FREE STATE NEWS (August 2010 editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (August 2010 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrated its 10th year anniversary last year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
S. Botsime
Neo Mvubu

Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane

Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655


AUGUST 27 – SEPTEMBER 02 2010

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Zip and zest added to Sanco” By Neo Mvubu (Front page)

Reproduced below:

SANCO AIMS TO RE-ESTABLISH ITSELF

By Neo Mvubu

“Sanco is not respected like before” the Chairperson of Sanco Patrick Qebisi declared this week. He said this during a media briefing that took place at the ANC provincial office in Bloemfontein on Monday (the 23rd of August 2010).

People used the organisation for personal gains and as a result dented the image of the organisation, according to the Chairperson of Sanco, Patrick Qebisi, “Councillors and the government don’t take Sanco seriously,” he said, adding that the new leadership of Sanco plans to change that.

There were also problems with the leadership structure of the organisation that is to be corrected by the new leadership that was announced earlier this year. In-fighting dominated the organisation, but the new leadership aims to change things and make improvements.

According to the Chairperson of Sanco, “As compared to the old leadership of Sanco which didn’t lead effectively, the new one aims to improve its activities by providing programmes that will help improve service delivery.” In this wise, there are programmes established such as the ID programme. Sanco also aims to improve economic policies, reduce the rate of unemployment and unfair evictions.

Free State News talked to the Deputy Provincial Secretary of Sanco, Zukile March about their plans to develop these services. He said: “We aim to work with the Alliance to address services delivery challenges.” No specific plans were disclosed regarding the implementation of these services.

This is partly due to the fact that apparently, Sanco is not consulted like before; the manifestation of this problem is reflected in the Xhariep Region where the Chairperson of Sanco in that Region is allegedly clashing with some ANC members. However, Zukile March said that this is a case of two individuals having a “minor dispute.”

Despite this, Sanco still aims to create a united front and make sure that it is recognised by the government and the community as a legitimate organisation.

PARALLAX SNAPS (Column)

With Hector Kunene

Wordsmith marks birthday

Let me first start by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY to O. Bolaji as I join the rest of well-wishers to the man well respected for his contribution to the literary fraternity. It is well documented that Bolaji has done himself proud as he has selflessly crossed roads and bridges for the love of literature.

Already he has written and published over 20 books, and many readers will recognize him as fictitious more than the ordinary or political sculpture.

This columnist wishes him the best to come and thankfully appreciate his contribution in making this newspaper a success throughout the years he has been with us. We recognise the grassroots level and all the experience Bolaji has accumulated over the years and he has played his role in giving BACK TO THE COMMUNITY the relevant stories and the relevant information at a relevant time.

If you might wonder about his inspiration towards his writing career, perhaps we need to look no further than from his own father Mr. Labanji Bolaji who was a powerful African journalist. Bolaji has used his skill of writing to positively influence the community towards a direction of light through his books. The creation of the tantalising series of Tebogo Mokoena and works like People of the townships (2003) are some of the books that Bolaji has proved beyond doubt that he reflects on the happenings. As a result he keeps the history for the coming generation to know where we come from and mostly his books he uses Free State as a plot.

His books are available in many libraries locally, countrywide, and overseas. When I asked him how he feels about his birthday the man said, with a grin: “Many people say I’m an exponent of jabulani – let’s celebrate being alive with jocundity!” ”.

He continues to edit our newspaper and we hope to see him grow grey and wiser, tougher and stronger as he fulfils his purpose in life.

The Bookshelf
With Kgang Abel Motheane

A series of private parties and celebrations marked the birthday of frontline writer Omoseye Bolaji, last week.

Meanwhile congratulatory messages also rolled in from many quarters for the versatile writer. Well known literary critic Pule Lechesa said: “My fulsome birthday felicitations to Mr Bolaji. His stunning works speak for themselves; but to many, Bolaji is a veritable literary activist, reminiscent of the likes of Uli Beier and Mark Twain.”

From Cape Town, writer and artist Deon Skade said: “I love reading about Chief Bolaji on the internet, the countless reviews of his writing, and his personal international column. I’m overwhelmed by his prolific writing talent, and wish him a wonderful birthday”

Omoseye Bolaji’s contribution to the detective/Mystery genre puts him almost in a special class of his own in African writing. Among his remarkable books over the years are Impossible Love, The ghostly Adversary, People of the Townships, Tebogo and the Haka; and the latest one Tebogo and the pantophagist which has already generated many fine reviews globally.

This columnist was present when Omoseye Bolaji was given a Lifetime Achievement Award a couple of years ago; Bolaji was also the first black man to be conferred with the Chancellor’s Medal by the University of the Free State; among many other awards and accolades. Happy birthday to him!

AUGUST 13 – AUGUST 19 2010

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Women’s Day celebrated with panache” By Neo Mvubu (Page 2)

Reproduced below:

WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED WITH PANACHE

By Neo Mvubu

Women from across Botshabelo gathered together at the Botshabelo Arena on the 5th of August to celebrate Women’s month. They arrived looking their best to celebrate an important day in the history of women.

This occasion was organised by the Botshabelo Principals’ Council to reflect the importance of women in society, especially those in school management. This is the third time this event has been done.

Alina Ngubeni, a business woman and motivational speaker, mentioned the scourge of abuse against women and children and used this platform to give women the courage to stand up against abuse. “We must shut the door against abuse,” said Ngubeni.

Many women supported this statement, as one in five women have gone through some or other form of abuse in their lives. This occasion gave women a chance to display their emotions and concerns about the issues they deal with on a daily basis.

Pastor Lebo Ramane was also there to add a spiritual spin on things. She spoke about God and his value in our lives. She encouraged women to go to church, to have faith in God and the power that He has to offer them. She told the women that it is through faith that they can rid themselves of all the social ills that they encounter on a daily basis.

As they gathered in that Arena, children came in and danced for them, entertaining the women on their special day. The women were reminded of a specific day in the history of South Africa; they were reminded of the 1956 march to the Union buildings in Pretoria. It was an unforgettable day when women from all races, cultures and social standings gathered to protest against the pass laws and the unjust government that had discriminated against them.

The same gathering, the same strength was felt in the Arena, the same amount of pride. Cholofelo Seiphemo said, “It was not easy growing up in that environment, we survived it and now we must celebrate the heroines that gave us this freedom.”

Also:

Parallax Snaps (Column)

With Hector "Poet" Kunene

Application of the mind to bring about existence

It is funny when I look back to the ten solid years I have worked in my life and only recently it has been revealed to me that I need to stand up on my own. I am glad of the experience I have garnered under the companies I have worked for. Experience these days gets you a job but it hardly makes you the owner of that company.

We have been tricked by the education system that teaches us to go for our tertiary levels and study for any desired degree or masters and after that we want to work for big companies that will give us big salaries and drive big company cars and live in mansion houses. Well, is there anything wrong with that? Surely there isn’t however we approach life and apply the very same mentality that one needs to qualify by the expected academic qualification in order to pursue a desired aimed goal.

Our intentions have been substituted with what we aim for rather than what we can achieve with our original given skills. What do I mean by this? We rather fail to try to stand on our own and want to lean on the next person’s ideas then we can stand. Surely we need each other to survive. The sarcasm here is you are made a joke for failing what you dared and you are made a public victorious figure for making repetition of an idea in a different way! This is currently called creativity! Let me make a practical illustration, how many inventions have been repeated in order to suit the nowadays system or life period, whereas it is the same machine? The first person to design an ironing board saw a need to have ironing done in a fashionable way, the next person saw that an ironing board needs to have a place to keep the iron in it whilst changing positioning of the garment, perhaps the next person saw the need for the ironing board to be folded and tucked away easily whereas the first ironing board was used and kept anywhere without the folding part.

This is where I am getting at in case you are running impatient, perhaps I must design a patience machine for those who want to read straight to the point! The idea here is, we need to identify the need and supply it with a deed. Our minds are not challenged enough and we hardly stretch them to bring birth to new things. We are focussed more on redesigning what already exists. We are concerned more of time and less of what we can do without the pressure of chronometer as a result we give out mediocre.

How then should we move from using a small portion of our minds to thinking BIG? I am embarking on my own journey to search for something that has never been done before. We need to start something and need to understand that we can start small to grow. A Chinese proverb says “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”
Do remember that a person who built an aeroplane failed many times before it actually went airborne. Well folks, I am out to start something!


AUGUST 6 – AUGUST 12 2010

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Learners bask in ICT Gadgets” By S Botsime (Front page)

Reproduced below:


Learners bask in ICT gadgets

By S Botsime

MyArts International had a charity event at Mamello Secondary School at the weekend in Virginia. The company went to the school to help with minor improvements at the school, donate ICT gadgets. The handing-over ceremony of the sports kit and ICT gadgets was attended by MEC for Agriculture, Mamiki Qabathe.

Free State News learnt that it was also an opportunity to show the community that there are companies that care enough to try and assist. The initiative was well received as the learners of the school, their parents and community members came early to the school in numbers to witness the occasion. Activities of the day included the cleaning of the school yard, and painting of classrooms.

On Monday this week, MyArts delivered computers to the school and sports kit for the school’s netball and soccer team. The MEC for Agriculture, Mamiki Qabathe, who is a former learner at the school, did the honours.

Free State News talked to some of the learners, who painted while singing; and they said they were pleased that their classes had received a facelift that made it look fresh and inviting. “I’m very happy that our school was painted, we received sports kit and our parents were here to support us,” said Hester Braakfes, a grade 10 learner at the school.

Hester also added that the company’s initiative was most welcome as it would help them to be more confident and not be embarrassed by how the school looks. “Now, we will be more confident to initiate tournaments with other schools because we have new sportswear,” she added.

Parents were also pleased with the initiative, and they said that they welcomed the initiative because it was for the benefit of their children’s school. On Saturday there was also a short career guidance presentation by Ernest Koalane of Flavius Mareka FET College for the learners, giving them information about their career opportunities after completing Grade 12.

Free State News was told by MyArts that their initiative to assist the school could have not been a success without the efforts of C Squared, Albany, Mc Carthy Bloemfontein, Izindwe, Nasty events and the Department of Agriculture. “We would like to thank them for their efforts and helping hand.”

FREE STATE NEWS (JULY 2010 editions)

FREE STATE NEWS (July 2010 editions)

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province (the paper celebrated its 10th year anniversary last year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.

Free State News crew

Publisher
Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor
Kaya M

News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji

News Desk
S. Botsime

Contributors
David Mofokeng
Piet Motaung
Hector Kunene

Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius

Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang

Contact number:
051 447 1655


JULY 30 – AUGUST 5 2010 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Magiva is no more!” By S Botsime (Page 3)

Reproduced below:

Magiva IS NO MORE!!!

By S Botsime

Hearing the news of the passing of a great man – Ntate “Magiva” Selebano - has left me speechless and I feel honoured to have spent lots of time with the great legend that was rather unsung in his life time.

I was collaborating with the legendary singer over a book that will chronicle his life and times. Hence I was a regular visitor to his house situated at Bochabela. Ntate Gideon Thole Selebano will always be remembered for being an active deep rooted musician for well over 50 years! He lived and breathed music.

Once, before his demise, I even spent almost four hours at Ntate Gideon Thole Selebano’s house, and for me it was a privilege since I knew the great man very well. I remember the first time I knocked on his door and heard a voice from a distance, asking me to come in. I found him sitting on the sofa and busy talking to a gentleman who quickly greeted me and disappear.

He was wearing a floral shirt and a blue trouser with a black jacket and grey morning slippers sitting in front of the double bar heater; and underneath his feet he had put on and old newspaper that dated back to 2007 (a local news paper)…..

I feel great that although he is gone I happen to have documented his life and most of all it makes me feel great that I showed him how great he was while he was still alive. Many will praise “Magiva”, but the truth will remain “he wanted to be praised while he was STILL ALIVE”. We (the living) tend to praise the dead, but the sad part about that is that the dead will never hear or have any saying. Any doing under the sun, neither wisdom but the living knows for a fact that they will die and they have a say under the sun.

A good name is better than a fine perfume, and the day of death is better than the day of birth. Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof, “Magiva” is gone and let his trumpet be blown at tekoa , and may the living wear the breastplate of righteousness and wear the helmet of salvation - may we eat and drink since for surely we knows that tomorrow we will die.


PARALLAX SNAPS (Column)

With Hector Kunene

This is a reader’s response to Hector Kunene’s “Home cooked meals or nothing” which was published in Free State News. Neo Mvubu is the writer of this ‘rejoinder’:

Dear Hector, I must confess that when I read “Home cooked meals or nothing” I became enraged. My feelings became heated and I felt like I was boiling inside and something just erupted. I read the poem critically and I’ll have to say I’m very much offended by your words. When you talk about women in the kitchen, you really touched a nerve.

Let me start by giving you a perspective on the side of women: Women back then (in the past) did not have much choice, if they didn’t get married, bear children and work in the kitchen, what other choice was there? They did this out of obligation and not necessarily out of love. They eventually learned to love the kitchen as it was the only way they could boast about it to their friends. Women used marriage as a means of survival in a society where they had no rights whatsoever. You can ask any woman who has had 12 children with a man who was never home, working in the mines rather gallivanting with mistresses. It is a painful history - that of oppression and abuse and no woman can ever say they were proud to be acting like slaves inside their own homes. They were chained to the kitchen for life and this was due to the lack of education that you talk about.

Poverty and the oppressive government created this dependency mentality that we can see today. The mental outcome of this dependence cannot just be overcome easily; women have to constantly fight this force that is pulling them into the pit. Today when a woman is her own person, financially independent and can afford to buy those “long nails and fake hairs” for herself, you assume she is a trophy wife. She worked hard to have those nails and now men still assume that someone else paid for them.

Maybe a real woman is one that wears a doek on her head and a blanket around her waist or maybe she is the one who cooks everyday and washes clothes. After I do all of that and please you as my man, it is still not enough, you still go out with those girls with the fake hairs and the long nails, the one who can’t cook or clean. I think it’s about time we women stand up against this mentality. What makes a woman good is not the outward appearance or have we forgotten the soul, have we forgotten to rather judge the soul and not the clothes. Looking good is now a curse rather than a blessing.

When I cook, I cook because I love my man, I clean because I feel respected in the home and I wash because I want to be a good woman to a good man. I do this because I know he loves me and I feel it at the inner core of my atrium.
Note:

I love you in the mighty storms
The glittery power of the sun
I love you in the silence of the full moon
And the loud cries of the rain



JULY 23– JULY 29 2010 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Mandela Day in Kroonstad” By R. Khotseng (Page 2)

Reproduced below:

Mandela Day in Kroonstad

By R. Khotseng

Kroonstad

The Free State Department of Education embraced Mandela Day by decorating and cleaning J.S.M Setiloane Secondary school in Kroonstad last Saturday. Dignitaries like MEC Tate Makgoe and other high ranking officials in the department led the way in cleaning the school, together with teachers and students.

They were supported by parents, staff and other stakeholders such as SADTU, NEHAWU, COSAS, SAPS, NDA, Correctional services among others. The MEC pointed out that by choosing Setiloane School, they were encouraging and instilling confidence in teachers and students alike - since the school woefully obtained 17 percent pass rate last season. “We need them to get 100 percent pass rate” he stressed. After the painting and cleaning, the MEC received applause from participants when he announced that the department will hire someone permanently to clean and care for the school.

The celebration was punctuated with praises for Madiba and the school choir performance. Mrs. L.J Mabote, a deputy director of education in Fezile Dabi and also the programme director of the day, explained the purpose of the day whilst the Moqhaka executive Mayor, Me Mokgosi welcomed the guests and reminded them of the importance of the day, which has now assumed international significance.

Director Mr. Malope informed participants that Mandela once built a school right there in Fezile Dabi district which was called CREDO; and as a result one of the schools in this district must be named after Madiba as an honour to what he did here.

JULY 16 – JULY 22 2010 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Madiba at 92” By O Bolaji (Front page)

Reproduced below:

MADIBA AT 92!!

By O Bolaji

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the most revered and celebrated black man in the world, turns 92 this weekend. And as usual the Free State, the whole nation, and the world is rejoicing!

The increasingly frail statesman and icon is expected to mark his birthday in Johannesburg on Sunday. Meanwhile scores of children will be flown in flown in from Qunu to Gauteng to rejoice with the grand old man. The motto remains “Make everyday a Nelson Mandela Day”

In Mvezo village, and Qunu, the celebrations will also take place, with the President of the country, Jacob Zuma expected to attend and address many important dignitaries who will be present, including parliamentarians.

The Mandela Foundation has been requesting people from around the world to give 67 minutes of their time to volunteer work; symbolically this stands for one minute devoted for every year Madiba spent in his struggle for equality

Nelson Mandela became world famous during his incarceration. Throughout Mandela's imprisonment, local and international pressure mounted on the South African government to release him, under the resounding slogan Free Nelson Mandela! In 1989, South Africa reached a crossroads when Botha suffered a stroke and was replaced as president by FW De Klerk. De Klerk announced Mandela's release in February 1990.
De Klerk continued his reforms (eg un-banning the ANC and other parties), and multi party negotiations began which led to the country's first multi-racial elections. In 1991, the ANC held its first national conference in South Africa after its un-banning, electing Mandela as President of the organisation. His old friend and colleague Oliver Tambo, who had led the organisation in exile during Mandela's imprisonment, became National Chairperson.
On 27 April 2004 the first multi racial elections were held in the country and the ANC won 62% of the votes in the election, with Mandela, as leader of the ANC inaugurated on 10 May 1994 as the country's first black President; and with the National Party's de Klerk as his first deputy and Thabo Mbeki as the second in the Government of National unity. Thereafter as President from May 1994 until June 1999, Mandela presided over the transition from minority rule and apartheid, winning international respect for his advocacy of national and international reconciliation. He played a pivotal role in South Africa winning the bid to host the 2010 World Cup finals which the country has just successfully executed with elan and panache.

Also:

Parallax Snaps (Column)

With Hector Kunene

Art Galleries still a major tourist attraction?

During the World Cup 2010 we had an estimated number of about 475 000 visitors who came to our shores. South African art galleries had a surety to be viewed and even had quite a number of artwork sold to travelers who appreciated our African art.

I took a walk to view some of the work displayed at Bloemfontein centres. I noticed a remarkable work of several artists who did painting, drawing, beading, pottery and others. I personally spoke to one of the artists named Richard Boller who was busy painting Nelson Mandela holding a World Cup during the bid. His work is phenomenal for those who love painting, they can go and see it being done live freely.

I must say that one of the works that really caught my eye was the work of Flaxman Qoopane, our very own journalist at Free State News. He displays history in its origin. He keeps portraits of artist in different genres the likes of Gcina Mhlophe, Jah Rose, Ntsiki Mazwai, Lebo, Kgafela oa Gogodi, to the greats likes of Eskia Mphahlele both in his younger days and as an elder, the list is endless, if you have never seen a portrait of Dambudzo Marechera or Bessie Head you must find yourself in this gallery. It boasts of the world class writers such as Wole Soyinka, Antjie Krol, Ngugi wa Thingo, Zakes Mda, Chinua Achebe, Omoseyi Bolaji, to mention few.

I was amazed at this gallery and pondered on the magnificent national and international literary museum in Grahamstown (NELM); at least locally (FS) the Qoopane gallery is great; we can learn a lot and he is there to take us through the journey as he is the core of the idea behind the gallery. Most of the pictures with several artists are displayed with him including the one at the Bloemfontein Museum.

On the national level, Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape boasts flair of activists and a lot can be achieved in terms of learning and persuading genuine knowledge about our history in art and culture. But Mr Qoopane as an individual has done a superb thing with his own literary gallery.

JULY 09 – JULY 15 2010 edition

FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Grand Old Lady of Mangaung” By David Mofokeng (Page 2)

Reproduced below:

GRAND OLD LADY OF MANGAUNG!!

By David Mofokeng

Grand Mama Mosadithebe Molisaetsi from Thaba-Nchu zone 3 location is in a lofty class of her own. She has marked 90 years of being on this earth. In fact, she is strong enough to jump high to touch the sky!

This grand old lady at 90 was resplendent, and surrounded by her family-one son and two daughters, although nine of them are unfortunately “no longer with us, but God is still very much with me.”

She says: “Only one thing that keeps me strong and healthy is meat”. Mmaboy Molisaetsi, now hitting the 90 years of birthday ceremony, is used to a daily fare of meat. “If you want to visit her make sure that you come up with meat or else you can leave!” insiders revealed, jokingly.

The grand old lady told Free State News that; “I grew up in a decent family which was full of respect and that’s why I reached the 90 years. My parents taught me how to respect myself and other people; I want to thank Baba Madiba (Mandela) for fighting for freedom for us and bringing this blessing – the World Cup trophy here in our country.”
She finally added: “To the youth, respect your parents and yourself, and you can be anything you want to be in life.”

Also:

THE BOOKSHELF

With Kgang Abel Motheane

Book: How do I talk about my Ordeal?
Author: Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga
Publisher: Eselby Jnr Publications

The author is a fine writer of fiction, no matter what some critics might say about his alleged “moralistic writings”, which is not a bad thing in itself. After all we are not happy with many things going on in the society, so why should a writer keep quiet?

To be a writer, one needs imagination – and Maxwell has it a-plenty. He creates stories effortlessly and writes well. And in his second book he has put together some interesting stories.

The first story, the title story, shows how a (young) woman can rise above the horrors of being raped. Some observers would prefer that a man not write about such ordeals, as apparently the perspective of a woman is very different. But we have seen many women (like in this story) rising above rape – and a world celebrated example is that of billionaire Oprah Winfrey

I did not quite understand why one of the stories in this second work– Enemy of the State – was reproduced once again in this edition; after all, last year this was the title story of the author’s maiden book. But I discerned there were some additions to the original story.

This shows that an author can indeed respond to criticism, which many of us do not think is the right thing. The critics and scholars can have their say, but do we have to do their bidding? It would be a sad day when writers (usually apprehensive of critics) go out of their way to please such critics!

Maxwell’s second book is interesting in that the stories not only have local colour, but embrace ideas familiar all over black Africa in general. The author’s humane approach is also commendable; the “negativity” of many of the stories in his first book (Enemy of the State) is not repeated here.