Ndaba Mandela makes his contribution for Mandela day

Ndaba Mandela and Lunga Demora during his visit in Alexandra for Mandela day

 

By Sharon Mathabatha

People all over South Africa celebrated International Mandela day by dedicating 67 minutes of their time to community service in honour of his 67 years of public service. Ndaba Mandela, grandson to the world icon Nelson Mandela also took time from his busy schedule to honour his grandfather’s 95^th birthday at East Bank High School.

His foundation, Africa Rising Foundation and their associates Paleontological Scientific Trust (PAST) accompanied Ndaba to the school to motivate the learners about the importance of preservation of cultural heritage for the benefit of African’s and humankind in its entirety.

Africa Rising Foundation is a youth organisation dedicated to uplifting the dignity, confidence and pride in the youth across the globe for the purpose of creating a new generation of Afro-sophisticates.

“During my grandfather’s early years of joining the ANC, he used to live here so I felt it would be good for us to dedicate our 67 minutes in a school in Alex.” Said Ndaba Mandela

PAST performed a play called Walking Tall aiming to teach the learners about the significance of preserving their heritage.

Ndaba added that the aim is to engage with learners and motivate them about the importance of being Africans and to embrace the culture of collective efforts and solidarity amongst each other.

To wrap up the day was a band, The Riots that performed various songs including a birthday song for Mandela.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June Youth Month- How it all started

This year marks 37 years of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising. We celebrate those who defended their right to equal education, and we commemorate those who lost their lives in the struggle to make South Africa a better place for all generations.

 Youth day is commemorated annually on 16 June; to honour all, the young people who lost their lives in the struggle against apartheid and Bantu education. In 1953, the apartheid government enacted the Bantu Education Act, which established a black Education Department in the Department of Native Affairs.

The role of this department was to compile a curriculum that suited the "nature and requirement of the black people. The author of the legislation, Dr Hendrik Verwoerd (then Minister of Native Affairs, later Prime Minister), stated: " Natives (blacks) must be taught from an early age that equality with Europeans (whites) is not for them." Black people were not to receive an education that would lead them to aspire to positions they wouldn't be allowed to hold in society. Instead they were to receive education designed to provide them with skills to serve their own people in the homelands or to work in labouring jobs under whites.

Bantu education did enable more children in Soweto to attend school than the old missionary system of education, but there was a severe lack of facilities. Nationally, public to teacher ratios went up from 46:1 in 1955 to 58: l in 1967. Overcrowded classrooms were used on a rota basis. There was also a lack of teachers, and many of those who did teach were under qualified. In 1961, only 10 percent of black teachers, held a matriculation certificate.

Because of the government's homelands policy, no new high schools were built in Soweto between 1962 and 1971. Students were meant to move to their relevant homeland to attend the newly built schools there. Then in 1972 the government gave in to pressure from business to improve the Bantu education system to meet business's need for a better trained black workforce, forty new schools were built in Soweto. Between 1972 and 1976 the number of pupils at secondary schools increased from 12 656 to 34 656. One in five Soweto children were attending secondary school.

This increase in secondary school attendance had a significant effect on youth culture. Secondary school students began forming their own, much more politicised identity than before. In 1975 South Africa entered a period of economic depression. Schools were starved of funds: the government spent R644 a year on a white child's education but only R42 on a black child.

The Department of Bantu Education then announced it was removing the Standard 6 year from primary schools. In 1976, 257 505 pupils enrolled in Form 1, but there was space for only 38 000. Many students therefore remained at primary school. Chaos ensued.

Therefore, when the Department of Education issued its decree that Afrikaans was to become a language of instruction at school, it was into an already volatile situation. Students objected to being taught in the language of the oppressor. Many teachers themselves could not speak Afrikaans, but were now required to teach their subjects in it. On June 16, 1976, pupils protested, and police reacted with teargas and gunshots.

 An estimated 20,000 students took part in the protest. One of the first students to be shot dead was 13-year-old Hector Pieterson; the number of people who died is usually given as 176, with estimates of up to 700.

 

Bipolar disorder is treatable know the signs

By Sharon Mathabatha

Everybody has bad days, ups and downs, but, with bipolar disorder, these peaks and valleys are more severe. Bipolar is a serious disorder, although it is treatable, many people don’t recognize the warning signs and get the help they need. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms look like. Recognizing the problem is the first step to getting better.

Bipolar disorder (also known as bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive disorder or manic depression) is a psychiatric diagnosis for a mood disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience episodes of a hysterical state known as mania, typically alternating with episodes of depression.

At the lower levels of mania, known as hypomania, individuals appear energetic and excitable and may in fact be highly productive. At a higher level, individuals begin to behave erratically and impulsively, often making poor decisions due to unrealistic ideas about the future, and may have great difficulty with sleep. At the highest level, individuals can experience very distorted beliefs about the world known as psychosis. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes; some experience a mixed state in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. Manic and depressive episodes typically last from a few days to several months and can be interspersed by periods of "normal" mood.

In bipolar disorder, people experience abnormally elevated (manic or hypomanic) mood states, which interfere with the functions of ordinary life. Many people with bipolar disorder also experience periods of depressed mood, but this is not universal.

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, by knowing these you can save many people around you.

Signs and symptoms

Manic episodes

Mania is a distinct period of elevated or irritable mood, which can take the form of euphoria, and lasts for at least a week (less if hospitalization is required).[3] People with mania commonly experience an increase in energy and a decreased need for sleep, with many often getting as little as three or four hours of sleep per night. Some can go days without sleeping

Hypomanic episodes

Hypomania is a mild to moderate level of elevated mood, characterized by optimism, pressure of speech and activity, and decreased need for sleep. Generally, hypomania does not inhibit functioning as mania does. Many people with hypomania are actually more productive than usual, while manic individuals have difficulty completing tasks due to a shortened attention span. Some hypomanic people show increased creativity, although others demonstrate poor judgment and irritability. Many experience hypersexuality. Hypomanic people generally have increased energy and increased activity levels. They do not, however, have delusions or hallucinations

Depressive episodes

the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, isolation, or hopelessness, disturbances in sleep and appetite; fatigue and loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities; problems concentrating; loneliness, self-loathing, apathy or indifference; depersonalization; loss of interest in sexual activity; shyness or social anxiety; irritability, chronic pain (with or without a known cause); lack of motivation; and morbid suicidal thoughts

Mixed affective episodes

A mixed state is a condition during which symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously. Typical examples include weeping during a manic episode or racing thoughts during a depressive episode. Individuals may also feel very frustrated in this state, for example thinking grandiose thoughts while at the same time feeling like a failure. Mixed states are often the most dangerous period of mood disorders, during which the risks of substance abuse, panic disorder, suicide attempts and other complications increase greatly.

Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung, Orlando Pirates Chairman Irvin Khoza and SAB Marketing Director Ian Penhale during the Carling Black Label Cup launch in Sandton.

The Carling Black Label Cup

By Sharon Mathabatha

The Carling Black Label Cup 2013 was launched recently at Protea Hotel in Wonderers. The campaign returns for the third time since its inception in 2011. The Buccanners have won the first two matches of this campaign, where last year the stadium was filled to capacity breaking the all-time attendance record for a soccer event.

The campaign has grown tremendously since 2011 with more than 20 million votes casted last year; this is double the number from the first year. This year they are anticipating 30 million votes. The campaign awards fans of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates an opportunity to showcase their coaching skills against one another in the heat of a battle. This concept has ignited the imagination of fans from all over the country and has taken it its place as one of the highlights of the South African football calendar.

“The Carling Black Label Cup has been a tremendous success not just for the two clubs involved and the fans who have taken the concept to heart, but also for South Africa as a whole. It has shown us to be a country of innovation and outstanding achievement.” Kaizer Chiefs Chairman, Kaizer Motaung said.

This spectacle event is scheduled for 27^th of July 2013 at FNB Stadium, where the stadium is expected to over flow with fans of the two clubs. Chairman of Orlando Pirates Dr Irvan Khoza explained that the success of the campaign is reason for fans to celebrate. “I believe anytime Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs meet, there will be massive interest from the public. However, of greaterinterest is the fact that supporters have a once in a lifetime opportunity to pick the teams, which is incredible for them”. He said

There will be a Carling Black Label Cup roadshow that will travel across the country. The campaigns ambassadors are SABC 1’s zone 14 duo, Popeye and Spinach. These Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs self-proclaimed supporters will educate fan on voting procedures, the two Soweto giants history and give away prizes.

Arts and Culture Minister and chairperson of Vincent Tshabalala Education
 Trust, Paul Mashitile during a shoe drop off in Alexandra

Shoes for hope

By Sharon Mathabatha

Put foot foundation 2013 Shoe drive conducted their last shoe drop at Emfundisweni Primary School in Alexandra, donating 1000 brand new school shoes to the less privileged learners. They have been on the road for a week and have donated close to 4000 school shoes. They started distributing in Cape Town, Grahamstown, Durban and ended in Johannesburg. The Put Foot Foundation is a volunteer based, Public Beneficiary Organisation (PBO) born out of the need to tackle the daily plight and indignity of children with no shoes.

The Foundation was founded in 2012 by three young South Africans, Daryn Hillhouse, Mike Sharman and Dan Nash. They have collaborated with Wachizungu and Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust for the Put foot rally where participants travelled the Southern African countries in 20 days raising funds for the charity. “As a charity we believe that a foundation for a bright future is a brand new pair of school shoes. A child with new school shoes has hope, pride and dignity and these are a building blocks to a positive future.” Said Daryn Hillhouse, Put Foot Foundation MD.

Minister of Arts and Culture and Chairperson of Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust, Paul Mashatile took time out of his busy schedule to be part of this initiative. Born and bred in Alexandra Mashatile has had experience with going to school without shoes, hence he values the importance of giving back. “When I was in school in the late 60’s I had no school shoes, so I know how it feels not to have school shoes. This is a great initiative.” He said.

Seventy five percent of the learners at the school come from poor households, where they hardly afford to buy school uniform let alone school shoes kids end up going to school with takkies on. This has been reported to have a psychological effect on the learners, resulting to poor academic performance. “I am very happy and grateful for what Put Foot Foundation has done for the kids. Most of the kids are from poor background where the parents are unemployed and cannot afford to buy school shoes, parents are going to be happy, as I am happy.” Said Principal Thembekazi Giyana

Citizen Journalism VS Traditional Journalism

How does citizen Journalism affect traditional Journalism?

Citizen Journalism

The collection, dissemination, and analysis of news and information by the general public, by the use of mobile phones, digital cameras, blogs, etc

Why do I have to waste three years of my life in university if I could just be a journalist without even getting proper training? This is what came to mind when I came across the term citizen Journalism.

Citizen Journalism is a threat to traditional Journalism and it should be discontinued mainly because we don’t know how factual the content produced is, so it gets more difficult for the public to decide what to believe. With traditional journalism, it is safe to assume that the information is factual, Checked and re-checked for accuracy, Stories were edited in an inverted pyramid, giving the masses all the news that is relevant, fair and objective so as for citizen Journalism it is difficult to produce news with all the mentioned elements because they were never trained to be able to detect what is news worthy, relevant or fair.

Although citizen generated content is becoming increasingly popular through the use of social media and new media technologies such as mobile phones, it has been apparent that the information delivered and uploaded by citizens is misleading and therefore may lead to propaganda. Citizens upload their side of the argument, however not the side of the opposition. The real question is whether or not the information being uploaded is in fact the truth and not just another way to gain attention.

Traditional journalism is facing a very tough time at the moment due to citizen Journalism, with social media being used as a means of broadcasting news updates. Newspapers are slowly becoming less important to buy as the internet has it all, Facebook, Twitter and blogs. Online news is also available to access freely. Each provides information about recent news and events. The public can easily find out what is going on in the news through these sources. Even journalists are using social networking sites to provide news updates. Journalism is entering a new era of technology and modernised communication habits. If traditional journalism wants to keep within the standards, then it needs to follow the trends and enter into the social networking phase, with a focus to stay strong and keep going. This is the now and it needs to strive to keep up-to-date with it as best it can. Journalists need to maintain a level of journalism that is cohesive to what is being used now, and that just so happens to be social media and in particular twitter.

The fine line between Citizen Journalism and Traditional journalism will always be obvious to the public. They are both two very different types of journalism and always will be. However the two are merging together even now to create a deeper meaning and truth to news stories. This merging of the two will continue and they will both adopt aspects such as news and pictures from each other in order to give stories more depth and value.

 A debate for change

By Sharon Mathabatha

State of the union (SOTU) coalition in conjunction with Show me your number (SMYN) hosted a public debate recently at Central Johannesburg College, Alexandra campus. This was to reflect on what is holding Africa back with the emphasis on the youth.

The aim of the debate was to raise public awareness on what needs to be done to accelerate positive change in the continent. Issues discussed included instability and human rights, health systems in crisis, the role of African countries and the role of the youth.

SOTU is a coalition of Pan-African organisation working in 10 African countries to track implementation of AU decisions at the national level and to inform, empower and mobilize citizens to hold their government accountable on promises they make and SMYU is a non-governmental organisation that uses sport generally and football specifically to promote HIV prevention and behaviour change.

Students were motivated and encouraged to take control of their lives and to work towards bringing change in the African continent. “Who do you think is going to change the circumstances of your country or community other than yourself? Do you think a young person is going to come from America and say I have come to Africa to change the lives of Africans? That will never happen. it is all up to you to bring change in your continent and country.” said Pan-African director, Janah Ncube. The panel included former Cameroonian Soccer Star Patrick Mboma, SANAC civil society Deputy Chairperson Prudence Mabele, Pan-African Director- Oxfam Janah Ncube, UJ Lecturer Chris Fortium and two students from Minerva High School, Lerato Kganyago and Thembelihle Mathenjwa who discussed the importance of youth development in Africa. Mthetho Tshemese from the Eastern Cape facilitated the debate.