Snapshot of Mphanama

Mphanama is a small village 24 km outside Jane Furse, Sekhukhune land in Limpopo province, South Africa. It is the village of Barwa who form part of Bapedi tribe, their totem is lion(Tau) hence they call themselves Batau. The chief of the village is his majesty Kgoshi lobang III Kgaphola. He is the first son of the candle wife(Lebone) Princess Mapuwe and Chief Tserere kgaphola. A candle wife is the only wife among the chief’s wives to bear a future chief according to Batau culture. It’s neighboring villages are Ga-Radingwana, Ga-Mmela, Ga-Maila, Ga-Mmatshatsha, Ga-Mashabela and Ga-Matlala a Legopane. People of this village still practice their culture by conducting rituals before any weeding or cultural activity which is sacred,they do so by slaughtering goats or cattles. Early villagers were subsistence farmers, and grew sorghum, pumpkins and legumes, which were cultivated by women on fields allocated to them when they married. Women hoed and weeded; did pottery and built and decorated huts with mud; made sleeping mats and baskets; ground grain, cooked, brewed, and collected water and wood. While men did some work in fields at peak times; hunted and herded; did woodwork, prepared hides. Initiation. The life of both girls and boys was differentiated by important rituals, such as initiation. Boys called bašemane and later mašoboro, would spend their youth herding cattle at remote outposts with their peers and others from older age-sets. Initiation would also include circumcision at komeng or koma (initiation school) which would be held about once every five years. The first part of the initiation school is Bodika and the second part is Bogwera. The duration of these practices is different and all take place in the mountains. These initiation processes socialised youths into groups or regiments called mephato which would bear the leader's name, and whose members would then be loyal to each other for their lifetimes. These groups or regiments would often spend time together in their life time. Girls attended their own koma and were divided into their own regiments, a process that usually took place two years after the boy's school. Initiation is still practised today, and provides a substantial income to the chiefs who licence it for a fee. Other religions The village has all known denominations, with the majority believing in traditional ancestral worshipping. They consult traditional healers who are able to solve their problems. The second majority belongs to indigenous African faith, which is represented by Apostolic church,St Engenas ZCC(Star and bird version), Lutheran church, Methodist church to mention few. There is a trend which shows that most non-Christians do have some faith in the power of church, and this is evident from many non-Christians visiting the ZCC churches. This shows the influence the ZCC kingdom has had in bringing people closer to church.

SEASON OF MIGRATION TO THE NORTH

Name of the book is season of migration to the north it is written by Tayeb Salih, he was born 1929 in nothern province of Sudan. He studied in England and worked for various broadcasting corperations abroad, including English broadcasting corperation as head of drama in the arabic services.He later worked as director in qatar, with Unesco in Paris. Culturally Tayeb as well as geographycally lives astride the East and West. This book talks about a certain academic called Mustafa sa’eed, who was born in Khartoum in 16 August 1898.his father was from Ababda tribe, the tribe living between Egypt and Sudan and her mother was from the Baria tribe. Mustafa Sa’eed covered his period of education in Sudan at one bound as if he were having a race with time.He was the first student from Gordon college to receive a scholarship to Cairo later to London, first Sudanese to be sent on a scholarship abroad. His Principal in Khartoum Mr Stockwell is the one who arranged his move to Cairo, there he met Mr Robinson and his wife. After excelling in his studies he went to Alexandria where he bought a ship to London by that time he was nearing twenty, studied criminal law at Oxford university. As a young man he started to have some feelings for girls like any young man his age. His first love was jean Morris from Leeds whom he met in Chelsea in a party, she was followed by Ann Hammond the daughter of an officer in royal engineers her mother from rich family in Liverpool. She was less than twenty and was studying oriental languages at Oxford. Ann Hammond committed a suicide after Mustafa left her, police found a note saying “Mr sa’eed may God damn you”. Poor ladies were deceived by sweet lies of Mustafa because he promised them that he would marry them. Others did not know his name as he was calling himself with different nicknames like Amin, Charles, Richard and Hassan. At age of twenty four he was a lecture in Economics at Oxford university, at that time he was battling courts in England for the deaths of womens he had affairs with.His lawyer Maxwell Foster Keen saved him from the gallows, Mr keen said that “Mustafa does not exist ,he is illusion,a lie and I ask you to rule tht the lie be killed”.He told them that Ann Hammond,Sheila Greenwood were girls who were seeking death by every means and that they would have committed suicide whether they had met Mustafa sa’eed or not. He also stressed that Mustafa is noble man whose mind was able to absorb ,western civilization but it broke his heart. The girls were not killed by Mustafa but by the germ of a deadly disease that assailed them a thousand years ago. During October 1922 and February 1923 Mustafa lived with five women simultaneousely, again promising what he had promised Ann and others that was marriage. After he was lucky not be sent to jail he left London for Sudan, on his arrival in sudan he went to live in the bent of Nile river. He bought himself a farm, built a house and married Mamoud’s daughter Mahjoub and they were blessed with two sons. The villagers did not know about him that much except that he was from Khartoum because he was secretive man, although he was not bragging about his academic record but passionate about farming. He had a piece of land to plough vegetables and fruits and always giving them to those in need, people liked him a lot because of that.It was a steamingly hot July night that turned things to worse, Nile river that year having experienced one of those floods that occur after many years. The land was covered with water most of the land lying between the river bank and the edge of the desert where houses stood.People were using boats to move around in that sorrowful day. Mustafa Sa’eed was a well known swimmer as he had some time in England but that day he did not survive the floods. Telephones massages were sent to the stations along Nile as far as Karma but his body was not among those washed. After a week people lost hope of finding him especially in the crocodile infested river, he was presumed dead after the search.Mustafa on his death left a wife and two sons, the writer claims that Mustafa gave him a note before he met his death that day.It was having some instructions to guide him to divide the deceased’s wealth between his children. The note states that Mr Sa’eed had left three cows,two donkeys, ten goats,five sheeps, thirty palms ,twenty acacia, sayal, house made up of five rooms and thirty seven pounds also some milliemes in cash. The old man who enjoyed high life at his prime time died living a low life in the rural village along the Nile river.The life of Mustafa was astonishing because people in the Nile did not who Mustafa was, he was a secretive man. His life of secrets and lies made him to die a terrible death and poor. To my understanding Mustafa was a womaniser and a lier of his time. People like him were not good to set example to people who lived in his time,some will know him through the writer because he had some documents of him. The documents states certain information about him that he was a accused of the deaths of women in England. As a heartless man Mustafa never apologised for his evil ways in London, he was like a predator preying for it’s prey, the number of women he slept with was embarassing. The writer have lot of respect for Musatafa even though he had done terrible mistakes. May be is the fact that he was an academic, nobody knows. His life did not have a direction at all,Mutafa Sa’eed deserved a nice burial had they discovered his body. One can’t deny but accept that Mustafa was a well educated person of his time ,having acquired his qualifications in criminal law and economics. The fact that Mustafa was not found is sad because people who were close to him wanted to give him the last honour, it remained question to many of them of where Mustafa has gone. They claimed that he is dead but no one was sure of that because a man like him one can’t know what he was up to,but had they found his body I am quite sure they were going to give him a proper funeral like any old man. The writer can boast about the fact that he lived in the days of Mustafa an academic and a farmer, because he got opportunity to gather some facts to write about that man.Some will remember the good things he did as farmer along the Nile river,he was a kind of philantropist. Others will say God punished him dearly for his evil ways for causing deaths in London especially Londoners were he had spent most of his time studying and working before he left for Sudan. But as human being no one can judge him except to give their comments of concern, only God will judge him for his ways while he was still in this planet. Wherever he is his soul may rest in peace. Comment This book is worth reading, interesting and giving a guidence to men who use their success to achieve things which won’t contribute any good to their lives.

The name of the book is Suitcase stories by Glynis Claherty and Suitcase children.

The book was produced as part of the Suitcase project, a psychological support through art therapy project initiated by Glynis Clacherty in 2001 in Johannesburg, South Africa. During 2003 Annurita Bains co-facilitated the group Glynis. In that year Diane Welvering joined the project as an art teacher, together with Glynis developed the work that is presented in this book. Jessie Kgomongoe worked with them for two years. The group meets at Barnato Park High school in Hillbrow which has made its facilities to the group since 2003. The project was funded by the United Nations High Commission for refugees, during 2003 and 2004,through the Jesuit Refuge service. From 2006 the project was run under the auspices of the refugee ministries centre, a refugee programme run by the Anglican, Methodist and Lutheran churches in inner city Johannesburg. Children are referred into the group on annual basis by the Refugee Ministries advice centre. Funding is provided through the UNHCR for an interim period, but more substantial funding is not available. The author Glynis Clacherty is a researcher who specialises in participatory work with children. She has spent the last ten years working with children all over southern Africa on issues such as HIV& Aids, child work, violence against children, poverty and migration. Much of this work has allowed children’s voices to be heard in the creation of new policy and laws. She started the Suitcase project, a psychological support through art project in 2001 with refugee children in Hillbrow. This is where she met children whose stories are told in this book. The children told her their stories some over the period of three years. This activity was completely voluntary and children could choose how much of their story to tell, if they wanted it taped and even if they wanted to tell it all. She transcribed those stories that had been taped and edited them for sequence and readability alone. She have tried to represent what the children said exactly as they said it, keeping the form of the spoken word . The children all looked closely at their stories once they had written and they agreed on which parts could be published and what they did not included in the book, also what needed to be changed to keep their confidentiality. None of the children wanted to be labelled as refugee in their present lives, so they chose to remain anonymous. The names they chose to replace their own all have significance for them. They are the names of the lost parents or special friends from their home countries. As the Author have worked with these stories she has been struck with sadness, the loss, the displacement that the children have experienced but also overwhelmingly by their resilience, their ability to make a plan and often to see the funny side of what is happening to them. These stories have taught the Author that children are not merely victims of their circumstance but survivors. What i have learned in this book is that children from Africa are suffering and some have suffered due to various reasons such as civil wars which tear many families apart and hunger which drove many families from one place to another in search of greener pastures. Despite their hardships, they have suffered back in their homes, the children reclaim their identity in South Africa. It is interesting to see young people under the age of twenty having a desire to think about their originality. In many cases people who have left their countries tend to change their identity when they arrive in foreign lands, some feel uncomfortable to use their cultural names and adopt the names which are common in the place which they would be living. These children have something in common that there is nothing better than knowing who you are and where they are coming from, most of them still uphold the names which were given to them by their parents in their respective countries. They are full of love and joy as they are treating each other with respect in their support group. The other thing which make them outstanding they don’t want be beggars for the rest of their lives, they want to make something out of their lives while they are still alive. Although poor children are in South Africa , which is regarded as the land of milk and honey to many Africans who had never graced our shores, they face many challenges across the streets. They are called by derogatory words like “kwerekwere” but they have accepted the reality that it is tough to be away from home and they are not demoralised. In the support group all of them want to return home to start their lives afresh and re-unite with their families. Even if they become educated they are willing to plough back, because they have realised that the change in their country needs to be started not by anybody but them. It is good especially for children who are young having a desire to return home. They show everyone in the country that they are here by choice but social problems are the main point for them to be where they are today. They are also wishing to see their countries having a peace like South Africa, where anyone has a right of movement, association and freedom of speech. The character of these future generation is outstanding, they make anyone inspired despite the challenges they have came across in their childhood. They have a never dying spirit that while there is life there is hope. They don’t want to be looked down upon by indigenious people, they want the locals to take them serious not laugh them for their own situation. They need South Africans to know more about their situation before they can judge them. If one calculate the experiences of these children realises that their situation is not something laughable but shocking because some lost their families as they were killed. The future reader can expect shocking and interesting realities, shocking realities because some of the children family members are no more, while again children are reclaiming their origin in foreign land. The book message is straight forward, things which are written in the book are true. They were transcribed so that people can learn about horrible things which are happening or happened in those countries which these children are coming from. The future readers will realise that there were once people who suffered under other people’s leadership and migrated to re arrange their lives. Once you have started to read this book one cannot put it down but will continue till he or she finishes reading it as it is touching and drawing ones attention not forgetting that it provokes the feelings. What i could have changed to make this book interesting. It is difficult because things which were written in this book are coming straight from the children who experienced the hardships. To be honest the book does not need to be re-arranged because it is well written, children tell their stories well. The theme of the book relate with me very well, because if you look at these children situation they have left their countries as a results of civil wars and economical disorientation. The book might be talking about the children who left their homes due to certain problems, this means there are budding scholars who were displaced due to unrests. This is something which touches’ me as a student, looking deeply in the theme of the book one would realise that this is something which can happen to anyone because future is unpredictable.

New uniforms for Tshukutswe learners on Mandela Day

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union Investment Holding Company (SIHOLD) – SADTU’s investment arm , together with the Union, “Inspired change and made every day a Mandela Day” with a donation of uniforms to learners of Tshukutswe High School in Ga-Matlala Village in Limpopo yesterday. All 240 learners from the school received jerseys, socks, pens and rulers The school is an underperforming school that was adopted by SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke in 2011. The handover of uniforms was attended by SIHOLD CEO Thami Nompula, SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke, members of the National Working Committee, learners and parents. SADTU Provincial Secretary Matome Raphasha advised the learners to take education seriously like the ailing statesman Nelson Mandela, if they wanted to improve their lives. “Mandela put education first and he worked hard to be where he is today.” Raphasha said in a packed hall, adding that the teachers and parents wanted the best out of the learners. “As parents, let us give these children better things, so that tomorrow they will look after us. Only a good education will benefit us both,” he concluded. School Governing Body member Lucy Ramoroka (60) gave her heartfelt gratitude to SADTU for visiting the school - on Mandela’s birthday – and called on God to bless the union. She also encouraged the learners to study hard and be educated in various fields. “We want to see you educated because education is a shield against poverty,” she said. Ramaroka also appealed to the community not to vandalize the school. While the day was great, it was SIHOLD CEO Nompula who stole the occasion. He declared that SIHOLD was planning to refurbish the school with more than a million rands next year. “People we are committed on our side, this school needs two million to be refurbished. Next year we will have a budget to fix it. Promise me that you are going to look after it,” he appealed to the community and learners. In the spirit of Mandela Day SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke said he wished that the whole day and not 67 minutes could be dedicated to voluntary work. He quoted Pakistani school girl and education activist Malala Yousafzai who was shot by Taliban gunmen for fighting for women and girls’ rights to education; “One girl, one teacher, one pen can change the World,” Maluleke said. He said that to motivate the learners to be better people in future and to appreciate the fact that they were attending school while other children are not freely attending school in other countries. Maluleke also urged parents to motivate their children to take education seriously

THE MESSAGE OF AFRICA DAY

Africa Day is the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). On this day, leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union. However, the name and date of Africa Day has been retained as a celebration of African unity.

While Africans celebrate their independence from western world, it is faced with many challenges post colonialism. Youth empowerment  needs to be addressed because the youth constitute 62 % of the continent. Although there is an advance in the educational system and economic growth, the progress remains fragile because inequalities are prevalent.

The leaders who decolonised the continent from the the western powers have a problem of leading the people. They had a common goal at the beginning which was"A free Africa" but some parts of the continent are still not enjoying freedom,because their own leaders turned into dictators. The AU which is claiming to be the custodian of morality,in this post modern era still fails to do away with the dictators. As long as the owners of the house are ignorant self reliance is so near yet so far,the organisation should be a beacon of hope to Africans. but anyway the focus is on youth which is still behind.

African youth today is facing problems in finding decent jobs and participating in the decision making processes. While some have resorted to drugs and alcohol abuse because of the frustrations they are facing today. The youth problems need a sense of agency from government and society at large to come up with solution. The youth should be conscientized that they have a lot offer in our economy and state.

 We South Africans today we have reached a state of nationhood, but there is no amount of political freedom which can appease the jobless youth. The country needs to create quality education and work opportunities for the graduates . With the books claiming that this continent is the cradle of humankind the country should not let its future down. The challenges of the youth should not be ignored, because that would lead to retrogression.

The success stories about women empowerment and investing in children’s health are a sign that  the progress is realistically attainable for the country .  With the progress being achieved the country should not rest , but rather continue to achieve more. 

Africa Must Unite To Achieve its Goals and Not Let The Martyr Of This Beloved Continent Down.

A MARCH TO THE PRESIDENCY DEMANDING BASIC EDUCATION MINISTER TO RETIRE.



SADTU President Thobile Ntola in a cap and black jacket middle holding hands with COSATU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi in a black trouser. They were flanked by members during a march to the Union Buildings,Pretoria.The teachers demanded that basic education  Minister Angie Motshega and Her director general Booby Soobryan, be fired for dishonouring collective bargaining.The 23 April 2013.



Difficult life in the streets of Gauteng.



A homeless boy begging from passing motorists at the intersections of Empire road and Jan  Smuts Avenue,Johannesburg.



TURKEY’S BOY SWEAT AGAINST ALMIGHTY GERALD



Gerald Chauke a member of Soshanguve Zenzele Wrestling Group, in a red costume
gave Athur Eginc,blue costume from Turkey a tough time on Saturday, February
 09 during the opening of Tuks Youth Wrestling in Pretoria, Hatfield.

 

 

 

 

Gerald Chauke (17), from block T in Soshanguve gave Athur Eginc a tough welcoming fight at Tuks Sports Centre, Pretoria. The young man looked nervous when they announced that he’ll be wrestling with one of the Yaman’s wrestlers on Cadets mat 6, Athur. “Yes I was nervous but I had a good feeling about the fight because my first match in mat 5, I won it within two minutes”, he said.

Following the first simple win, Chauke received devastated tackles from Athur which resulted in the match ending up with 5-3 points win. The centre started to get more and hotter when Yaman wrestlers shouted “hold him Athur, hold him”. Chauke didn’t hesitate and suddenly he made the temperature low by pulling Egnic head down.

Chauke’s coach, Thabiso Molemo said “the tournament is a good start for the wrestlers to acquire their skills and be able to face fast, and active fighters”. “It all started here at Tuks because it’s the home of Sports in Pretoria”. Many wrestlers got opportunities to face tougher wrestlers from different weights.