as it defines them and sets them apart from others therefore it is with sadness that one of the proudly South African music genre 'Kwaito' has been hit by a slump that it is as good as been considered dead. This kind of music which was a hit back in the 90s made waves and proved that indeed we too can be creative. Kwaito's downfall was a result of certain musicians who couldn't refrain from using profanity in their lyrics and those who would sing a one-liner from start to finish, who in their right mind will fork out seventy rands to purchase an album that contain twelve tracks with only two songs that are worth listening to?

The introduction of House music in our country saw remixes of some of the good music pity because the pioneers were at times not consulted let alone received royalties for their work.

Creativity is one of the key elements when it comes to surviving, all the energy, time and dedication put into producing an album only for it to be pirated really is depressing. In our shores creativity is often compromised which is why album sales hardly reach platinum and one hit wonders are contributing a lot. It's all about quick-buck which I believe is disrespecting the audience big time.

Just recently a well-known disc spinner sampled a great classic on his album without permission and is reluctant to pay what is due and looking back on his musical background he is no stranger to such stuff; the very same deejay once made a mockery of a payoff line of a banking institution that funded a jazz festival. So, you tell me which direction our music industry is heading?