Friday, June 28, 2013

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 28 2013 SAMPLE STORIES


FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 28 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

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 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

Contributors

Letshego Moeng

Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 


Community service produces budding stars

By Letshego Moeng   

It was exhilarating times as Free State News – which has always committed itself to teaching young high school students about the world of Journalism – added another feather to its cap last week in respect of the newspaper’s educational development programme.

Kamogelo Motse (17) who lives in Bloemanda and Zikhona Hleko (17) who lives in Bayswater, are both from Eunice High school. These two young students are aspiring future journalists and wanted an opportunity to see how the newspaper works.

“We came here to find out more about what journalism entails and we learnt a lot from proficient mentors,” said Kamogelo Motse.

The reason Motse decided to pursue a career in journalism was because she loves reading and has also written articles for the school newspaper.

During the mentorship programme both young ladies were exposed to the layout of the newspaper and given a chance to interview people. Motse’s classmate, Zikhona Hleko was also impressed with the information she received. “We got a lot of information from different perspectives and this enabled us to make an informed decision pertaining to our career,” said Hleko.

According to her, they received an assignment from school to not only research about the career they want but they also want to pragmatically step in the shoes of journalists.

We went to other newspapers but they were unable to assist us, however the Free State News welcomed them,” said Hleko.

“Other newspapers could not help us but here we felt much welcomed by the publication,” she said.
During the lessons they had an opportunity to meet with the staff who had a positive impact on their choices.  “It was fun and nice to meet the people and see the different characters and still be able to work together,” said Hleko.

The students realised that in order to go somewhere in life, there is always a starting point. “In order to achieve our goals, we needed to take the first step and we also realised that success does not happen without hard work.  It depends on whether to come here because you have to start somewhere and not be in the upper position haphazardly,” said Hleko.

They felt that they did receive what they came to seek. They learnt that they didn’t necessarily have to study journalism to become good journalists or writers.

Motse echoed that now that she has an idea of what Journalism is all about she will definitely look more into studying Law. “Look more into studying law and not journalism only,” said Motse.

“Our expectations were met and we are still going to do more research regarding what we would like to study,” said Motse.

PRAISE FOR IHOBE

By Regomoditswe Motsalane

Praise has been pouring in for the play, Ihobe the freedom song which was dramatized in Bloemfontein last week courtesy of Pacofs. There are now plans to ensure the drama continues to be ensconced on stage.

Ntate Godfrey Nthejane who told Free State news that he is a “veteran” of the struggle having once been a “thespian” for the late Gilbert Modise said: “It is very important that people, the youth in particular must know about South African history and the struggle that almost tore the nation apart in the past,”

“On my own part I am very excited about Ihobe,” Thabo Mafike, a well known playwright and author said. “I found the drama exciting and timely – especially as it was churned out during Youth Month. The actors did well and obviously rehearsed a lot prior to performance”

Matshidiso Rutla, part of the audience that savoured the play, said: “I was a bit ashamed whilst watching the great play, as I realized I hardly know the history of my own country not to talk of what Free Staters, the youth contributed to the struggle decades ago. We the youth are mainly obsessed with material things now, not appreciating what those who came before us in the past did,”

Fikile Qithi, the gentleman of whom the riveting play is essentially weaved around is a former student leader of Ihobe Secondary School, and former political prisoner at Robben Island. He said: “The event commemorates the Mangaung Students Outburst. We are all indebted to younger students in Mangaung who were inspired by the Soweto uprisings of June 1976, who also took part in the struggle against Afrikaans as the medium for education.” Fikile Qithi, real life icon of the struggle has pointed out.

Free State News gathered that such schools included: Ihobe Secondary School, and Marang Primary School, Sehunelo High School, Lereko High School, St Bernard Roman Catholic School. History reveals that these institutions rejected the imposition of Afrikaans. Their heroes included: Mpho Diba, Pinkie Litheko, and the indomitable Fikile Qithi himself.

Mr Mpikeleni Duma, veteran journalist and activist who was instrumental in ensuring the play was successfully put on stage has been milking the applause since. He said this week: “I make no apologies that I want our people to realize the type of jagged history our country has had. Ihobe was conceived in this light. We must not be supine or rest on our laurels,”

Riveting Workshops on Storytelling, et al

By Raselebeli Khotseng

The Archives Organization for poetry sessions in partnership with RAONA Trading organised an amazing educational workshops on story-telling and literature reading for pre-schools and high schools at National Afrikaans Literature Museum in Bloemfontein.
The event was in line with the June 16 celebration month and took place on the 14th and 15th June respectively (2013). They both kick-started at 10 am

The first event for pre-schools or crèches took place on a high note with story-telling and puppet show on Friday the 14th June. Various crèches’ learners from five pre-schools around Bloemfontein attended in great numbers where they (the little ones) were exposed to the ways of telling stories and enjoying puppet shows.

About one hundred and ninety children graced the occasion which was conducted by Me Charmaine Mrwebi and Ratanang Menong, both the co-founders of RAONA; whilst the entertaining puppet show was demonstrated by Lindiwe Damane under the watchful eyes of the archives poetry pundits.

“Children should be informed about the importance of historical celebrations like June 16 and know that what you’re fighting now as a right cause will benefit you in the future” said Charmaine, a well known writer and literary activist. She went on to say that they (kids) must learn to say yes when they realize that it is right to say so and also learn to say no without being forced to say so,” she concluded.

Mme Lindiwe agreed that children should be given an opportunity to learn, by playing, unlike adults whose attention span is more limited to about twenty minutes.
With this the Archives committed to inspire the spirit of reading amongst young children, and also to host many creative workshops throughout the year.

The second most important workshop for secondary high schools and adults took place in the afternoon till Saturday…it was attended by local and other schools from Welkom, Virginia, Odendalsrus and Mangaung. Under the theme, “Creative Writers Workshop” the event sparked into life with the high participation of students from Welkom CUT, Lepholla Secondary (Welkom), Harmony High (Virginia) to mention a few.


Impressively, an array of artists displayed their paintings and craft. One of the well-known writers and author of the scintillating poetry book, SECRETS, Matshidiso Taleng (above) motivated budding writers and generously donated two copies of her book to Harmony and Lepholla schools.

Friday, June 14, 2013

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 14 2013 SAMPLE STORIES



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 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

Contributors

Letshego Moeng

Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

Leburu’s lasting legacy



By Letshego Moeng

Diemiso Leburu, who cut her teeth as a burgeoning journalist at Free State News many years ago and went on to further carve a name for herself in the media fraternity, has died prematurely. Her demise has sent shock waves through both the print and electronic media where Diemiso distinguished herself over the years.

Leburu kicked off her career at Free State news where she was an indomitable reporter and columnist, writing in both English and Sesotho on a wide range of topics. It is no surprise that journalists and colleagues across the spectrum have been paying tribute to her on her demise.

Leading the tribute was Free State News Publisher, Mr Moses Vinger, who said: “I was extremely distraught to hear that she has passed away. Free State news has always nurtured very young journalists, and Diemiso Luburu from inception was a very enterprising and hardworking reporter. It was clear that Diemiso was destined for greatness from the very start of her illustrious career.”

Neo Mvubu, who knew the late Leburu for many years, said: “The first time I saw her was at a media briefing, she was wearing a grey jersey and a grey skirt. I asked around and found out that she was actually working for OFM. I was a very young journalist at the time and hoping to learn much from her, although I didn’t know her that well, she contributed significantly to journalism in the Free State.”

Maki Mohapi, stalwart of Free State News said succinctly: "She was a cheerful, honest, and hardworking person. She always loved working with people. She was one person who never forgot where she came from"

Free State News’ news editor, Omoseye Bolaji, asserted:  “Diemiso was spunky, effervescent, and feisty. I was not surprised that she went on to garner major award(s) in journalism. A truly ebullient spirit; she sort of epitomized the jagged emotions of her time in the new South Africa”

The well known Free State poet and essayist, Raselebeli Magic Khotseng also this week paid this glowing tribute to the late Diemiso: “Good people don’t last indeed, that’s why Shakespeare said ‘Death is a necessary end’. Diemiso’s passing is another grievous injury to Free State News after the leaking wound of the late Gloria Marobele. Although death is unavoidable as it is a journey for us all but if it picks on a charismatic and good person like Diemiso it’s unacceptable and cruel! From the bottom of my soul I plead you my beloved sister to sleep well.”


IHOBE ON STAGE IN CITY OF ROSES

By Regomoditswe Motsalane

Local (Free State) theatre reverberated this week as the historic play, Ihobe the Freedom song, was put on stage; to mark Youth Month. Pacofs (Workshop Theatre) was the venue as teeming audiences enjoyed the drama.

The play was also a great moment for one of the heroes of the struggle, Mangaung-based Fikile Qithi, the gentleman of whom the riveting play is essentially weaved around.  Qithi, a former student leader of Ihobe Secondary School, and former political prisoner at Robben Island said: “The event commemorates the Mangaung Students Outburst. We are all indebted to younger students in Mangaung who were inspired by the Soweto uprisings of June 1976, who also took part in the struggle against Afrikaans as the medium for education.” The gentleman also paid tribute to young black students from the schools in the days of yore who displayed exemplary courage.

Free State News gathered that such schools included: Ihobe Secondary School, and Marang Primary School, Sehunelo High School, Lereko High School, St Bernard Roman Catholic School. History reveals that these institutions rejected the imposition of Afrikaans. Their heroes included: Mpho Diba, Pinkie Litheko, and Fikile Qithi.

Many of the audience commented that the play was staged at an appropriate time, with Youth Day just around the corner (June 16) Indeed, many distinguished people turned up to enjoy the didactic, powerful play. The applause for the well orchestrated play was deafening.
Suave actor, Morena Hamilton Berries, grinning from ear to ear told Free State News: “I am proud of what we have done here. Rehearsals have been intensive over the last few weeks, but all has gone well,” Playwright and actor, Ntate Thabang also beamed radiantly.

Mpikeleni Duma, the charming, powerful veteran and activist who was pivotal in bringing the play into fruition, and who also ensured it was put on stage at large, said: “This is the culmination of a dream I have had to honour one of the heroes of our struggle, and Mangaung history in general. We blacks must learn to celebrate, and learn from the checkered twists and turns of our history,”



BRYAN HABANA IS TOPFIKS



Die Springbokke se afrigter, Heyneke Meyer, was verstom en verras deur Bryan Habana se spoed, nadat die veteraan vleuel hierdie naweek die Springbokke gehelp het om hul internasionale seisoen te begin met ‘n 44-10 sege oor Italie in Kingspark, Durban.

Die Westelike Provinsie se staatmaker, wat sy 84ste toets vir Suid Afrika speel, het ‘n uithaler solo drie opgelewer en ‘n het ook ‘n drie moontlik gemaak vir JJ Engelbrecht. Die tuisspan het die besoekers uitgestof met vyf drieë teenoor een.

“Ek verstaan Bryan nie” het afrigter Meyer op die perskonferensie na die wedstryd gesê.

Wat my verbaas van Bryan is dat hy soms doodgewoon lyk wanneer ek hom sien Superrugby speel, maar wanneer hy die Springbok trui aantrek, is hy ‘n totaal ander speler.


Ek dink hy was vanaand ongelooflik. Ek was op ‘n stadium verbaas oor sy spoed, maar as Bryan goed speel, speel die span goed. Hy’t nog altyd vir my puik rugby gespeel en ek is baie dankbaar daaroor.”

Friday, June 7, 2013

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 7 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 7 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

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 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

Contributors

Letshego Moeng
Sebedi Seroalo
Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

FS WOMEN BASK IN ILLUMINATING CAPE TOWN TOUR

By Regomoditswe Motsalane (below)



The Free State Department of Premier and Government took sixty women from five districts in the Free State for a revelatory tour to Cape Town for four days. The ladies hail from Thabo Mofutsanyana, Motheo, Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa and Maluti a phofung districts.

This was to educate elderly Free State women about South African pristine history. These women are all members of Women’s League, and priests and wives of priests. In every district they nominated twelve women. After arriving in Cape Town, they were taken to the Parliament where they learnt a lot about the National Assembly chamber and how laws are implemented, they were further taken to the Aquarium to be shown fishes, reptiles and their ilk. They also learnt about how all these aquatic animals live and what they eat.

On their last day in the Mother City, the cavalcade was taken to Robben Island to be shown where their revered icon and hero, former South African president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 13 and half years of hard labour imprisonment. The tour guide showed them around and explained stories to them along the way; and they were also allowed to ask questions if they did not understand.

They were also given permission to enter struggle stalwart, Robert Sobukwe's, house who died at the age 54 and was house-arrested for 9 years; the tourists were able to pore over letters he wrote to his wife while in prison and to see the shoddy clothes he wore when he trained dogs; his iron, blanket and bed.

Mr Sandlana Smit of the Intervention Unit of the Premier minorities in the Free State Province told Free State news that it is in their best interest to educate people about what their leaders went through during the apartheid time. "It’s saddening knowing that most of these elderly people, their family and friends’ lives were ended during the time of apartheid and they only heard that these selfless activists were dubbed ‘terrorists’ but never really knew what happened to them. It is also good that they learn about how their Parliament works.”

He added: "South Africa is a place of all races, we also wanted to set an example that we are a rainbow nation despite the colour of our skins, when we talk about democracy for all we talking about unity and this is what the Department of Premier and Government is trying to show,"

It was the first time for some of these women to visit Cape Town and their excitement was palpable. Some cried tears of joy, and some even vomited because of their anxiety of being in a ship for the first time. Most cried when they were told stories about Robben Island during the time of apartheid. "I used to bring learners here while I was still a teacher, but it never held such feelings for me like it does now. I got so emotional especially when I remembered how my father got killed here in 1977. It brings back memories but I am glad it all came to pass; now these tears are tears of joy not of pain. I am so happy to have been one of the chosen women to come here" said a tear-soaked Me Ntswaki Thejane (69) from Qwaqwa.

Me Alina Mangaka Ramokhula (61), also told Free State news that for her the tour was all about honouring and respecting those who brought democracy to our country, together with respecting our leaders. She said that people must learn to appreciate what they get from their Free State Government because “this is for the first time I have ever heard of any Provincial Government that puts its people first like the Free State Province does." She added uproariously: “We were spoilt rotten with food, accommodation, and the rest of the tour. I am not going to stop telling people about this trip, I am going to be the butt of jealousy by many!” Suke!


Rewarding Love for the Free State

By Letshego Moeng

Winners basked at the refulgent occasion. Earlier, in April, Free State Tourism Authority launched a page on facebook called 'I love Free State'. A competition was opened in which the Free State community was asked to submit pictures.

"We opened for 2 weeks and the response was overwhelming, over 115 people entered the competition" Tshediso Lerumo, disclosed.

"The Free State Tourism Authority has realised that the social media platform are fast becoming the marketing initiative that allows the entity to be in the pocket of every mobile phone holder who is a facebook user; and the entity registered- ‘I love Free State’ page where ordinary citizens talk about their experience of the province", said Chairperson of Free State Tourism Authority, Glen Motau.

Andile Mokhathi garnered the 1st prize of R5000 for the image of Maloting Hiking Trails in QwaQwa. "I'm inspired by endless beauty, and I relish my breath being taken away through traveling which is what I do for fun. Anything you would like to know about Free State I'll let you know, and if I don't know, I'll refer you to someone who does" said the excited Andile, who is a traveller and an adventurer.

Anthony Mitchell came in second for his image of the Appeal Court, winning R3000. "It’s my hobby to take pictures and the Appeal Court is one of the landmarks in Bloemfontein which encouraged me to capture it and I love Free State" said Mr Mitchell, a part time photographer. Ms Licolette Smit, for the image of Bethlehem covered in snow, won the 3rd prize winner of R2000. However she was unfortunately unavailable, due to her studies.

Laudably, the public at large actually voted for the best picture.  "We launched the page which we needed to interact with community on tourism issues and ensure that Tourism is felt even more in the Free State…now with the inception of the new board, we came up with some new marketing strategies and initiatives are in place" added Motau. One of the initiatives is the Big Five that was launched during the recent Tourism Indaba in Durban. "Our intention is to get more people involved, for Free Staters to share their experiences with Free States and be ambassadors of their province.”

Tourists are encouraged to visit the Free State. "There will be other competitions in the future where we will have best restaurant, best guest house, best 'chisanyama' and the like", said Mr D Pillay, acting CEO. "Once we have completed our social media strategy we will announce more interactive marketing initiatives that will ensure the province is vigorously marketed,” concluded Motau.

WOMEN IN CBO’S ORGANISATIONS EMPOWERED

By Raselebeli Khotseng

The Free State Network on Violence Against Women (FSNVAW) in partnership with the Education and Training Development Programme (ETDP) SETA have come to the rescue of women working with Community Based Organisations (CBOs).

The partnership has organised a successful project management training aimed at capacitating managers from CBOs organizations on project management, or on how to manage their programmes.

The training which took place at Motheo FET College in Bloemfontein was attended by twenty-four CBOs managers (mostly women) from different sectors such as deaf community, disability, Hiv/Aids and Victim Empowerment Project (VEP) organizations.

The first session of the training course kick-started on the 24th and 25th April 2013 whilst the second and the last one took place on the 29th and 30th May 2013 at the same venue (Motheo FET)


The participants of this accredited training course were to be awarded with NQF level 5 certificates. “Actually we need to develop women’s capacity in leading societal programmes and their respective organizations” said Alinah Mahasela, the director for Free State Network.