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.

YOUNG WOMAN ON THE MOVE



A Masters student in Electronic engineering Unene Manganyi leaving for France.

 Wilson Mmako



These days’ women are capable of reaching greater heights, twenty one year old Unene Manganyi from Pretoria West has achieved a lot at a young age. She is studying her Masters in Electronic engineering with French South African Institute (FSATI), which is working together with the Tshwane University of Technology.

 Manganyi got a bursary to study with the institution through French embassy for two years. For one year she had been working she will spend the seven months doing a research. She will be leaving on the 4 November to pursue her studies and she will be back on end of June 2013. Her family has been a pillar of strength in her life

“My family has been a big support system through my achievements and university supported me by availing opportunities to me” she said.

 Besides achieving a lot academically she had a chance to represent the country in various conferences abroad. In 2006 while in grade 11 she was chosen to represent the country in International summer school of young Physics in Canada. With her courage and determination, this year she went to G20 conference in Washington DC, USA as Minister of Youth and Environmental Affairs.

Manganyi said that as a person she is self motivated and does not draw inspiration from people outside. Manganyi can be an inspiration to young people who aim to be successful. On her return she would like to work for year before continuing with her PhD.



                                   The cleaners of Vat Alles project on duty near A Rethabeng  primary school in block L, Soshanguve on 19 October 2012.