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

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