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“Blind rights day”

The 21st of March is a day which commemorates Human rights day, which is used to pay respect to all those who lost their lives in the fight for democracy. On this day in 1960 the Sharpeville Massacre happened. Police attacked a group of peaceful protesters in a town outside Johannesburg known as the Vaal area in Sharpeville.

The protesters were protesting against the oppression by the white government which made laws that kept black South Africans bound. Laws like the carrying of the dompas which was an identity document that was very heavy but black people had to carry it around as it determined where they were allowed to go and where they were allowed to live so failure to provide a dompas meant an immediate arrest. At the Sharpeville Massacre, 69 protesters were killed and around 180 were injured. After the Sharpeville Massacre in 1966 the UN declared 21 March International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

As we celebrate 52 years since the elimination of racial discrimination, we shed light to people who are blind in South Africa’s communities with the aim of creating blind awareness on our very own TUT Soshanguve campus. Most cases of people who are suffering from this terrible condition are often ignored, are not properly taken care of and are not given equal opportunities like every other human being.

Families who are from disadvantaged communities and are living with a person who is blind, don’t always see ways in which they can give their friend, brother, sister or cousin a better life and a better future. This is due to the lack of knowledge of opportunities which are aimed at empowering people who cannot not see. Blind SA, institute for the blind South Africa and the South African national council for the blind aims to Promote and facilitate the dignity and independence of blind and visually impaired South Africans.

As it is still the month of human rights let’s not exclude blind people from the rights which every South African has. They two have the right to education, health and freedom to express themselves or their views.

Not having a relative or friend that is visually impaired doesn’t mean we should ignore the people around us who are living with this disability. In this campus as well as our communities, we have and know a few people who are blind yet they are living a normal life like everyone else. It is because they are normal people like us and deserve as much respect. We can offer to help whenever we can but let’s make sure to remember that there is a difference between being generous and being offensively impolite.

We can help them by offering a helping hand when they are carrying something heavy, by offering a guiding arm, helping the person sit down if needed, help the person when they are taking the stairs and other ways we can think of to make their lives a little easier.

On Friday students took part in an initiative regarding blind awareness in our campuses at Soshanguve North campus, they experienced what a blind person goes through on a daily bases and realized the burden that a blind person has on their shoulders. After this they saw the need to not ignore a blind person but to help them instead. Let us learn to educate ourselves by empowering those that are suffering with a disability.

Being visually impaired

"Anti-xenophobia initiatives taking SA by storm"

By Accra Maweya            ntlhari.accra@Gmail.com

                                                                       photo by ireport.cnn.com

Apartheid was an ideology which was introduced in South Africa in 1948 by the national government. Apartheid  did not only separate development of the different racial groups in South Africa but it also resulted in the loss of lives of both young, old south African man, women and children who fought for freedom. During the apartheid era heroes and heroines like the late president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Albert Lutuli, Ruth First, Albertina Sisulu and the list goes on, fought for the freedom we take for granted today.

The national party (NP) government made laws and forced different racial groups to live separately and develop separately while in the papers they made it look like they were striving for a better and equal life for all South Africans. These laws made it impossible for equality and development to happen for black people in townships and rural areas.

Laws like the population Registration Act of 1950 demanded that people should be registered according to their racial group just so the Department of Home affairs would have a record of people according to whether they were white, coloured, black, Indian or Asian. People would be treated differently because of their population group. The Group Areas Act of 1950 was the act that physically separated people by race. This act was also used to remove people of certain groups into areas set aside for their racial group.

photo by Amalia Svejgaard 

Now everyone in South Africa has freedom to speak to whoever they like, be in a relationship with anyone regardless of gender or race simply because of the rights emended in the bill. Although we have overcome apartheid and its laws, people in South Africa still find themselves victim of oppression and violation of the irrevocable rights that every human has. The issue of xenophobia is not one that is new or shocking in South Africa. Foreigners in Gauteng and other parts of the country find themselves victim of attacks by black people in townships and city centres. 

Between 2000 up until recently, many cases of these attacks have been reported and a march was started in February last year by south African citizens all because Nigerians are stereotyped for being drug lords, prostitute pimps and thugs in Pretoria CBD. They are mostly attacked by South African citizens because they claim that foreigners are taking their jobs and are over populating their city.

Over the past few years, non-governmental organizations and anti-xenophobic violence initiative were formed to help stop xenophobia in the country. aXaSA was formed by the South African Council of Churches with the aim of eradicating xenophobia in South Africa. AXaSA is a coordinating body that works on national scale by providing a shared technologically based infrastructure to help its member organisations work more effectively both individually and collectively. Its mission is to become a national initiative to increase civil society efforts to fight xenophobic violence, to bring organizations together to add value to their work. It will seek to create infrastructure and overarching systems for more effective responses; and co-ordinate proactive reactive strategies and actions to ensure a reduction in violent attacks.

As black people of South Africa we still feel the cracks of apartheid in our lives today but the fact that the same weapon which tore apart families and ended the lives of our loved once is still used to cause segregation between people in this country is heart-breaking. It has been 24 years since the abolishment of apartheid but we have forgotten too soon. Just as much as we wanted to feel equal and have a life that was not less than that which white people had, foreigners do want the same for themselves and their children. Regardless of their country of origin ,the same human rights that a south African black, coloured, Indian or white man has are the same for anyone living in this country.

The sooner we stand united as a country regardless of citizenship, race, gender or age we stand a better chance of creating the South Africa we want to live in and a South Africa which the blood of every victim of apartheid was shared for.

photo by Krugers News

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”

Photos by HarperCollins publishers 

By Accra Maweya                ntlhari.accra@Gmail.com

Since this is my first book review, I decided to go for a book that has not only changed my view about relationships and intimacy but has also helped many women all around the world.

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” is a book which was written by well-known Comedian, radio host, television host, producer, radio personality, actor and author. The book’s first edition was published in 2009 by HaperLuxe at the Unites States of America.The book describes for women Harvey's concept of what men really think about love, relationships, intimacy and commitment. For most women we tend to forget that our view or understanding of these concepts aren’t the same as our male species.

The differences between women and men are not only documented but they are often used as jokes. This is because people just want to see the funny part of our gender differences. Although they are sometimes funny, they can have serious impacts in a person’s life regardless of their gender.

 Experts have discovered that there are actually differences in the way women’s and men’s brains are structured and in the way they react to situations.This book has made these differences easier to understand by the way he showed the reader how we women think when it comes to relationships vs how men think about it. This book has made it easier for me to understand the man in my life. I remember spending time with my girlfriends and we would spend hours discussing the male specie and their thinking capacity which was very dull by the way.

We would go on for hours trying to advice each other about our relationships and the challenges we faced. The most asked question once one of our men pissed us off that we all had no answer to was “what was he thinking and why?”

I do not believe in soul mates or perfect connections from the beginning. All bonds take time to develop. Men are usually the ones who approach a women and it is very rare to find the game played opposite (a women approaching a man). Women forget the saying “first impressions last forever” Many times women just think about what they want to say and do. Steve Harvey’s book is good for helping women improve their surveying process by revealing to them some basic motives of men. It shows us whether a man sees a women as a keeper or just someone he can toy around with.

This book is aimed directly for a woman who truly wants a solid relationship but just can’t figure out how to get one and for those who are already in a relationship but are trying to figure out how to make it better, For a woman who is trying to forget everything she’s ever been taught about men (the myths, the heresy, everything her mother told her, everything her girlfriends told her including all the advice she read in magazines and seen on television).In the book he advices woman to stop heaping their own definition of love on men and recognize that men love differently.”          

This book clearly shows women that we don’t have to go into relationships with a blind fold over our eyes simply because of the tricks men play. We can know their tactics so we are able to identify a guy who is worth our time and a guy who just wants to play with our cake just to break our hearts in return.

 Although many men believe Steve sold them out on the book, it is not only based on women knowing more about a man’s mind, instead it for men as well. This book is for any person who is either dating and he/she is tired of being played with, a person who wants to get the ring and even people who have remarried and wish to gain control and sustain the bond in their marriage/ relationship. As a man the book can help you understand your partner’s mind.

He has gone as far as even making a feature film based on the book titled “Think Like a Man”. It was released by Sony Pictures' Screen Gems subsidiary on 20 April 2012 and this was when the book got noticed. He was an executive producer on the film and made a cameo appearance as himself.

                                                               

“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”

By Accra Maweya                   ntlhari.accra@Gmail.com

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is a book which was written by well-known Comedian, radio host, television host, producer, radio personality, actor and author. The book’s first edition was published in 2009 by HaperLuxe at the Unites States of America.

Photo by Harper Collins publishers

The book describes for women Harvey's concept of what men really think about love, relationships,intimacy, and commitment. 

He quotes “Men can cheat because there are so many women willing to give themselves to a man who doesn’t belong to them.”

In his book he mentions that he realized the need for a book which is aimed directly for us woman who truly wants a solid relationship but just can’t figure out how to get one and for those who are already in a relationship but are trying to figure out how to make it better.

 For a woman who is trying to forget everything she’s ever been taught about men and the myths, the heresy, everything her mother told her, everything her girlfriends told her, all the advice she read in magazines and seen on television.In the book he advises woman to stop heaping their own definition of love on men and recognize that men love differently.”  

Photo by Harper Collins publishers

 He writes:

"If you’re dating and you want to find out how to take it to another level, this book is for you. If you’re in a committed relationship, and you want to get the ring, this book is for you. If you ‘remarried and you want to regain control and strengthen your bond, or if you’re tired of being played with, then I want you to use this book as a tool to take each of the principles, rules, and tips in this no-nonsense guide and use them to anticipate a man’s game plan, and to counter with an offense and defenses."

He has gone as far as even making a feature film based on the book titled “Think Like a Man”. It was released by Sony Pictures' Screen Gems subsidiary on 20 April 2012. He was an executive producer on the film and made a cameo appearance as himself.                                                                 

                                             

“Job creation a hoax or a promise?”

catoon: Mzansi memes

Accra Maweya          ntlhari.accra@gmail.com                      @ntlhari_accra

The issue of unemployment is not something new in South Africa, it has been a major challenge that government has been fighting to reduce for many years. In the past our fathers would have to leave their homes to Gauteng all in search for a better source of income to provide for their families at home. Back then employment wasn’t determined by your level of education but by the skills life has forced you to learn like hard labour.

South African president by SA people news

Since 1994 we have been raised to believe that education holds the key to success. In order to get a good job one needs to have gone to school or some form of qualification but the number of unemployed college and university graduates is hard to comprehend.

On the 19^th of February 2018, the newly elected president of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa gave his speech at the state of the nation address. He states that young people are already forming a greater proportion of the labour force on the infrastructure projects and are the primary beneficiaries of programmes such as the installation of solar water heaters and the war on leaks.

He said the government will be working in partnership with business, organised labour and community representatives to creating opportunities for young people to be exposed to the world of work through internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and entrepreneurship to draw young people in far greater numbers into productive economic activity through programmes such as the Employment Tax Incentive.

photo: SA people news

In March the government will launch the” Youth Employment Service initiative which will place unemployed youth in paid internships in companies across the economy. The government aims to create a million such internships in the next three years.

The news of a more sustainable plan to create jobs for the youth and other empowerment programs aimed at the youth were received positively by majority of the youth in South Africa. People expressed their joy all over social media from the time Cyril Ramaphosa won the ANC presidency elections in December last year to when the former South African president Jacob Zuma announced his resignation on valentines day.

Oratile mhlongo says “he thinks Cyril Ramaphosa will bring change to the economy, he will be able to create and govern better because he is already a good business man.”

Although the news brought joy to some, there are still a few people who are not anti- Cyril but they simply don’t think much will change about government.

“Many presidents have been preaching of job creation yet there are still not enough jobs in South Africa but we hope for the best” says kagiso Mashilo.

photo: SA people news

ART IN SOUTH AFRICA’S YOUTH

By Accra Maweya        ntlhari.accra@Gmail.com   

Art is the expression or application of creative skill and imagination in a visual form such as paintings, music, drawings, sculptures and etc. since the past decades we have been surrounded by art even when we are not aware of it. You don’t have to have had a good education or money to be an artist because it all starts with your ability to be creative. Examples of artists in South Africa are Jane Alexander, Walter Battiss, Marlene Dumas and the list goes on.

Art may not be seen as important as it is in South African townships like in other countries because we have never realized the benefits or the importance of art. Art is very important because it relieves stress, it boosts our confidence, helps to express ourselves and our emotions, gives us the ability to show our talent and most importantly it makes people happy.

Art is not only for fun or to enhance creativity but we can also benefit from art even financially if we want to sell it to the public. It improves academic performance, builds confidence, motor skills, visual learning and decision making.

Art has changed society in many ways for more than hundreds of years.according to 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410082154.htm 
Art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time. Research has shown art affects the fundamental sense of self. Art in this sense is communication, it allows people from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other via images, sounds and stories. Art is often a promoter of social change and It can give voice to the politically or socially disadvantaged. A song, film or novel can rouse emotions in those who encounter it, inspiring them to rally for change. 

Every person is born with the ability to be creative so regardless of age you can still enhance your creativity by going to schools that offer art courses that are not only affordable but also good. Schools like the national school of arts in Braamfontein Johannesburg, ProArte Alphen park situated in Pretoria east close to menlyn shopping and Tshwane University of Technology are well known for offering a variety of classes and courses that are good at naturing your God given talent.

You may be a high school student or even have passed matric and want to further your studies by study something to do with arts but not know what steps to take to make your dreams come true but t all starts with Google, just search and surely something helpful will pop up. Even if you are already a university student it can never be too late to learn, just register for online short courses or simply visit an art studio regularly on your spare time.

related to art:

                   https://www.nytimes.com/section/arts

                   https://news.artnet.com

                   https://news.artnet.com/art-world

  Fact Box: Photo Credits; Walter Moropa               

BLESSINGS...

Today I sat on a bench and unlike other days I wasn't late for school. Today I had time to observe everything that was happening around me. I saw the beautiful sunrise and I knew it was another day then I noticed the people rushing past me and all the cars stuck in the morning traffic. it then hit my mind that possibly people don't see the sunrise or even notice its beauty. I just wish we could take some time to notice or even fall in love with God's creation

 #NATURE.

LIFE LESSONS....

 

People often search for things that can only be found within, I mean how do you search for joy or peace and where on earth do you start?

we often feel like what we have is not enough but what is enough and who are we trying to impress by us becoming enough for somebody else? personally I think acceptance is the perfect place to start, I am aware of my flaws and most of the mistakes I have made but most importantly I have accepted myself for who and what I am. I had to accept myself to realize that the joy and the peace I have been struggling to find has been inside me all along....

#Lets Stop Suffocating Ourselves, Who Is Perfect??!



RUNAWAY JURY…

Runaway jury is a crime thriller about a juror on the inside and a women on the outside manipulating a court trial involving a gun manufacturer called figsburg. Crime films tend to make us think and force us to open our creative and investigative side.

Runaway jury gives more of that effect than to simply enjoy a movie that was made with the intention to entertain. This movie made me realize how important the jury really is and I think the movie is a great way to make people aware of how simple it truly is for a complete stranger to manipulate another individual.

Rating: *** (8/10)

CAST CREW:

photo credit: alamy stock photo

actors:

• John Cusack
• Nicholas Easter
• Gene Hackman
• Dustin Hoffman
• Bruce Davison 

Producer:

• Gary fleder ,
• Christopher Mankiewicz ,
• Arnon Milchan 

Casting: 

•  Deborah Aquailza
• Tricia Wood

Director: 

• William Steinkamp 
• Gary flede