My thoughts on HISTORY

It is very important that we all know where we come from thus paving a very bright future for our children, and their children.

I recently read a Masters paper on the History of Kayamandi and it made me realize that we as the black population relied too much on other people to write our own history. Not only is that misleading in a way but also lacks the credibility that it deserves, given our dark history in Mzantsi. It is with great thanks that  we now can be able to write our own blogs to the fallen heros that are unsung and those that are now enjoying the praises on a yearly basis. By this article I intend to put it out there that we should be out looking for every bit of information about us.

Kayamandi was actually first founded in 1921, The Location shall be called Kaya Mandi, David Rock(2011). It is the work of this fellow that actually makes me write this today. I envy those that study history and I also pity those that do not read it because it is the back bone of our existance. Our black tradition is based on historical events and yet our people refuse to embrace this phenomenon.

We are a people that has a rich history that is waiting for us to embrace, we are Xhosa, Zulu, etc. and we all practice rituals that were done by our forefathers and yet when you ask an elder about a mere thing such as "How did your father meet your mother?" you would be lucky not to get a spanking. No man this has got to stop.

I am now  unable to thouroughly draw my family tree all because of this. IT HAS GOT TO STOP - WE NEED HISTORY IN OUR LIVES so that we can carry on knowing who we are.

The terminial

For most of us the word that is written on the subject line means just one thing, and that is you're about to leave right?

Well for the purpose of this article, this time of the year we assume that you are at a terminal - the question is, where are you going? or rather where do your goals lead you to in 2012?

For us this is yet another challenge that we should all face, a NEW BEGINNING. A new beginning that only us can be able to retrieve and make the best of it, not just a nice time but also those core times that we should embrace. Those hard times are necessary so that you can be better equipped for the rest of your life.

So in 20self think of this: Where are you going? Because now you are now at a ternimal that only you can choose the destination beyong it. It's only yours and it's time to know who you are.

The drug of easy money

For all of us it is a shock to see such a young woman who hails from the Eastern Cape to do such a thing, but then again it shows what proportions people would go just for money. Read more on what Khaya Dlanga thinks of this event.



The drug of easy money: None of us know what we would be prepared to do to get what we want, especially when an easy and harmless opportunity presents itself to us, says Khaya Dlanga.

Zuma asked for extra public holiday

Really? I think that would be nice. But then again how will he dicide which day?




Zuma asked for extra public holiday: President Jacob Zuma has been asked to grant working South Africans an extra public holiday next year because Christmas falls on a Sunday.

Time for action

At this time some of us are really starting to get the hang of this in terms of your value that you add in your workspace. But a lot of us are still new to the market and aren't relating very well with the new conditions that we have to deal with on a daily basis. Well my wife and I always take the very small things seriously in that we do not take them for granted. In turn we take action and lead our family head on and never take small things for granted.

For several years we have been planning this wonderful life and not really accomplishing what we sought. This obviously was not a very good feeling because it meant that we were failing. Then it came across very boldly one day when we were looking back at our finances and our life style now compared to what we had exactly one year ago. We lived in Kraaifontein, Wallacedene - Not a very nice place to stay, but now we have our own home in a very nice place, Stellenbosch. You know it was the smallest of movements that made us be where we are right now and not big steps. It's simple really, just like walking; you take a lot of small steps to get ahead. 

We are now taking action of our lives, instead of planning and realizing that we had failed in the long run, we take action now for now and knowing that the now for now model of decision making will have a very huge, positive impact on our long run goals. We are due to register to complete our studies - Might not be a very glamorous thing to do,  but in the long run it will be worth it.

So what are you waiting for, it's time to take action and realize who you are.

If not for you then for those that you love and love you.

By Nkonkotjie

Kayamandi, Stellenbosch

Some of you might not know that I recently moved to Kayamandi last year. My wife and I decided to move to Stellenbosch after much deliberation where she advised that she grew up there and didn't see the beauty that I saw in the town. Today I thought I should share with you why I love this Town.

Originally I would think that there is nothing happening in the township and it would only just be your normal tarvens and tshisa nyamas but my original thinking would be proven wrong by this suburb that I found myself living in. Firstly let me introduce you to Stellenbosch, a town that is well known for it's vineyards and wines and it's prestigius University. Some know the town by the perception that it is a racial town, due to it's population of white people and some know it as a town very far away.

Stellenbosch is more than it's wines and booze and it's university; and it's certainly not a racist town. It is a town that has more than opulance in terms of culture but also very friendly and peaceful. I say this because I live there and I have first hand experience to it.

 

But the Topic is about Kayamandi and it's beauty both as a township and as an attraction for both you and I and tourists. Kayamandi has the most beautiful people, I should know - My wife's from there, and the most interesting people I have ever seen in Mzantsi.




My Wife, Lindiwe Matseletsele

 We have our own restaurants and I will show you one, which brings us to my point.

Amazink 

If you're looking for a pure Mzantsi experience, this place is where you should come to. You can find out more about them click here

So now it's up to you ,whether you want to come and meet your potential spouse; looking for a good time; good food; good wine or simply just an education, you can always come and say hi to Nkonkotjie with his wife in Kayamandi.

Kayamandi was not just named Kayamandi for nothing, kuse Khayeni elimnandi ngenene.

More restaurants to visit

Stellenbosch Botanical gardens
Cubana
Corridor
Spier
Devon Valley (Golf estate)
etc.


More info available at: 
http://www.wineroute.co.za/
http://www.stellenboschgolfclub.com/
http://www.safarinow.com/
http://www.sun.ac.za/

Fury as hackers hit hundreds of SA businesses

Fury as hackers hit hundreds of SA businesses

Source: wwww.peherald.com

Who names a syndicate Islamis Ghost team?

Nkonkotjie Communications: A Beautiful mind

Nkonkotjie Communications: A Beautiful mind: I watch my son as he grows these days and every day he suprises me with some new thing he says or does, and the most interesting thing I se...

A Beautiful mind

I watch my son as he grows these days and every day he suprises me with some new thing he says or does, and the most interesting thing I see about him is that he is as honest as the day he was born, three years later. What intrigued me about this is that at that age he knows exactly who he is and who I am and who his mother is and so forth. Another thing to highlight is that no one told him who we are and whose child he is but he some how knows and that my friends is what brings us to the forth as Nkonkotjie Coms.

It some times bothers me that people of great minds and great talents always tell me that I have a great mind and that I have a great talent, the question I ask myself everytime when someone says "Vuyo you have a great mind" is - How come I am here with you right now living like I do? and I always come to the same answer - Vuyo you have no power to do this.

Until I read the foreword from the book Mind power I realised that I can be who ever I want to be and nothing can stop me except myself. So in essence it bothers me why other people always see the negatives in them rather than seeing their utmost power and the abilities they have in order to achieve more. You my friend have the responsibilty to be honest with yourself and start living who you're supposed to be. I am a musician that was blessed with brains to think with and use and I use my mind in order to pass all the tests that life throws at me. I am no saint and I am no genious I just exercise my responsibility to use what we all humans have been blessed with  - a beautiful mind.

Reaction vs Pro Action

You know when we grow up they always tell us to be pro active and as a person whose first language is not English you wouldn't quite understand what they mean.

Until I started working I came accross that word quite often and I'd think to myself what it really means. So today I will talk about these two words.

As I now understand being proactive means to be on top of your game, that means you must know what problems might arise from a particular process and be able to put in your contingency plans as the situation requires.
Being reactional means you're not quite on top of it but you bearly manage to stay on top because you have the best reactional strategies.

You will decide which one your company uses, in the while I'll tell you what I think I would do if I was a strategist of a services company. I would rather be Proactive because I would not rely on my customers to tell me what flaws my company has, it would be constituted as laziness in my books.

Reactional companies are always able to stay on top because they have people that can handle any situation at any time, Good but not great. Call centres are very crucial game makers in the services industry and every CEO should always listen to what their customers have to say so that they can improve their game. Not by waiting to be told but by identifying problem areas before they are told.

I think it's that easy to be great.  It goes back to Management 101 or 111 - Do things right the first time.

Self Improvement

While acknowledging the fact that we are all different I think it is safe to think we're looking for the same thing in life. That is improvement, improvement with your fincances, with your social life( If you have one) and mostly - the way your life is led by yourself. We all seek that improvement; self improvement.

Well for me I think the most important factor in this regards is how you look at yourself and what form of perception about yourself do you formulate when you think of yourself. How much impact do you think you can make in life and what are the biggest steps that you think you can make in order to succeed. All these are questions that  I think can make a difference in the way that you see yourself.

here is what I have read from the entrepreneur online magazine http://www.entrepreneurmag.co.za/ I hope it will all make sense to you just as it has to me.

The Misconceptions of Success

By Femi Adebanji  Understanding what success means – and what it doesn’t mean.

There are a number of major misconceptions regarding success, especially when it pertains to wealth, and these misconceptions can act as potential stumbling blocks to one’s ability to achieve financial success. Understanding and addressing these misconceptions is key if one is to develop the right mental attitude that is crucial for success.

Myth 1: You need money to make money

Firstly, there is the widely held misconception to make money; you already need to have money. While this may be true in some circumstances, one could also pose the counter argument that there are numerous cases of entrepreneurs  who have built successful business empires by starting virtually from scratch with little or no funds and are where they are today simply as a result of their determination and vision.
This misconception is so pervasive that it stops many people from even attempting to pursue their dreams because they truly believe that they need to accumulate the amount of money they need first before acting on their ideas. This causes so many to delay that often times the idea fizzles out, and  by the time they get to implementing their ideas, it is already too late and someone else has already  ran with the idea. If you have a dream, vision, idea or goal start from where you are and do something daily towards the attainment of that goal. The significant success factor for any goal is not money but rather creativity and determination. Once you get the ball rolling, you will be amazed at how the pieces will begin to fall in place. Determination not money is the more valuable currency that is vital to the accomplishment of any goal,

Myth 2: The ability to amass wealth is limited to a few

Secondly, there is the mistaken belief that the ability to amass wealth is limited only to the select few that are highly intelligent, privileged and well-educated. This is completely untrue. Conduct a quick analysis of the most successful people in the world and you will find that they come from all walks of life. Aside from commitment and belief, the only things they have in common is that they have nothing in common. Success is no respecter of creed, race or circumstance. Some of the richest people in the world never even completed high school not to mention attaining a university degree or diploma.  Some of them started from nothing, with nothing, while many of them could be considered people of average intelligence. However, what they lacked for in ‘high IQ’ was more than compensated for by their belief, motivation and determination.

Myth 3: Success requires luck

Finally, there is the misconception that to be successful, you have to have luck on your side. Yes, some people where at the right place at the right time; unfortunately, such people constitute a tiny fraction. Many successful entrepreneurs have had to work at their vision sometimes for years until their goals were achieved. By and large, most successful people have had to be committed and apply themselves consistently for many years to get to where they are. In life, the harder you work and the more committed you are, the luckier you get.

The misconceptions regarding success prevent us from becoming who we need to become to achieve the goals we desire to achieve in our lives. Often times, what starts out as a misconception, evolves into a subconscious justification for our inaction and eventually the death of our dreams.

The question is whether or not we are willing to become more – mentally, emotionally and physically, in order to achieve more out of life. To achieve profound success, we must push past the misconceptions and focus only on becoming who we need to be in order to have what we need to have.

 

 

Copyright is owned by Entrepreneur Media SA and/or Entrepreneur Media Inc.

All rights reserved. Click here to read our editorial disclaimer.

Black Tuesday

I have seen quite a number of responses regarding Black Tuesday and I feel the need to understand why this is. Firstly I for one do not know what it stands for and yet i think it is days like this one that we need in this new democracy.

I have been reading on the Protection of information Bill that is proposed by Government and I really think it should not be passed. This why - Firstly it will automatically put people who are trying to speak out about corruption, Honest people in jail. Secondly it makes me want to ask "what the hell is the govenment trying to hide?"
Ok ,ok I might not be a journo or something but I am a citizen of this country and I want to know what the government is doing behind my back with my tax money. On top of my questions is the fact that the Scopions were disdanded so that this secrecy bill can be enacted?
I see a trend here:

Fisrt - They disband the Scopions ( Highly effective Crime fighting tool) For what?
Secondly - Govenment officials and ANC high and  mighty people get involved in unorthodox situations
Thirdly - The high and mighty people now want to criminalise people who are going to uncover thier soiled tracks.
Fourthly - Reopen the Arms deal enquiry (To shut us up because everything has been swept under the capert already (who knows?))
and the Final step to the What you call it - Enact the protection of information bill

Protection of information - Protection from who and for what?
What happened to Free media? After all isn't this the very thing our fathers (the people who now gorven us) fought for?

Mandeep Tiwana, Policy Manager, CIVICUS in his article says:

"The bill contains draconian punishments ranging up to 25 years imprisonment for a host of offences, including obtaining, possessing, intercepting and disclosing classified information. It empowers the State Security Minister to categorise as classified a vast array of information - not only about government departments but also about independent commissions, municipal and local councils as well as community development forums

Furthermore, information is also prevented from reaching the pubic sphere through empowering departmental heads to devise internal policies, directives and categories to classify and declassify information. Notably, disclosure of information is barred in the interests of “national security,” defined through a long-winded omnibus provision, a potentially formidable barrier against the release of information exposing official corruption and mismanagement" (http://www.civicus.org/ accessed on the 22 November 2011)

News on this issue:

- Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said the bill is flawed and insulting to South Africans, while former cabinet minister Jay Naidoo said he is deeply disturbed by the battering ram approach to the proposed legislation.

Tutu said people in this country should not be asked to stomach legislation that could be used to outlaw whistleblowing and investigative journalism. Eye witness news

-

The Protection of State Information Bill (POIB) has huge constitutional implications and should not be passed in its current form, the Right2Know Campaign said on Tuesday.  IOL



Is this what the bill means? Does it mean that someone sitting on a chair at some govenment office will decide what I will read?

I have not read the whole proposed bill but I can tell you this - I think it is a JOKE and BIG ONE.

President Zuma et al. Please do something about this DO NOT PASS THE BILL.

Julius on Carte Blanch

So humble

http://www.news24.com/Multimedia/South-Africa/Malema-on-Carte-Blanche-Part-3-20111114

Kyle Sheperd

http://www.kyleshepherd.co.za/

 What can I say about this young man? I have plenty of respect for him personally, his music and his emmense talent.

I have known Kyle for a number of years, but I've only just met him as young boy who was still in school. I was at UWC and he used to be in  the orchestra that used to play for us at the Centre for the Performing Arts.. But it was at the beginning of the Ithuba Arts Festival in 2007 that I really saw what power of a musician he really is. He really captured the audience that was at that hall by his brilliant solo jazz piano and he captured my heart when I saw how much he feels the music that he palys. It's like he's part for every note that  he plays. He also plays the violin by the way. FYI.

Let's look at Kyle:

“As a composer and arranger Shepherd is proving to be one of the chief architects of modern Cape jazz.” Andre Manuel, The Cape Times
Kyle Shepherd, born in Cape Town, South Africa on 8 July 1987, is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential and accomplished jazz pianists and composers.
Shepherd has released two critically acclaimed Albums to date with both his Albums ‘fineART’ [2009] and ‘A Portrait of Home’ [2010] earning him SAMA (South African Music Award) nominations; ‘fineART’ for ‘Best Traditional Jazz Album’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ [SAMA 2010] and ‘A Portrait of Home’ for ‘Best Traditional Jazz Album’ [SAMA 2011].
In his review of ‘A Portrait of Home’, international music critic, Marcus O’Dair | The Arts Desk UK, commends the work of the Trio. “A Portrait of Home sees Shepherd, together with Shane Cooper on double bass and drummer Jonno Sweetman, creating music of subtle yet tremendous power. Though the technique of all three is undeniable, this is no antiseptic chops fest: it is music of genuine passion, meditative and stately but always emotionally engaged. It has groove at its very core, with hummable, stripped back melodies on top – and not just in the “head” sections that traditionally top and tail jazz arrangements.”
Shepherd regularly performs in concert as a solo pianist, while also leading his trio with Shane Cooper (Double Bass) and Jonno Sweetman (drums) and his Quartet featuring top South African Tenor Saxophonist Buddy Wells.
Apart from performances in South Africa, Shepherd has also toured to The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, France, Denmark, Malaysia, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe, with the most notable concert appearances being at The Bird’s Eye Jazz Club (Switzerland), The Aarhus Jazz Festival (Denmark), The Riverboat Jazz Festival (Denmark), The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (South Africa), The Joy of Jazz Festival (South Africa), The Pan African Space Station (South Africa) and The Genting International Jazz Festival (Malaysia).
During the course of his career, Shepherd has performed as pianist and/or saxophonist, with some of South Africa’s greatest musicians including Zim Ngqawana, Louis Moholo-Moholo, McCoy Mrubata, Hilton Schilder, Errol Dyers, Mark Fransman and the late Robbie Jansen, amongst others.
Shepherd featured in the AWARD WINNING theatre production, ‘AFRIKAAPS’ for which he directed & co-wrote the music and also performed in.
Film documentaries that feature his music are: ‘AFRIKAAPS’ by Dylan Valley, ‘The Uprising of Hangberg’ by Dylan Valley & world-renowned film maker Aryan Kaganof. Shepherd was also commissioned to compose a new work for the music production ‘Die Buitestaanders’ by Mareli Stolp & Magdalene Minnaar.
Shepherd continues to use his ability as a pianist, saxophonist, Xaru player (traditional mouth bow), vocalist and poet towards forging a unique compositional and performance concept that pays homage to all his musical influences and the many great musicians he has worked with, all while continuing to look forward musically. “My music is a direct representation of my traditions and the lineage of artists that came before me, and I am merely a portrait of their mastery while at the same time actively participating in the global, universal sound” says Shepherd.

This is an extract from http://www.kylesheperd.co.za/ you may continue to read it here

Evolve yourself within yourself

Let the spirit in your veins flow to the mercy of soul

Letting your worth show and never disown

The value that your being possesses and holds.

Let the unknown truth show from your seed

Let it grow and be nurtured by your soul’s gifts

Be the soul that drives the benign ways of evolution

The ways of your fathers before you were

The gifts of growing within you

Your unkind journey will surely prevail

And will evolve to be prosperity

The joy of success and happiness

Yes storms and thunders do come

Yes you will walk through the wetlands

And surely you will meet untamed beasts

But dawn will crack and you will find your light

You will engage and break barriers across the waters

You will come back and feed your children

And you will tell your children this….

Allow yourself to evolve within yourself

Be.

© 2011 Copyright Vuyolwethu Dondashe

Open letter to baby killers

Dear Baby Killer

I do not have any intentions of letting you off the hook by reporting you to the authorities because you will still be fed by my tax money and you will still walk free after a few years if you are unfortunate to be sentenced at all. You do not know me, I am neither your lover, friend nor your brother, yet I write to you. With your twisted psycho mind I know you might think you are important and all but please brother do not  flatter yourself you are a pathetic looser of a man. You are one step closer to being the Devil himself.

We bear children for the benefit of mankind and for continuation of our blood line and you see them as some prize money, to get rich quick, or to get your girlfriend back? Why do you do it really? Are you insane?

Well I tell you this baby killer, I find out that you killed my boy let's just say that I give you a promise that you will take to your undignified grave - Comprende?

Yours sincerely
the Parent

To me and the rest of the world

As I write this piece my heart throbs with bleeding pain
My sadness is overwhelming and has my heart reeling with pain
My so called soft personality is gone and it has passed away, yes it's dead.
As I conspire against my own hapiness and misery alike, my brain,
My thinking matter is blocked from the light that I seek.
What I seek is simple and yet very difficult to give, I want my life to be normal!

Normality nowadays can become a norm of sadness, pain and sorrow
If you are hearing me and have the contrary to the latter may I please borrow
As the world turns and the mysteries of the unkind that reign in my world prosper on my account,
Please do not be astonished when you hear of my demise
Yes mother earth you shall open your ribs and my body would rest
Yet the plight of those that are like me, soft and yet dangerous, won't come as a suprise
Their demise will be just like mine, a very lonely death, with their eyes hollow.

I write this piece today with my heart bleeding
and with my mind set on a woman with her her child whom she is feeding
My soul becomes complete when my eyes set on hers
unfortunately my dangerous  side took this away from her
Her unmasked anger is shown by every bit of wink she takes as she looks on
Her face so sad I can feel it from where I sit
Her plight no longer my fight for survival rather a survival from me.

How did this happen when my eyes were wide open I ask?

As I write this piece my soul is dampened with fear of the unknown
and I feel that the unknown is already known
as the wind blows on my face my spirit leaves with it
To where the destination is, that is a mystery and a half
"Know this Devil as you laugh,
I am God's son.
You can have my body but you can never have my soul"

As my soul travels the ends of the earth without joy
know this that I am with you all the time my love
Whenever you seek love, just reach for me - I'm above -

I have passed and I am with you as the world turns.

So I ask

I think it's time I remind myself of my own theory, for the past few weeks I kind of "forgot" to employ this magnificent theory and it has shown it's importance in my own life. Remember the “what you have theory”?

Let us not focus on what we don't have, rather let's shift it to what we have...

My wife and I have always used this strategy to the best of our ability until something happened that could change the way that we may know the world today. And that was losing the tight grip we have on certainty - Yesterday we discovered that work life might not be so easy after all, we are now faced with making a decision that will change circumstances for our family and yes this decision has to be taken soon, unless she receives that very much anticipated call. I pray that happens before Sunday (09 Oct ’11).

But what we have is this, we have a great family, we have jobs to take care of us and most of all we have the security that we all need. What we don't have now is the certainty of the longevity of that security. But now how does one apply this theory if Maslow's hierarchy of Needs is threatened at such a delicate stage? We do have the Physiological Needs taken care of; Safety on the other hand is threatened in the form of Uncertainty of Employment. This is the most basic level of the hierarchy and without this one is impeded on their journey to Self Actualization  

For those of you that do not know what Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs is look at the figure below and see how relevant it can be

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maslow%27s_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg

So I ask again, How does this Theory of mine work if there is a proven set of stages of Needs analysis such as the one above:

My answer is this, It is not Self actualization that we’re looking for in this particular event, it is perception of happiness and the ways of achieving this happiness. Mine is clear and simple in my mind and that is to be happy one needs to accept what they have and what they do not have. One example would be if you are struggling to make ends meet with little of what you have and happy about your circle of friends and family and the way you live your life then the THEORY works. On the other hand a more successful neighbor who is loaded and drives 3 cars a week but lives alone then chances are that your neighbor is envious of your happy life.

Think about it and KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

EL singer Zahara plays at home

EL singer Zahara plays at home

This is what talent is...

Nkonkotjie Communications

Nkonkotjie Communications

Namhlanje ndingunyana wakho
kude kwacaca ukuba isambakranyane sesithonga esivakeleyo wena awusivanga
"Unyana wakho weyele, utshabile Madiba."

As the world tumbles upon my plight my majestic mind gives me more memories to indulge in -

Kunge nxa yakho Madib' omde kunje nje nje, Unyana wakho ude watshaba. Ube zama ukwazana nobomi kodwa kucace ukuba bude budala kunaye. Madib' iindonga zivaleke ewe ukwenzile oko. Unyana wakho oyintanda ude waba yintandane, wakulinda iminyaka nyaka ehleli ezisonga ngeenyembez' de bufik' ubuthongo. Kodwa nkqi ukufika kwakho ekulindile. Wabon' ukuba iindonga ngenene zivalekile.

When the fathers of this nation and this mindless world abundon their off springs( yes Off springs) What do they really want in life?

You know I become biased when it comes to me answering these type of questions because I myself am an off spring of another. When does it end?  when I myself am a father that was or is fatherless that knows no instinct of fatherly love, then HOW DO I DO THISwithout thinking of my own father and worse How do I avoid becoming him? There are some symptoms though

New Scandalous Talent | Times LIVE Multimedia

A quick one on one with Litha Bam... This was pubhlished in the online news website www.timeslive.co.za



New Scandalous Talent Times LIVE Multimedia

Who am I?

All my life I have watched the images of it all, over and and over and over again. I was really scared to even look him in the eye and ask him why? She just wept and wept all night and all the way in the taxi as if she was slowly reliving the moments of terror.
I thought to myself I would never do that to my own.... But I did....

And when ever he looked at her I could see the regret in hs eyes, he would silently seek to ask for forgiveness but would ask himeslef" would you forgive me if I was you?" He had a point and so he ragged on just pitying himself and living the regret in every little detail of his life. He imagined the hatred and the fear that she had for him and yet he loved her so much... wait did he?

I do...

And now I live with this fear of the unkown and the fear of realizing what already has happened (was it really me in there?) Why? Who am I?


By Vuyolwethu Dondashe

Succeeding against all odds | Leader.co.za

Today it is all about those obstacles that you always get to meet in your journey called life. After seeing I suddenly forgot about my own discrepensies and my follies because I thought there couldn't be anything more painful than my own life. I realized that with the right spirit and the right attitude you can be who you want to be.








Succeeding against all odds Leader.co.za

Dear mother

My courage became untested when I died

Hidden in your soul unloving as it was

But I still looked up to you, yes – even if I died

You just looked at me when I bled

Instead of healing me you never cared

You just looked at me and walked on

But through this my soul still lives on

And yet I still look to you

Though I am living and still walk

Your uncaring nature makes me feel numb

It makes my journey on this earth even harder

Yes mother of the soul your child died

She carried a plight on her shoulders

Hoping that you’d see she just kept walking

Instead of mending the fence you broke it down

Yes mother of soul, even though I died

My soul became unworthy to you when I walked

My useless beauty and my unworthy plight

Yes I carried it on my shoulders as I walked

Mother of the soul, I lived, even though I died.

From your prodigal daughter

 

Media Freedom Demonstrated

THE BIG READ: Open letter to Malema

Lukhona Mnguni | 30 August, 2011 00:22

Julius Malema, dictator-in-the-making, national gossip and product of those in the ANC who now want him gone.

Image by: KEVIN SUTHERLAND

You are vulgar but not alone in your vulgarity, writes Lukhona Mnguni

Dear Julius Malema, I know we are not friends, and certainly not lovers, but I write to you anyway.
Many scathing attacks have come your way, but I doubt you care. I am sure you sometimes think you, and not Jacob Zuma, run this country.
Be it that people hate you or like you, they talk about you anyway. You have become a brand, by accident or design; your name has heads shaking and tongues wagging.
It is a pity this has made you believe you are untouchable. Are you?
Some say you will be toast after your disciplinary hearing, which starts today.
Juju-man, you have been arguably the most robust president of the ANC Youth League, highly forceful in your assertions.
The problem is that you have dropped your intellect in the process and turned into the most vulgar, disrespectful and tactless leader I know.
You have postured in a manner that makes you stand for everything the South African youth do not stand for.
Your approach to and articulation of things are not those of a leader, especially not in this era.
Many in the ANC have showered you with glory, measuring your militancy against that of Nelson Mandela. What they didn't tell you is that we are now in the 21st century and you have to roll with the times.
They have made you arrogant. Perhaps the buck stops here, today, or maybe it gets passed again.
You have been lying to the poor masses. You manipulate them so well because you are a product of that environment and you know it well.
But instead of desiring to emancipate the poor from their situation, you prefer them where they are so that you can continue with your demagogic utterances. You know that only they will praise that claptrap.
You are the antithesis of what a successful once-poor person should be.
Your deception and coercion of the poor, or those inferior to your political influence, are enough to show me what a dictator in the making we have in you.
Many say you are facing a triple distilled attack - from the Hawks, the public protector and the ANC - and it is twice as smooth, or should I say rough, because this is round two of disciplinary action against you.
Juju, they are forgetting that they are the products of the Polokwane disaster. They created the environment that allows chaos to thrive in the ANC. They forget that you, too, are their product.
Juju, they are the problem, not you.
They want to shift the blame and have us forget that they have been the architects of this doom.
ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe is the man who fought for you when the youth league's Mangaung conference collapsed in 2008. He bestowed on you then legitimate leadership of the league.
I am sure he now fears that that conference left a bad omen in Mangaung and that if you are not stopped, people might show their naked behinds in rebellion against the leadership of Zuma.
Do you think Mantashe is pleased with you for not supporting him for the 2012 conference? Of course not.
And JZ is wondering what happened to that lovely boy who used to say: "We will kill for Zuma."
Then again, I think they turned a deaf ear when you said: "There are no permanent friends in politics."
I will defend your right to raise the issue of nationalisation, but you have a responsibility to be sober about it and listen to opposing voices. You should not paint those who are against your views as counter-revolutionaries.
What do I make of the charges against you? Relax, Juju, nothing is going to happen to you if you are clever.
Some say that if you are out of the way, Zuma will stand a better chance of a second term. I do not believe this. It is Kgalema Motlanthe's campaign for the presidency of the ANC, and ultimately that of the country, that you are compromising.
If Motlanthe continues to be associated with you, he will not be able to avoid the perception that he endorses your vulgarity and radical economic policies.
Some say the ANC and South Africa will be better off without you. I do not agree with this.
Even if you were to be expelled from the party, the elements that produced you will still be left in the ANC.
At least through your controversial comments, we are able to hear what these elements are thinking.
Because your utterances are not entirely your own. They are partly sponsored views. Certain individuals in the ANC support your ill-discipline and vulgarity.
These are the people who are a danger to the ANC and to the rest of the country; not you, Juju.
In fact, you have been good for the country because you are like a gossip. You cannot keep your mouth shut and therefore you save us surprises in the policy-making of the ANC.
By generating public condemnation of what you say, you also help us put brakes on plans inside the ANC.
Julius Malema, if I were to advise you, I would say do not worry about the outcome of your hearing. If you are allowed to remain in the ANC, you will have more power and more reason to mobilise against Mantashe and Zuma.
If you are kicked out of the party, you still have enough influence on the media and communities that you can continue to mobilise people.
Whatever the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings, you will never be the same.
Just as you were suggesting a regime change in Botswana, those opposing you deem it fit to make you an example of how regime change can be effected.
Of course it is political. You are in politics, after all, and you have helped fuel such vindictive politics in the ANC.

• Mnguni is a reader of The Times

TRACY CHAPMAN: THE PROMISE

Lindiwe Matseletsele is my love, the mother of my child and my dearest friend. Together we have come so far, not letting anyone or anything come between us. However recently I have been complacent and have failed to let her see how much I appreciate her.  This is the beginning of the promise you gave to me, this is my commitment and my pledge and my reassurance that I love you, that I appreciate you that I  am still so much in love with you.  

Panis Angelicus - Pavarotti Father & Son Duet

Panis angelicus

Andrea Bocelli - Highlights "Sacred Arias" (1999)

Empty

I feel empty

As empty as that open cave filled with coldness and despair

That one that houses the most gruesome of bats

When the night falls my emptiness persists as they flee to feed.

I feel empty

As empty as that weightless bottle lying on the ground

No balance as my contents have been devoured

Eaten and gobbled by the hell hound  

As the wind blows me side by side I oblige

Because I feel empty

I am empty; my soul has gone missing inside me

Leaving me lonely as an abandoned elephant

Trampling the unknown soil of the Serengeti

Just wandering without any form of direction

Depressed and unstable just like it too

Because I feel empty

Am I really empty as I feel?

My pain just sucks up all the joy I have

“Please don’t go!” I appeal

She looks on and walks on as I plead

Rubbing on the anger that she has

And justifiably so I see

I seek her forgiveness even in the death of the soul

So that this emptiness could be filled

And my soul and hers could be one again

So the horizon could once more produce rain

And get rid of this pain.

By Vuyolwethu Dondashe © 2011

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation tackles unemployment through Scholarship initiative

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is offering South Africa’s best and brightest entrepreneurial-minded first year university students a golden opportunity with its Fellowship Programme. The programme aims to develop students, known as Allan Gray Fellows, into South Africa’s future high growth entrepreneurial leaders and includes comprehensive financial support as one of its many benefits.
Anthony Farr, CEO of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, says South Africa’s high unemployment rate, which currently stands at 25%, is a major obstacle to the country’s growth and future success on the international stage. “The success of the ambitious New Growth Path proposed by government, which aims to reduce the unemployment rate by 10% over the next decade and create five million new jobs, will depend on the involvement of the private sector. By developing a new generation of high-impact entrepreneurially minded leaders, we can ensure a dynamic economy that keeps creating new employment opportunities through innovative business ventures. It’s one of the key ways in which we will secure a bright future for our country,” Farr explains.
Developing entrepreneurial thinking
The Fellowship Programme offered by the Foundation is aimed at developing entrepreneurial thinking and leadership through development activities, experiential learning and seminars including a number of guest speakers conducted by the Foundation . It is open to all current first-year students who have achieved a 65% average in their 2011 mid-year exams. Candidates must be citizens of South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland or Botswana, and must not be older than 22 years as of 31 August 2011.
Only undergraduate studies in the fields of Commerce, Engineering, Science (excluding Medicine), Law and Humanities (majoring in Politics, Philosophy or Economics) will be considered. The Programme includes tuition fees, residence fees, a book allowance and living allowance for studies at any of the following universities: University of Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Rhodes University, University of Stellenbosch and the University of the Western Cape.
To apply, SMS “FELLOW” and your email address to 33025, or download the application form from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website at www.allangrayorbis.org. Alternatively, you can request an application form by emailing the Foundation at fellowship@allangrayorbis.org. Applications for the Fellowship Programme close August 31st 2011.

Scholarship Opportunity – How to apply

Grade 6 learners who would like to get a head start on their path to securing their future success can also apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship Programme. It offers support to financially needy learners to complete their high school career at selected leading private and public high schools from 2013 onwards.
The Scholarship Programme includes the full cost of tuition, boarding and several other allowances. To be considered, applicants must show exceptional ability and potential in Mathematics and English and must clearly demonstrate financial need.
To apply, applicants can SMS “SCHOLAR” and their email address to 33021 or download the application form from http://www.allangrayorbis.org/. Applications close on September 31st 2011.

Ideate is one of South Africa's biggest business blogs, with a team of authors all of whom have had entrepreneurial experience. Ideate is read by entrepreneurs thinking BIG. Follow us on Twitter here. View more articles by Staff Reporter.

Source: http://www.ideate.co.za/

Public Speaking: Gearing Up For The Stage

So now you’ve booked your slot, and you’re going to stand up in front of a bunch of people and talk. What happens now? The first thing to do is to relax. If you prepare enough, you WILL be fine. In fact, prepare hard enough and you’ll be GREAT.
Once you have figured out the main points of the presentation and have a structure around that, it’s time to analyze your audience so that you can be strategic in how you address them.
Remember that good presentations are entertaining as well informative. So whatever your subject and audience, try to find ways to make the content and delivery enjoyable with some research, imagination, and humor.
Analyze your audience
Sussing out the audience will help you to hone in on the specifics of getting your ideas and concepts across effectively. Think about what their relationship to you is, for instance addressing internal stakeholders such as staff will require a different approach from external stakeholders such an Industry Regulatory board.
Consider the power dynamics between yourself and the audience, if you are in a position of power, then you need to try to make them comfortable, but if the reverse is true, you will have to establish your credibility early on. Think about the degree of formality the occasion calls for. Have you interacted with them prior to the presentation? Is there a shared level of understanding? Are they likely to welcome your ideas, or challenge them?
Factor in the kind of audience action or response required if your objectives are to be met. If appropriate, you can plan to stimulate memories, feelings and emotions. For instance, if you are meeting potential investors, you may want to leave them so excited about the potential impact of your business that they feel compelled to put funds towards it. However, this only works when you have figured out the audience, and you have the skill to deliver the presentation effectively.
Choose your style
A great delivery is crucial to the success of your presentation. You may have excellent products, fresh ideas, and boast the latest innovations, but if this information comes out wrong or if your style is off the mark, your success rate will be diminished. Your style is expressed by your choice of words, the length and structure of your sentences, and the tone you use to address your audience.
Generally, you want to appear and sound confident, intelligent, enthusiastic, and genuine. Ensure that the approach you use suits the occasion and matches the audience. Build in these considerations when you go about filling in the details of your presentation so that your approach is on target for the audience, and is consistent with your chosen style.
Puseletso Mompei offers Communications and Media training for corporate executives, spokespersons, managers, entrepreneurs, government officials, diplomats, academia and public relations officers. Visit www.kwazicommunications.co.za for further information. View more articles by Puseletso Mompei.

Source: http://www.ideate.co.za/

The Social Entrepreneur: Using Twitter to book meetings

The Social Entrepreneur: Using Twitter to book meetings

by Mike Saunders on 10/05/11 at 8:46 am
2 comments

People often ask how Twitter can be beneficial in business. I answer this by asking how golf days are good for business.
Golf days are all about networking and meeting new people who could be potential business partners. The access to high profile people is key. It’s important not to seem over-eager, whilst still remaining focused on the task at hand – successfully acquiring a meeting date with prospective clients.
The problem is all the small talk and the game itself takes so much time and decreases my productivity. I would much rather play golf for fun than for business.
With Twitter, people choose to follow other people who they find interesting – and they’re then recruited to a continuous conversation which they can access when and where it suits them. Let’s use my profile as an example:
I use Twitter to promote my blog by posting links to articles that I’ve written. In addition I also tweet links to other articles on social media and internet marketing. This creates a useful Twitter profile that people interested in internet marketing and social media can follow.
The people following me are interested in social media and internet marketing, meaning that the potential is high that I may have followers that would be interested in hiring me. What I’ve done is created a Twitter account that will attract potential clients as well as industry peers, competitors and business partners.
When people retweet my content it often opens up an opportunity for conversation and insight otherwise unavailable to me. I always use the opportunity to connect with these people because their interest in my content on Twitter shows a common interest. This often ends up in a physical meetings over coffee if the Twitter conversation proves valuable to both parties.
So, by producing engaging blog content that I promote on Twitter, I find people who are interested in the industry that I operate in. When these people engage with my content (retweeting or replying to tweets), I use the opportunity to engage them further and get to know them better.
All of this takes a few minutes in comparison to the few hours spent over a golf game, allowing me to be more productive with my time, and freeing up my weekends to play golf socially (which is more enjoyable)!
Mike is the CEO of DigitLab, a digital marketing and social media agency, as well as Keynote Speaker and Social Media Coach at TomorrowToday. An internet strategy consultant by day, and blogger by night on http://www.mikesaunders.co.za/, Mike is the guru on all things digital and provides training, presentations, and consulting on strategy, social media, social business, internet marketing, and the new world of work. View more articles by Mike Saunders.

Poem by an African

I am an African...

An inspiring poem about being an African written by Wayne Visser, a South African currently based in Nottingham, UK.


I am an African
Not because I was born there
But because my heart beats with Africa’s
I am an African
Not because my skin is black
But because my mind is engaged by Africa
I am an African
Not because I live on its soil
But because my soul is at home in Africa

When Africa weeps for her children
My cheeks are stained with tears
When Africa honours her elders
My head is bowed in respect
When Africa mourns for her victims
My hands are joined in prayer
When Africa celebrates her triumphs
My feet are alive with dancing

I am an African
For her blue skies take my breath away
And my hope for the future is bright
I am an African
For her people greet me as family
And teach me the meaning of community
I am an African
For her wildness quenches my spirit
And brings me closer to the source of life

When the music of Africa beats in the wind
My blood pulses to its rhythm
And I become the essence of music
When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun
My senses drink in its rainbow
And I become the palette of nature
When the stories of Africa echo round the fire
My feet walk in its pathways
And I become the footprints of history

I am an African
Because she is the cradle of our birth
And nurtures an ancient wisdom
I am an African
Because she lives in the world’s shadow
And bursts with a radiant luminosity
I am an African
Because she is the land of tomorrow
And I recognise her gifts as sacred

paramnesic pleasures: Botsotso poetry evening, Cape Town

paramnesic pleasures: Botsotso poetry evening, Cape Town

Acoustic Strings: A Series of Undesirable Events: Deon-Simphiwe's im...

Acoustic Strings: A Series of Undesirable Events: Deon-Simphiwe's im...: "Set in Cape Town, A Series of Undesirable Events weaves together six stories of close friends, who each deals with an unfortunate event. T..."

Acoustic Strings: Saul women on vulnerability, Hip Hop, culture and ...

Acoustic Strings: Saul women on vulnerability, Hip Hop, culture and ...: "You may recall that in immediate response to the attacks of September 11th, our president took the national stage to say to the American pub..."

Is Racism COMING BACK or it has always been there?

DISCLAIMER: Please Note that all the names of the original blog have been removed for obvious reasons

 

 

 

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

SA Police tells Afrikaners, "You should all Fuck-Off"

By
3rd of May 2011

“You White Boer Boys just come to cause shit in our town! What are you Boers doing in our Town? You should all Fuck-Off! What are you looking at you Cunt?”

This is what the police in Stellenbosch, home to the Afrikaans University of Stellenbosch, told three 18 year old Afrikaner students last Friday.

These three young men were on their way to a restaurant when they allegedly saw two other white men in a fight with and hitting an older coloured man. They ran to help the coloured man.

At that point two police vans arrived at the scene, obviously called by some witnesses. Six policemen then beat up and swore at the three young white men.

They were arrested and taken to the charge office where they were further slapped sworn at and racist remarks made at them by the Black policemen.

It is clear that these young men, who wanted to help a coloured man, were not racist...that the black police scum were racists...and that the three young white men have now experienced their Damascus moment. From this point onwards they probably will be racists and will never ever help a coloured man in need again. All thanks to the corrupt trash who calls themselves the SA Police Service.

I am sure that these three young men have lost all their respect for the scum ANC Police...probably developed a burning hatred for them now.

The story can be read here: Police slap and swear at three white students