Ed's letter - South Africa

LIFESTYLELife in SowetoLIFESTYLEStory by Mantobazane KhumaloSoweto is a hugely popular urbanarea with a population of a millionpeople. It is a place steeped in history;the place where the 1976 studentuprising began - the beginning of therevolution which ended apartheaid. Manythings have changed, but people still havethe idea that Soweto is a ghetto and adangerous place.Have you ever been to Soweto to discoverall the adventures that await youthere? Has it ever crossed your mind thatSoweto can be an exciting destination?Well! Soweto has some great restaurants,tours, historical sights and hotels. It maytake some getting used to if you’re fromthe suburbs, but it is a ‘vibey’ place withfriendly, interesting people who are waitingto welcome you.We all have expectations when we travelto different places. We believe what wehave heard. I remember the first time Iwent to Kwa-Zulu Natal there are girls[izintombi nto] walking around with theirbreasts exposed and when the guys [insizwa]feel that they love you they cantake you to their homes whether you likeit or not and send your parents cows forThe intersection ofgreat lives and stories[lobolo]. Weird hey! But that’s the kindof new thing you experience when youtravel.Soweto will give you more new experiencesthan you ever dreamed possible.It is like no other place on earth. Whereelse can you visit the homes of two NobelPeace Prize winners in one street?Where else can you bungee jump from acooling tower or have a barbeque at thecar wash?‘The people of Soweto have soul. MotherTeresa said, ‘Love begins at home, and itis not how much we do… but how muchlove we put into that action’. We areunited, we put other people’s needs first.We always apply the Ubuntu spirit [Umuntungumuntu ngabantu - we are peoplebecause we are around people]. That iswho we really are we are like sisters andbrothers.We have great restaurants like KwaThabeng, Nambitha and Ekasi Kitchenwhere you get the best Indian food, traditionalfood and what we call bring andbraai. We call it ‘tshisa nyama’ it is wherewe get red meet and then it is ‘braaied’.(barbequed) Soweto is the place to be.Everyone goes to Soweto, but you can’ttalk about Soweto without mentioningMorris Isaacson High School, DorothyNyembe Park, Regina Mundi Church andthe Hector Pieterson Museum. MorrisHector PietersonMuseumOur home- Soweto4 5

LIFESTYLELIFESTYLEIsaacson High School (my alma mater)is where the 1976 uprising started, withthe brave students who fought for ourfreedom to even call Soweto our home,Tsietsi Mashinini is a hero.A baby plays next towhere his mothersells her goods.Talking about heroes in fight against BantuEducation, we lost Hector Pieterson whois now one of the reasons why we haveHector Pieterson Museum to rememberthe people who fought for our freedom.It is not only kindness that we have, thatmakes us so proud, it is also the bloodshed to free us.Soweto has its share of local celebritieswho are making it big in the television andradio industries - guys like Zola 7 whohave their shows broadcast on SABC.Simphiwe Tshabalala who grew up in Phiriis a well known soccer star who managedto score a goal against Mexico in the openinggame of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Webring out the best because we know thatit takes a village to raise a child.Horses and carts are still used to transport goods locally.Nelson Mandela’s humble pre-prison home.The old cooling towers, now amajor landmark and great placefor bungee jumping.As a community that cares about itspeople we have shelters that help peopleregardless of who you are. We know thatgiving is the essence of living that’s whywe have shelters such as OthandweniHomeless centre, Disability centre, oldage centre and South African NationalCouncil on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.We would like to bring out thebest in Soweto kids.Sculpture of various taxi signsWe believe in the beauty of our nationand in the beauty of the mindset of everyoneto bring out the best in Soweto.Watch out! Soweto will soon be one ofthe top tourist attractions in the world!A restaurant in thefamous Vilakazi StreetBara taxi rank - one of the biggest taxi ranks in the world.6 7

SOCIAL ISSUESBaking BabiesStory by Musa Amy GinyigaziEvery day we face challenges and forthe youth, these challenges are somuch more intense.In South Africa, we are still fighting thescourge of teenage pregnancy and thereis no end in sight as numbers are stillon the increase. But a new challenge hasreared its ugly head…Teenagers are falling pregnant, carryingthe baby for nine months and then – afterall the agony of birth – they dump theirbabies!This is an innocent soul who did not askto be born, now killed by its parent! Thequestion is WHY?When we interviewed some of the teenage‘ex-mothers’, their answers varied.One of the girls said, “It’s not like we aredoing this for fun, it’s because when youbecome a mother (as a teenager) it is noteasy.”She continued, “You start feeling that yourfriends and family are treating you differentlynow that you are a mother. You can’tgo out with friends because you need tostay home and look after the baby andbreastfeed. This is why we intend to“bake” our babies; because we want tobe accepted again!”Those were the words we were told whichleft us unsatisfied and utterly shocked atthe use of the word ‘bake’. Our sourceclaimed to be speaking from experience.We believe this is a shame.Onele is another teenage girl who said,“It’s because when the baby is born, thefather rejects the baby and I see no usein keeping the baby while the father hasrejected us.”This is a problem for teenage boys andgirls because the father needs to contributeand care too. In our research, we discoveredthat girls are lying to their partnersabout being on contraception! Whylie? Why not just take the pill and preventthis mess?Lies, misery and scandals are happeningbehind the scenes of teens’ lives. Theproblem gets bigger every day. Manyyoung people believe in total abstinenceand for good reason.What these girls fail to realise is that theyare committing murder! Where is our humanity?8

OPINIONPay Moneyor Don’tApply!Story by Mantombazane KhumaloSome matriculants are headingfor their worst nightmare. Whenthey should be setting out intothe big, wide world, they are given nochoice but to stay at home and donothing. This is because whatever careerthey had hoped to follow, doorsare closing. To follow your dreams,you have to pay! Money talks.When you want to apply to a particularuniversity, you have to pay moneyfor the application and for the registration,The average application fee isR280! Imagine if you wanted to applyto ten different universities. Thenwhat? You would need 10 times R280– a whole month’s salary for somelucky earners! That’s insane! No wonderso many school leavers are sittingat home unemployed. And when thathappens, some of them are pushedinto prostitution or crime.This situation seems very unfair. Ourconstitution says that there shall befree education for all South Africans.So why has tertiary education becomeso unattainable? No one has a rightto take education away from anyone.We understand that universities needto charge fees, but surely they shouldnot try and stop you before you evenbegin. They should spare a thought forthose of us who are suffering and aredetermined to better ourselves.Bursaries are available to those whodeserve them but there are Grade12s who are doing their best but cannotafford to pay the application feeof R280. It is too much. They comefrom families who wonder every daywhere their next meal will come from.With education, that child could helpher family out of poverty.It is a tragedy that 80% of school leaversin our community stay at homedoing nothing. In part, this is becausethey are given no choice. Fair enough,some of them do badly in their finalexaminations but I am sure out of that80% at least 60% could have made itto university.This 21st century generation is suffering.This is a wake-up call: Do somethingwith your life! A university maybe a private institution but it’s timeour government had a talk with them.We have a high rate of unemploymentbecause of this and we need toappeal to the government for help.Universities need to become moreaccessible!9

GLOBAL ISSUESGLOBAL ISSUESThe changingclimateStory and images By Annah TsekoOn 16th December 2010, theresidents of Orlando, Sowetoexperienced devastating floodswhich destroyed homes and belongings...Due to climate change, South Africa isfaced with unusual temperatures andweather conditions. Gauteng Provincehas experienced unusually high temperaturesand heavy rainfall.The increase in temperature is caused bygreenhouse gas emissions. In South Africa,our emissions are due – in part – to ourreliance on coal for electricity. Also, as thecountry becomes over-populated, thereis more demand for electricity and otherresources – resulting in more coal beingused to generate electricity. This contribution(among others) to the environmenthas caused global warming and extremeevents such as these Soweto floods.In Orlando – and also other parts ofSoweto such as Klipspruit – rivers’ anddams’ capacities became exceeded dueto the heavy and prolonged rainfall. Thewater rose and was soon running in thestreets, damaging houses and infrastructure.In some places the water was a metrehigh!and are now afraid to leave their childrenat home as their fear is that it will happenagain.“This festive season does not favour us,”said a resident who wished to remainanonymous, “We have a lot of work to doto restore our homes and belongings.”It is important to realise that these physicalphenomena will result in habitat loss,life loss and infrastructure destruction.Many South African children do not knowhow to swim and this will exacerbate thedanger.It was reported that a taxi sank in theOrlando Dam and another car had to bedragged out of the same dam by the municipality!“My car was parked in my yardand does not move anymore as the waterreached halfway up it!” said the anonymousresident.The residents are disappointed with thegovernment’s contribution to this area.There are insufficient stormwater drainsto handle the rainwater and many peoplehave built their informal homes on floodplains. These issues need to be addressedimmediately.Along with heavy rainfall, we are seeingincreased lightning. Research has shownthat over 200 people are killed by lightningeach year in South Africa!Tornadoes are another danger of this climatechange. A tornado is simply an extraordinarilystrong whirlwind; it has theappearance of a dark, funnel-shaped cloudhanging beneath a cumulonimbus cloud. Itdevelops during the day when the earth’ssurface is heated and is more commonduring the transition between dry andwet seasons.If a tornado moves over a closed building,the building can explode and the windowsand doors are thrown outwards asequalisation of the atmospheric pressureinside the building and outer air takesplace. Tornadoes are the most violentwindstorms. They occur on all the largecontinents where hot conditions prevail.The most famous tornado in South Africanhistory occurred in Roodepoort(Gauteng) on 26th November 1948 whenfour people were killed and over 70 wereseriously injured!The world needs to take climate changemore seriously. We have to stop removingtrees and other natural vegetation.We also need to start using renewableenergy resources. Solar thermal powerplants could cover everyone’s electricityneeds in a carbon-free manner. Ourgovernment should take on mitigationcommitments made at Copenhagen toreduce greenhouse gas emissions andplay their part in saving this planet!Why is it that in a country like ours –where we have more than 300 days ofsunshine per year – we are not usingmore solar power?We should make an effort to use morerenewable energy resources like solar,wind, waves, and biofuels which substitutefor fossil fuels and greatly reduceor even eliminate carbon dioxide emissions.Government also needs to considersequestration of carbon dioxide as anintermediate solution. This is the longtermtrapping of the gas before it entersthe atmosphere by pumping it undergroundor into the ocean. It can also besequestered by plants.We need to get out of the mind setwhich says that one person cannot makea difference. Every effort does make adifference and a combined effort canstop global warming in its tracks!The Orlando residents are worried thatthis heavy summer rainfall is going to happenagain and even get worse. This floodingdestroyed people’s electrical appliancesand other valuable, essential householditems as the water reached half the heightof their houses. Residents were in shockResearch shows that the eastern side ofthe country is becoming wetter and afterprolonged rainfall, the land can no longerabsorb the water. Removal of vegetationfurther aggravates this by contributing tothe surface run-off.10 11

GLOBAL ISSUESThere are many ways in whichSouth Africa can work towardslowering our carbon dioxideemissions, including:Using renewable power resourcesor hydro-electric power andgeothermal energyDriving lessInsulating our housesBuying organic food or growingyour ownEating less meatBuying fuel-efficient appliances andvehiclesPlanting deciduous trees to shadewest-facing windows in summerUsing energy-efficient lightingsuch as compact-fluorescent orLED lightingTurning off lights when you leavethe room and turning off electricalequipment when it is not in useInstalling solar panels on the roofChanging our voting priorities:vote for political parties who arecommitted to real change andwho have an economic plan forencouraging conservation andrenewables!

TRENDINGSocial NetworkingStory by Kutlwano SmithSocial networking has become one ofthe easiest and most accessible waysof interacting with people across theglobe. The main attraction is the quickor even immediate response. Networkingis a way of communicating in a moreadvanced way and it is expanding rapidly.There is a choice of sites where peoplechat – Mxit, Facebook, Twitter, Myspaceand many more.People network for various reasons –business, fun and some even do it simplybecause it is the ‘in’ thing. Why do you socialnetwork?Though social networking has many prosand cons, overall, it is a nice and easy wayto make and keep in touch with friends.What is amazing to note is how manyintroverts have loads of friends on thesesites. They seem to come out of theirshells in cyberspace! Maybe being behindthe screen, they find a sense of belongingthat they lack in the real world.One of the biggestdangers of social networkingis that thereare many unsavourycharacters and perverts.These peopleuse the Internet as ahunting ground to findvictims while hidingbehind their internetpersonas.Meeting your web palscan be risky becauseyou do not knowwhat kind of personyou will be meeting. Itis always wise to meetnew friends in a publicplace to minimizethe danger. We have allread horror stories ofkidnappings and murdersunder these circumstances.Young children with access to theinternet need to be monitoredas it is very easy for them to seethings that children should notthat can affect their state of mind,for example pornography.Social networking is a great wayof exchanging information andlearning new things about people,their culture and our world.When you are networking, it islike you are entering anotherworld, but there is a danger thatit can become addictive and endup interfering with your dailyactivities! You can end up wastinghours on the sites!13

GLOBAL ISSUESGLOBAL ISSUESMzansi Starin the makingStory by Kamogelo PhalaIvana Morailane is a name known bymany teens across the country. Youmay know her as the vibrant Yo-TVpresenter but there’s way more to thisyoung starlet than just her on-screen personality.I recently got to hang out withthis dynamic young lady to talk about herlife in showbiz and future plans.How have the past 3 years of yourlife been - being on TV and in thepublic eye?The Shield Teens and Yo-TV PresenterSearch has changed my life completely!The past 3 years have been amazing, challengingand a huge blessing from God. Notonly have I learnt more about the toughindustry I work in but I have also learntmore about myself in the process.Would you advise any teens outthere to enter the entertainmentworld at a young age like you did?There are pros and cons but if you havea passion for this industry, then why not?The entertainment world is very demandingand it’s difficult to retain yourposition since there’s ALWAYS someonebetter than you. You’re also exposed to aworking environment at a young age soyou ‘grow faster’ because you have moreresponsibilities than your peers. Parentsmust ensure that they provide their childrenwith a great support system. Thoughbesides that, presenting/acting at a youngage is pretty awesome. By the time you’reolder, you will have gained much experienceand be established in the ‘game’.How do you balance life betweenschool and work?I treat my presenting job as an extramuralactivity. When my classmates areplaying netball and soccer, I’m at the studiorehearsing. When they get home, I’mon their TV screens. At first, it was challengingbecause I sometimes had to leaveschool early, get home late and even workon weekends. But it’s all really about prioritizingand tapping into your responsibility.I work hard to assure that my gradesaren’t affected.What do you enjoy most about presenting?The thrill of being live on air and knowingthat thousands of people are watchingyou. Another thing is meeting your favouritecelebrities - any teen would love that.I love having people approach me and tellme that they love my work or that I inspirethem. That makes it all worthwhile.Any regrets about entering the entertainmentworld?NONE AT ALL! I believe that God makeseverything happen for a reason. This industryhas made me much stronger, appreciatemy family more, and know whomy true friends are. One thing I’m gratefulfor is how my job has made me muchmore confident.What would you say has been thehighlight of your career thus far?I have a number of moments: Winning theShield Teens Presenter Search and havingone of my greatest dreams fulfilled is ahuge highlight, being nominated as one ofthe three finalists of “The Next Big Thing”for the Seventeen Magazine Top AchieverAwards and reaching the pivotal momentwhere I’m starting to find myself, myhopes and dreams. I’ve grown to acceptwho Ivana Katleho Morailane is, flaws andall.Where do you see yourself in thenext 5 years?I would love to pursue a career in acting,especially theatrical acting - one of mygreatest passions. I hope to establish myown charity organisation and hold workshopsto uplift and motivate young girls. Iwould also love to get into journalism andwork for an inspiring magazine for youngwomen. More than anything, I just want tocontinue living, pleasing Jehovah God andjust being content with life!14 15

What Access has meant to us...Modjadji Maleka“I become speechless when I thinkabout everything Access has done forme. Access – you have written yourname in our hearts!”Tebogo Tsotetsi“I never dreamed that an ordinary girllike me would have opportunities liketravelling to the USA and being part ofa program like this”Mantombazane Khumalo“I thank Access for giving me thislifetime opportunity. Being part ofAccess has been a stepping stone tofurther opportunities…”Anelisa Tuswa“It has given me confidence. It hasalso given me the opportunity totravel around our beautiful country!”Kutlwano Smith“This program has helped me develop myEnglish skills and to become more comfortablewith American culture, being part of thisprogram was a blessing and gave me theopportunity to broaden my horizons bytravelling abroad.”Annah Tseko“It has brought a smile to my face and myheart beats with joy…and empowered mewith knowledge. It has opened doors forme… Today I stand tall!”Ofentse Mokau“We all know how important educationis and have learnt how learning can befun if you are willing to make it workand work hard.”Lesego Letsile“Access has given me the confidence tospeak in front of people as well as variousopportunities I never thought a personlike me could have. I have also met manygreat people because of it.”Musa Amy Ginyigazi“I have learnt drama, poetry, writingand above all, confidence are what I havediscovered, as well as the real me!Thank you for the motivation. Now it’smy time to shine!”Kamogelo Phala“I will be forever grateful that Accessallowed me to meet new people andsee new places.”Kamogelo Mabizela“I grabbed the opportunity with bothhands! Access has given me the edgeand the curiosity to know more about theworld. It also proved to me that learningcan be fun!”

INTERVIEWGLOBAL ISSUESTraditionalHealingStory and images by Modjadi MalekaTraditional healers used to healpeople with ‘muti’. Peopledidn’t have to go to doctorsto be cured or healed. Things startedto change once medical doctorswere introduced to the townshipsand members of the communitystarted to forget about their cultureand where they come from.We were lucky enough to attenda ceremony in White City Jabavu(Soweto). The ceremony was held tobring a sangoma back to her birthplaceso she could be welcomedthere. Family members catered fora feast and traditional beer (inqomboti)was drunk to welcome theancestors. Other traditional leaderswere present to accompany theircolleague home.We interviewed the sangoma to gainmore insight.MM: Do you treat traditional healingas a career?S: No, because if it is a career, it meansyou get paid. This is a calling from theancestors.MM: What makes this special to you?S: It makes me feel special because Ishouldn’t forget where I come fromnor should I forget my ancestors.MM: How do people react to youwhen you wear your traditionalclothing?S: They are used to me and they respectme. Also, I have that dignityaround my community and my familymembers who are not afraid of me.MM: Are values and customs part oftraditional healing?S: Certainly! There are rules and regulationswhich need to be followedto show respect to the ancestors.MM: Are you permitted to work inhospitals with patients who requiretraditional herbs?S: Yes! I have a certificate from aworkshop I attended which allowsme to work at government hospitalswhen there are patients who needor choose traditional healing over“western” medicine.MM: How old were you when youwere called by the ancestors?S: I was twenty years old and I wasstill at school. At the time I was matriculatingand I could not write myexams because that’s where my spiritualcalling started.MM: How did it all begin?S: My grandparents were traditionalhealers and my father followed intheir footsteps. It seems I got mystronger genes from my father’s sideand I too became a healer.MM: Are there ceremonies whichneed to be done regularly?S: Yes, to show that I care, respectand remember the ancestors, I needto perform a ceremony every threemonths.Rural people still believe in sangomas becausethey say it reminds them of theirloved ones who have passed on andshould not be forgotten because they arenot dead; they are simply asleep.South Africans seem to have forgottenabout their ancestors; they don’t evenperform the small ceremonies requiredto show that they remember the ancestors.Bones are used to instruct a sangoma orto tell her what is going to happen in thefuture. People used to trust the bonesand now that has changed because peoplehave put their belief in medical doctors.When the bones have spoken, nothingshould be negotiated or discussed aboutwhat they have said. Rural people stillbelieve in what the bones say and don’tquestion them because that implies thatyou are questioning your ancestors. It isalso as if you are discouraging your ancestorsfrom communicating with youbecause that is their only way.Things have changed; people hardly evenvisit their loved ones’ graves to talk, cleanor even introduce their children to theseancestors who are not dead but merelyasleep. Maybe it’s time we rethink this andreturn to our cultural roots...16 17

INTERVIEWThe ReptilezWho are The Reptilez and why thename Reptilez?SPARKZ: Reptilez is a family in the dancingindustry. Tshepo Mokone founded the Reptilezon 26 August 2007. We chose the nameReptilez because you will never know whena Reptile will strike and we are like that; weare unpredictable.What type of Hip Hop dancing do youdo and why that genre?MINI: We practise all genres like technicaldancing, flowing, locking, ticking, etc, to showour versatility.How many members does The Reptilezhave and who are they?The Reptilez have ten members namely:Tshepo, Sparkz, Pops, Bee, Mini, Linda, Tisetso,Siyabonga, Mandla and our 1st lady Ntswaki.What influences your dancing and inspiresyou to dance?BEE: My crew plays a part because I look upto them oh… and Chris Brown (he laughs)SPARKZ: Beats, feeling the music, Timbalandmakes me dance. Shane Sparkz is the bestchoreographer and I look up to him.TSHEPO: RnB music. I remember the firsttime I saw and heard Omarion he inspiresme to this day. My crew also inspires me topursue what I want.POPS: Movies influence my dancing. My favouriteartist is Neyo, but the crew teachesme a lot too.INTERVIEWStory and images by Kutlwano SmithSouth African Hip Hop has evolved throughout the last decade. Hip Hop hasmany facets from rap to dancing, etc. We had the pleasure of meeting one ofSA’s top Hip Hop dance crews - The Reptilez.These young, vibrant, passionate, enthusiastic entertainers grew up in Sowetoand today they are one of the top dance crews in South Africa. They were recentlyrecognised by international artist Keri Hilson when they performed andfinished in the top 4 at her International Dance Competition!Let’s have a chat with them and get to know them better...“ Our lives havechanged in apositive way. ”MINI: Concerts, imitation, choreographerDave Seott inspires me.What impact does dancing have onyour life and how do you benefit fromit?SPARKZ: Our lives have changed in a positiveway.MINI: The community does not treat us thesame way as they did before. Obviously, wehave people who hate and love us; we dowhat we are best at and haters just make usstronger!20 3

INTERVIEWWhat is the South African Hip Hop scene like?SPARKZ: South Africa‘s flavour is big and has a unique stylethough sometimes our downfall is that we have the sameconcepts as the U.S.A. Reptilez is different and we hold ourground!Why is the Reptilez affiliated to the Junior Reptilez?BEE: we have expanded our crew because we are growing andwe want the Reptilez to live forever.SPARKZ: Many people want to be part of the Repz but it is hardto find people who meet the criteria. We affiliated to Jnr Repzbecause we realized that there are people who would love tobe part of this family.MINI; we want to see the way we perform through them and tobe proud and leave a legacy.POPS: There is a lot of work and sometimes things tend to behectic and we cannot make it to events or meetings so by expandingour crew we can lobby and share the responsibilities.What was the first hip-hop dance competition the crew enteredand how was the experience?TSHEPO: It was the IDCC, International Dance ChampionshipCompetition late in 2007. It was nerve wracking but we were allecstatic about it and we had a lot of fun.What has been the highlight for the crew so far?TSHEPO: Being part of the Keri Hilson ultimate dance competitionand being in the top four crews!SPARKZ: When we came 2nd at the Masters of Rhythm.BEE: Finally, yet importantly, when Club 9 was interested in us.People started to recognize the Repz!What obstacles have the crew faced?SPARKZ: we do not get paid, empty promises. FUNDS… wealso get tired from performing without being paid. We grow andwe want to support our families. People just do not want topay.How do you handle fame?BEE: We treat everyone the same, we are not big headed (helaughs).SPARKZ: We are not doing it for fame but for passion and wejust do not entertain things that come along with fame.MINI: If dancing did not go along with fame, we would still bedancing.What is your long-term goal?We want to start Reptilez as a brand. We want to invest, growand cater as a modeling agency, setting events for people. Wecome from Soweto and ‘Bujwa’ dancing does not get as muchexposure as we do so we would love to be their helping hand.The Reptilez auditioned for the “Keri Hilson Ultimate danceCompetition”, how was the experience?Yeah that was the best experience so far…it was one of themost difficult dance competitions we have ever entered. We enjoyedourselves and we are proud of how far we went!Did you think that you would go that far, I mean you guys werein the top four crews?SPARKZ: Honestly… I did not!BEE: We believed in ourselves (he laughs).What is it that your fans do not know about you that you wouldlike them to know?SPARKZ: People think that we are from the suburbs and we arefrom SOWETO!MINI: We dance Hip Hop, We live Hip Hop - WE ARE GHETTOWISE!TSHEPO: We are crazy! Not mentally though! (laughing)Reptilez are literally moving and shaking South African stages;so let’s keep supporting them and WATCH THIS SPACE!

SNIPPETSTransferImmediately!Story by Modjadji MalekaImagine starting your Grade 11 year with the news thatyou are to be transferred to a new school and that youhave no say in the matter! That is exactly what happenedto the Sepedi speakers attending Lobone High School inSoweto at the start of 2010.“I was forced to leave all my friends behind and start afresh,”said one of the affected learners. “I now have to walk formore than halfan hour eachway every dayas this schoolis in a differentpart of Soweto(Mofolo).”Why has thish a p p e n e d ?According tothe school, thedemand forSepedi has decreasedto theextent thatthey cannotwarrant offeringthe language– whichis one of SouthAfrica’s eleven official languages – as a subject for Matric.“Our parents were not happy at all because they knew thatwe would have to get used to the teachers and the newschool. Also, they want to know and communicate with ourteachers,” said one affected student.Why are the Sepedi becoming extinct? Let’s join hands togetherand stand up for our culture.Lobone Secondary School is a government institution thereforethe government is responsible for the education weshould receive. When they removed us because of the Sepedi‘problem’, it showed how ignorant the government isregarding our cultures. Our constitution says that all elevenofficial languages have equal status, however, in practice, thisis not happening. It’s clear that certain languages are takingprecedence over others!First Aid tothe RescueStory by Anelisa TuswaWhether you’re going to be a nurse, an accountantor even an actor, First Aid is important knowledge.These past three days of the Septemberholidays for the Port Elizabeth group wasn’t just anotherholiday to relax, and let their minds escape from schoolwork, but it was an experience of a life time with a red ribbon“certificate” in Level 1 First Aiders.This training consisted of things like what is First Aid, FirstAid Kit and First Aid guides to different things like fainting,injuries, diabetes, pain and wounds etc. These things happenin our everyday lives and in most cases they happen right infront of us. Right now the Access students consider themselvesas valuable assets to the school and the communityat large. “Now that I’m a qualified first aider, I can assist hereat school, where help is needed. In cases like fainting, whichhappens regularly” explained Nobathembu Zide, a secondyear student in the programme. The school is faced withgreat challenge of students fainting, especially in summerwhen it is hot.One thing that the students agreed on, was that the threedays of hard work and intensive training was worthwhile.This was not only about training but the unity, commitmentand self-confidence built into the course. “Impressive!”, that’sthe only thing that the facilitator had to say when she wasasked to define the three days she spent with us. The dedicationof the group was amazing and they are still committedto making other’s lives better.Thanks to the US Embassy, the Port Elizabeth group will continuebeing good Samaritans . The Access group is a valuableasset to the community because of the skills that we nowhave. And for those who plan to studying nursing, Good Luck!First aid is not child’s play. It’s practical, practical, practical!Training wasprovidedby St. JohnsAmbulance– First AidLevel 1Do What YouLove - andLove WhatYou Do!Story by Amy GinyigaziEveryone has a talent. Many people are so obviouslygifted in so many ways while others have to searchto find their talents. A group of teenagers at WalmerHigh School have found their groove through poetry andself-expression.Sometimes we are shy or feel ashamed to stand up for ourselves.I believe that there’s no point in being afraid of whoyou are and what you can do best.Music, dance, writing, debating and poetry - these are all talentsthis group has and some members of the group havethem all. Poetry is now very popular at Walmer High School.This, I believe, is also happening in other schools.We can all create with our talents. Like if a group of peopleget together and pool their talents, that could help thosewho are afraid to stand up and be themselves. “Point 8” isthe name of a popular group of poets at Walmer High. It iswonderful to see that they are very confident and proud ofthemselves. They love what they do!We interviewed some of the members who said, “We are agroup of friends united by a bond so strong and that bond ispoetry. We believe that doing what you love and loving whatyou do is the key to our future.” They say that life is betterspent with friends who believe in you and who will help youshine your talent through good and bad times.SNIPPETSMaking it inthe New YearStory by Kamogelo PhalaEach New Year brings new challenges in each of ourlives, and as teenagers we have to organise our lives inorder to deal with these new problems.Teens often complain about not having enough time tothemselves which leads to stress because they lose focusand spend time on unimportant things instead of concentratingon themselves and their health.So as a teen that has been through all this and has survivedthe pressures that each year poses, I have come up with alist of things that can be done to make sure that you arebetter organised and ready to face a new year.Always have a diary.A dairy acts as your ‘Personal Life Manager’ so makesure you note any important dates and appointmentsdown, in order to never forget anything important.Make time for yourself.Schedule some time every day which you can spenddoing something you enjoy, like reading a book, surfingthe net or exercising.Eat a balanced diet.Food is mostly never taken into consideration andwhat one must remember is that we get all ourenergy from what we eat. The correct combination offats, proteins and carbohydrates can do wonders tonot only keep your body in shape but also give youenough energy for all the new responsibilities andwork that you will have to tackle.Get enough sleep.Sleep for at least 7 hours a day because that allowsyour body and muscles to rest, giving you morestrength and endurance to be able to do everythingyou will need to do for the forthcoming day.Enjoy yourself.Fun and laughter are what makelife worth living so never neglect letting your hairdown (in a responsible way) once in a while to enjoylife’s little pleasures.

GLOBAL ISSUESGLOBAL ISSUESStory by Tebogo Tsotetsi and Mantombazane Khumaloprogramme of lectures, demonstrationsthen interviews and all-round introductionto the fascinating world of broadcastjournalism and continued until the end of2010.How did you get involved?Kamogelo: We were chosen through theEnglish Access Micro Scholarship programmesponsored by the US Embassy.How have the stories you producedchanged your life?Lesego: The stories were heart-warming.I have learnt to be comfortable with whoI am and I have learnt patience and perseverance.Kamogelo: It has been incredible! Wewere encouraged to think of differentcontent every day. We did a story on cyberlanguage which was aired on the BBCand impacted on me.GroomingTomorrow’sBusiness WomenIn the past, a woman’s work took placemainly in the kitchen and was confinedto the home looking after children andmaking the home. This was frustrating formany women who felt useless and worthless.South African women changed this byjoining forces and making sure that neveragain should a woman live in oppressionand be made to feel that her place is inthe kitchen.A group called Business Women’s Association(BWA) was formed by previouslydisadvantaged women as an NGOwith the aim of empowering women andshowing them that they have the potentialto start their own businesses and beindependent. The BWA also helps womento get scholarships and paid internships.June 2010 was South Africa’s bestmonth as the whole African continentcelebrated with South Africans as wehosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Inthe meantime, there were Americans whowere making South African parents proudas they came to our country and lent ahelping hand. These people belong to anorganisation called Global Girl Media.They came to our country and changedour lives!It is not chance but choice that determinesour destiny. It is therefore essentialthat we create life-changing opportunitiesfor our youth. Global Girl Media (GGM),founded in the USA by Amie Williams andMeena Nanji, is an organisation doing justthat. GGM is a non-governmental organisationwhich grooms young girls in thefield of broadcast journalism.GGM sent a team of media trainers whoselected 21 young women betweenthe ages of 15 and 20 from Gautengand the Eastern Cape and providedhands-on training in broadcast journalism.The girls and their trainers tackled realissues such as the World Cup, teen pregnancy,apartheid era Soweto riots and awhole lot more. The Global Girls weretaught how to use a camera and listen tosound and even how to conduct an interview.These girls – who used to think theywere ordinary – are now junior graduatesin media training!One of the girls – Tebogo Tsotetsi – waschosen to narrate a documentary aboutwhich was aired on Al Jazeera! The documentarywas about the challenges thatthis typical Sowetan girl faces - losing herparents and brother at a very young age,dealing with the teenage issues of todayand not having her parents around toguide her through life.Global Girl Media has a website wheretheir stories and video interviews areposted: www.globalgirlmedia.orgGlobal Girl really did take centre stageduring June and July 2010 because theywere all over – working with the AmericanEmbassy, South African BroadcastingCorporation and ESPN!Kamogelo Mabizela and Lesego Letsile aretwo of the young ladies who were chosento attend this amazing programme. Weasked them about the experience...What is Global Girl Media to you?Lesego: For me, Global Girl Media is anorganisation that helps girls stay off thestreets!When did the programme start andwhat did it entail?Lesego: It started on the 7th of June 2010to coincide with the FIFA World Cupwith an intensive month-long holidayHow has the experience been?Lesego: Great! We got the opportunityto meet amazing people like local comedianTrevor Noah and Global Girls’ localspokesperson Carol Manana.Kamogelo: It was a great learning curvefor me. Experiencing a girls-only environmentwas really special asthere was so much emotion,and a lot of tears!In December 2010, the BWA hosted 100girls on a 5 day conference focussing onwomen’s issues and the JohannesburgGlobal Girls were lucky enough to beincluded. The camp coincided with SouthAfrica’s 16 Days of Activism against Womenand Child Abuse and paid tribute tothat initiative.The conference gave the young womensome excellent information about beinga business woman and highlighted the importanceof women in society which is(among other things) their ability to bearchildren and demonstrate love warmthand intelligence!The workshops were informative andguest speakers spoke about becoming entrepreneursand taking care of themselvesas women. Motivational speakers touchedon subjects as diverse as grooming, nutrition,fitness, careers and finances.This association has really made a differencein the lives of many women in SouthAfrica – just as Global Girl Media hasdone and continues to do!26

TEEN ISSUESTEEN ISSUESSugar Daddies!Teenagers often commit themselvesto things that won’t benefit themin the long run. Why does a minorhave to date an older man so that shecan benefit materially? I have realised thatteenagers are very materialistic and theywant things quickly. This leads them to beingdependant and not knowing how tosupport themselves.There are many ways teen girls make asugar daddy stick around. Some go as faras having unprotected sex with the intentionof falling pregnant so that they receivemoney from them and support grantsfrom the government. They forget that themoney given to them is for the child andnot for themselves. Why does one have tomake an innocent soul live a life of pain?Their “fun” teenage years result in a thechild’s suffering.What happened to ‘Ubuntu’ and girls havingpride in themselves? What happenedto having dignity and morality? How canour nation have lost our positive attitude?Do teenagers of today want to see themselveswalking down memory lane one dayand seeing only faded images on their wallunframed, unnumbered and unorganised?duced. We can overcome these obstaclesand improve conditions in this country.We are like architects: we plan and drawour lives and with a positive attitude wewill be able to see a life of opportunity. Iregard us as a “lucky generation” becauseeverything is out there for us, it is justwaiting for us to reach for it.Our society has come to a point whereseeing a girl with a sugar daddy is acceptablebut what are we doing about this? Doyou want to be another statistic of unemploymentand teenage pregnancy, not tomention HIV and AIDS?We should be disappointed in ourselvesand this disappointment should encourageus to transform into a better society.Family also contributes to the epidemicof young females having sugar daddies. Forinstance, a family which is financially unstabledepends on government social grantsfor their survival and perhaps they have ayoung girl, who they will convince to dateolder men - men who will be able to offersome financial support to the young girl’sfamily. The family see this as a benefit andare not aware of the danger that they areputting their child in – the child may pickup any infection, be abused or land up withHIV or AIDS - -not to mention the moralissues.Young girls should stand up for themselvesand have pride. Being someone’s trophy isno better than being someone’s toy. Cometo think of it, these sugar daddies probablyhave several girlfriends. So think about it:how many girls sit on the front seat nextto that man you are sitting with? Is thatthe kind of life you want for yourself? Isthat the kind of story you want to tellyour children and the kind of legacy youwant to leave behind?Story and poem by Kutlwano Smith, images by Kamogelo PhalaFact BlogSex is a sin, kissing is a shameGuys have all the fun,while girls get the blameOne night of pleasure,Nine months of pain,Three days in hospitalWith a baby to nameBoys say youre cute,Boys say youre fine,but when you have their babythey say “it’s not mine”You might think I’m crazyBut take my adviceDon’t be a motherBefore you be a wifeWhy do these girls cheapen themselves?Beauty fades, character doesn’t, so bewise and transform yourself to a betterperson. How long do you think thesesugar daddies will be around for? Is degradingyourself by sleeping around withthese old (often married) men worth it?Teenage girls should stop being the causeof families breaking up, they should stopbeing cash suckers and start playing theirrole and acting their age.Most teenagers face peer pressure, butwhy succumb to it? Why not stand outrather than blend in? Confidence is a hugecontributor and if you have confidence,you can stand your ground and say “no”.We all face obstacles but it is how you reactto them that proves your character.It would be wonderful to see the teenagepregnancy and HIV infection rates re-28 29

SOCIAL ISSUESThe womaninside meStory by Anelisa TuswaThe gay community has been excludedand isolated for years inour environment. A few yearsback, the government gave this communityrights, including the right to marry asame-sex partner. Many were critical ofthe decision and yet we call ourselves ademocratic country!For the gay community, it was a symbol ofacceptance and freedom. Some comparedit with the excitement that black peoplefelt when Nelson Mandela was releasedfrom prison!This is a story about a teenage boy namedThabo – or Thabisa because that’s whathe calls himself. He was born in NewBrighton, Port Elizabeth, and raised byhis father who is a man of God. Last year,Thabo took us through his journey of alife of being trapped inside a body thatdoes not feel like his own.Thabo tells his story: “For years of my lifeI was hiding in shadows with a sense ofnot belonging. While boys my age wereplaying with wire cars, I was playing withdolls. While we were playing happy home,I would play the mother or the daughter.I remember one Sunday, my dad wasn’tfeeling well so he told me we weren’t goingto church. I was so happy and relievedbecause going to church was torture –seeing all the young girls my age wearingtheir beautiful white dresses. Deep insideI was dying to wear those things.My cousin Andisiwe came to visit onesummer and accidentally left her dressat our house. That was my first dress. I’dclose my door and wear it whenever Iwas home alone!Then I went to high school. Bang! It hitme. I wasn’t like other boys; I didn’t wantto play soccer. I wasn’t interested in girls,except to hang out with them. Luckily,there were other guys like me, so Iassociated myself with them.When I was in Grade 9, my dad askedme to invite my friends over for dinner.In the middle of the dinner, oneof my friends said something to meand ended the sentence with ‘peto’ (theXhosa equivalent of ‘darling’)! My dadwas really angry; I could see the fury in hiseyes. He had noticed the way we spoke,walked and behaved. Before the eveningended, we had become like demons tohim. He knew who I was but found ithard to accept.Three months ago, he got sick and calledme into his room and told me to startthinking about initiation school (a rite aof passage from boyhood to manhoodwhere young Xhosa boys are taken intothe bush and are taught to be men andare also circumcised). I was like “Hello!Have you seen a woman camping in thebushes for a month?”As I am sitting in front of Thabo, I realisewhata great personhe is – friendly,open, realistic aboutwho he is. He concludeshis story by saying that while hewas growing up, he felt like he wasenclosed in a small box; he couldn’tbreathe. “I am a woman trapped inside amale structure. I feel I am one person insideand another one outside,” he says.In a country like South Africa, which hasbeen through so much, why do we stillfind it hard to accept those with alternativesexual orientation? We say UmuntuNgumuntu Ngabantu (You are a personwhile people are around you) but we stillfind it hard to give a small gift to thosewho seem just a little different from us.Xenophobia came and went; same applieswith the apartheid system. Those werereally hard times but we were united.Can’t we do it now?29

Movies & BooksReviewers: Kutlwano Smith, Kamogelo Phala, Musa Amy Ginyigazi, Anelisa TuswaMovie: SpudTheme: Independence and survivalMain Characters: Troy Sivan (Spud Milton), John Cleese (Mr Edly – The Guv)Movie: NarniaTheme: FantasyMain Characters: Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Ben BarnesSpud Milton, a smart young boy, differentto his peers, is sent by his parents to a privateboys boarding school in Kwa-Zulu Natal.Spud faces obstacles as he is new at theschool and has difficulties trying to surviveand to adjust to the new environment. Duringhis academic year he learns a lot aboutchoice and about the different personalitiespeople have. He also learns to be independent.He tries very hard to please everyoneand blend in with the rest of the boys atschool. Spud becomes close with one of hisroommates “Gecko” (Henry Barker) theythen have a weird friendship and would oftengo to Hell’s View together.Outside of school, Spud’s parents, particularlyhis dad, have difficulties trying to adjustto the new democratic South Africa until acertain event changes that.Spud finds it hard to survive after an incidentinvolving Gecko but pulls through andsurvives every obstacles that he faces.Sivan gives a brilliant breakthrough performanceand Cleese is hilarious as always.This is the third film in the franchise basedon the CS Lewis books, and it doesn’t quitereach the high standard set by the previoustwo!As far as stories go, there’s nothing particularlyspecial about this one. The twoyounger Pevensie kids, Edmund and Lucy areback (with their older siblings relegated tocameos), as well as Prince (now King) Caspianfrom the previous film. The three kidsare once again transported to the magicalworld of Narnia, aboard Caspian’s ship, theDawn Treader. There are villains and thereare missing people, desert islands, dragons,sea monsters and glowing swords and thatGod-like lion, Aslan.The special effects were incredible, butspecial effects are never enough to carry amovie. Dawn Treader never felt like it reallygot off the ground. It’s not exactly boringbut the excitement factor isn’t particularlyhigh either.BOOK: The Monk who soldhis FerrariAuthor: Robin SharmaEver wonder how you can live the life ofyour dreams or have everything you desire?If your answer to this question is yes,then The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari byRobin Sharma is the book to read!The brilliance of this book comes fromthe way in which it is written. Based onthe true story of how Julian Mantle - aworkaholic lawyer who decided to changethe way in which he lived his life after aheart attack which nearly cost him his life– Robin tells the story of Julian’s spiritualjourney through India which helped himattain “Inner Peace”.The book is written from a first personperspective which gives the reader asense of being part of the story on “EnlightenedLiving”. To summarise this book,it basically gives you different ways andmethods that you could use in order toachieve the life you dream of.What I enjoyed most about this book isthat Robin Sharma gives a step by stepguide for practicing each technique mentioned,making it easy for readers to trythem out. If you have read ‘The Secret’and never understood its teachings thenthis book is highly recommended.Intellectual teens and adults are the targetmarket of this book. A must read NewYork Times best seller!BOOK: Kiss Heaven GoodbyeAuthor: Tasmina PerryA group of students were gathered ona private island in the Bahamas in 1990for a holiday of indulgence. Four friendsfound themselves on the beach on thefinal dark night. In front of them was abody, but they took the decision to letsomeone else make the discovery ratherthan getting involved. When they searchedthe beach the next day the body had gone– and they had no idea how.The story takes us through the next 20years in the lives of these four individuals.Sasha tried to make a living as a model,then as a stylist. Miles seemed self-assuredbut there’s a lot of doubt and confusionhidden beneath the surface. He was nevergoing to be short of money but with issuesof his own and trying to follow inthe footsteps of a famous and successfulfather, life was never going to be easy.Alex was a talented musician who loseshis way after the island incident but eventuallyfinds fame. Grace (Miles’ sisterleads an interesting life which takes herall over the world.The book follows the four until the summerof 2010, when Miles wants to sell theisland, but a survey reveals a buried bodyand it looks as though the four will needto go back to the island.If it’s escapism you’re after, then this is thebook for you! It has everything in it: love,betrayal, murder, wealth, heartbreak…30 31

LOCAL ISSUESWhoonga!30Story and images by Kamogelo MabizelaTwo of the biggest issues facing South African teens have joined forces! A new, deadlyand highly addictive drug called whoonga is taking hold of South Africa’s townships,with authorities warning that its users have increased by thousands. The drug is aconcoction of the antiretroviral stocrin, dagga (marijuana) or heroin and several othersubstances, including chemicals found in detergents and even rat poison!Addicts who are smoking this poison have now resorted to mugging HIV positive patientsoutside clinics where they receive their ARVs from the government. The drug’sorigins were unknown, but it was probably discovered by experimentation.A 15-year-old addict said most of the crimes they committed were motivated bythe need to get a fix. “We break into houses and cars, and we steal clothes fromwashing lines. When we don’t smoke we get sick with severe stomach pains. Weknow that the drug is dangerous, but once you start it’s hard to stop.”Side-effects of the drug include loss of appetite, excessive sweating and bleedingwhen urinating. Obviously, the mix is highly addictive and thousands ofyoung people are falling victim to it.The use of this concoction has increased dramatically in a short time. Manypeople say that it is the availability of drugs in townships which has causedthe youth to start experimenting with drugs and becoming creative – inventingnew drugs such as TIK and WHOONGA which are unique toSouth Africa.It is tragic that this generation of youngsters is being referred to as the‘lost generation’ when we were supposed to be the first ‘free generation’!Why is the youth being held back by drug use? Is it due to homefactors such as alcohol abuse? Is it because teens have no outlets forself-expression? Is it because of the shortage of jobs and opportunitiesto further education due to poverty? Whatever it is, somethinghas to be done!African culture is centred around UBUNTU which is ourvalues and humanity. African children are brought up tolive by this. When these values are ignored, it is a tragedyfor the whole community. It is up to each individualhow you want to live your life, so we should neverallow ourselves to be led astray by people who don’twant what is best for us.While the individual needs to take responsibility forhimself, it is also crucial that the government stepsin and starts focussing on the problems of drug andalcohol abuse.

TEEN ISSUESThe PregnantTeen TrendStory by Mantombazane KhumaloIt is hard to believe that one of thehardest journeys of life is treated as afashion parade by some people! A longtime ago, when our parents were growingup, young girls and older women who areable to bear children would do just thatand stay at home to take care of that child,but now it has all changed.Teenagers, who we all regard as children,between the ages of 12 and 19 years,have started to take this burden on forthemselves. Some of my friends alwayssay, “We should all have babies beforethe end of 2010 or we won’t have anybabies the next year.” We all know itis not true but it all has been put inour heads and now it all seems like afashion parade.Pregnancy is now something competitivelike ’’Cynthia will not havemore babies than me’’. Fashion, fashion,fashion!I remember listening to Jozi FM radiostation and hearing of a woman aged28 who had eight children! That is absurd!We as teenagers should knowthat a child is a flower that will nevermove away from you until death takesits course – or so my mother says.We all like to feel loved but somewhere,somehow there should beboundaries. Yes, love is a thing betweentwo people that includes communication,trust and care. It doesn’t hurtto love yourself first, setyour goals for life, achieve them and then laterbecome a baby maker so you are able to lookafter your babies.We should remember that we are our parents’burdens, so how can we bring more burdensinto their lives? If things are tough already, howcan we take care of another human being?Wanting and having a baby are two differentsituations. First you want one because everyoneelse is having one and then you’re havingone because you don’t have a choice. It is easyto want a child in theory, but in practice, it isvery difficult - even for adults who are establishedwith jobs, money, homes, and all youneed for this huge undertaking.Teens who know what they want in life strive towork hard and have it all but a teenager whoselife is not planned ends up in the streets of Jozi.Teenagers tend to let life rule them. You mayhear a teenager saying, “At home things aren’treally good and sometimes I go to school hungry.’Well, let me give you a word of advice, I amalso growing up in a family where you wake upin the morning wondering what you are goingto eat that day, but with that in mind it pushesme to do more. Success is not measured by allwhat we have but by what we achieve.Don’t be rough, be tough and say no to sexuntil you are ready. Keep this in mind, if you area teenager having a child: who will you be whenyou are thirty years old? We are supposed tobe the teenagers of today and the parents oftomorrow but we are racing ahead and arealready the parents of today! So what abouttomorrow?31

SNIPPETSPOETRYWe Cypher!That’s our Sunday dish in Walmer!Story and images by Annelisa TuswaEvery Sunday, a small community of musicians and poetsgather at one place, a platform where artists meet,spreading their knowledge through expression of theiramazing talent.“Cypher is a platform for artists to articulate their arts.” SaidThabane – a poet and writer – in our interview one Sundayafter his incredible performance.This platform is described in many ways but all at once, it’sa platform for expression, a place to relax and express yourmind freely. Every Sunday, you find people gathered in oneplace to perform and most importantly to support the talent.The youngsters who perform are as young as ten years old!These artists have established a non-profit organizationcalled F.A.M. (Forward Arts Movement). “FAM is more like ahome for all types of performing arts,” explained Zukele “DJShane” Mangqangaza, an organizer for FAM. “We meet oncea week to prepare for our Sunday Dish,” he said.The recognition for the performing artists is amazing. Youmeet children all over the township singing the songs ofthese artists!“It’s sad because we hear these artists in taverns instead ofon the radio. With all this talent, these artists could go places,”said a fan who wishes to remain anonymous, complainingthat “Cypher is like a studio for FAM musicians and others.For those who have realized the potential and those whohave yet to do so.”Teen GeniiStory by Lesego LetsileTeen GeniiBy Lesego LetsileTeens think they know everything that is to know about theworld, unfortunately we make bad decisions according basedon our limited world knowledge.Everyone knows that teens know better than their parents,it’s a fact right? We make better choices like getting a tattooon our arms that is going to be visible when we becomeprofessionals and dating older guys that will help us gaina good reputation with our communities. We sometimesmake these decisions just to spite our parents; we think weare proving a point to them that we are capable of living ourown lives. Instead we are just ruining our lives because of the‘good’ decisions we make. After all the stress we put ourselvesthrough, we go running back to the very same peoplewhom we profess to know better than.Teens are genii when it comes to relationships; we have degreesin the subject! We are so good that we invest moretime in them than school. Who needs a degree in financewhen you can have masters in relationships? If only we couldsing the same tune several years down the line when we arepenniless and the beauty has disappeared, we’re working longhours in dead-end jobs that pay peanuts and having umpteenkids. We never think of the consequences; we live for todayand that is enough for us. But will it be enough when we cannotfeed our loved ones? Will it be enough when we whenwe cannot afford to fix a patch on the roof? And will it beenough when we cannot afford to go to work?Whether our psyches are messed up or our hormone imbalancesare to blame for the decisions we make, we cannotdeny the fact that we still have a lot to learn about the world.Having a limited number of role models is no excuse, rebellingagainst our parents won’t get us anywhere except intotrouble. The results of all of this behaviour are often bitterand hard to reverse.Missing you, missing me, missing usAs I walked away from youListening to your footsteps fading awayI believed in youMissing you , missing me, missing us!Our bodies may be apart,But our souls will be near,Time isn’t what makes us aliveIt’s love and devotion that keepsThe tie between the soulsMissing you, missing me, missing us!True companions never partMaybe in distanceBut not in heart.Don’t cry...Keep the smileLeave the tearThink of joyForget the fearBe joyousTill I see you againMissing you, missing me, missing us!- Kutlwano Thuto SmithDedicated to all the students I have metduring 2008 & 2009 when I was part ofthe micro scholarship – South AfricaPoem: I am an AfricanI am an AfricanI take pride in my blackness and my finenessI take pride in myself and rise above menI free my skin from nylon and cotton clothI am an AfricanOut of the night that covered me with loveAs from heart to heartI thank whatever that God may be for his loving soulMy heart is for joyMy heart is for hopeMy heart is for peaceSo are my soul health and wealthI AM AN AFRICAN!- Kutlwano Thuto SmithMy Free MindA DREAMI dream of a placeI dream of a palaceI dream of a paradiseI dream of heavenI dream of a place where angels and icons areI dream of a place where I am free to spread my wings and flyA place where the sky is not a limitA place where I cannot feel angryA place where conflict does not existA place where temptations and jealousy don’t existA place where lying is not realA place where a man is not measured by how much money he earnsbut how wise he isA place where no human shall be pointed right or wrongA place where no one has the right be judgemental- Ofentse MokauLet my mind flow and be set freeMy soul to be buried upon theeImagine as it is peppered with joyAnd the air pumps to deliver,Happiness, happiness to conquerLove to the person I am meant to beLet there be inspiration to maintain thestandardOf this free mind.- Musa Amy GinyigaziThe Ten Commandments of LoveWhere did we go wrong?Children give birth to childrenWe as blacks killing our own familiesA mother aborting an unborn childA father raping his own daughterMy society, my community and tomy fellow AfricansI wonder, where did we go wrong?- Anelisa TuswaI was lost and you took me as I amWith no doubt - and respected me.I wondered if I deserved youAnd stopped for a momentAnd looked at myselfAnd I saw no criticism.Made so many mistakes,But you never shouted at meInstead you comforted me,Because you appreciate my efforts.I make promises which I eventually fulfil.How amazing is your patience!You say words which make birds singAnd my heart breaks free with joy.When we’re not together, remember that laughterWe used to cherish life with.- Ofentse Mokau3

IVocabulary andvisitorsQuizzesInternet andinformationEnglish booster,education and essaysFUN with FIFA,Freedom ParkCCreative challenges,confidence,computersFA Zof AccessDEJKKe nako!LLibrary, leadershipand Loftus StadiumOOfentse - thats me!Prize-giving, puppetshows, presentationsQRReading:UNLOCKINGYOUR MINDUbuntu spirit, USAfootball team visitVUPJournalismand jokesDebatesanddramaBy: Ofentse MokaquWWaka waka,workshops XX-traordinaryexperiences22009to2010YYeboyesto growingAGGold Reef City,general knowledge,guest speakersMMoviesSSocialZskillsTTeam work, t-shirtsand THANK YOU!!Ayoba Americafor AccessBBrainteasers,books and abrighter futureHHelping others,hard workNNewsletters,new wordsZakumimagical crosswords