FREE STATE NEWS (May 2009 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 this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Mahlomola Moshe
S Botsime
Sports Desk
Michael Tlhakudi
Adverts Consultant
Tanya van der Walt
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Free State news celebrates its 10th year anniversary! 10 years of veritable excellence in South African black journalism – with many accolades along the way. Champagne, comestibles and the like! Meanwhile we welcome our new Marketing Executive, Tanya van der Walt.
MAY 22 - 28 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Preferred Sounds in the groove”. (By Kaya M). Page 4
PREFERRED SOUNDS IN THE GROOVE
By Kaya M
Preferred Sounds Music Production is a Mangaung based group that comprises of 14 artists who have been involved in the music industry for a number of years pursuing their solo projects and as backing vocalists. The group is managed by a Management Team of four people who have experience in the Music Industry:
Mr. Sidwell Tlhapi: Music Producer
Mr. Jacob Modise: Legal Adviser
Mr. Kgotso Tlhapi: Artist Manager
Mr. Tshidiso Tlhapi: Marketing and Distribution Manager
The objective of Preferred Sounds is to empower young people and encourage artists to grow spiritually and to minister through their music to all nationals without fear or favour and to stand for what they believe in.
Preferred Sounds aims to nurture and develop artists to reach their full potential. The group strives for excellence and encourages moral regeneration by sending positive message of hope in Christ.
In April 2009 Preferred Sounds released their first album entitled Preferred Sounds Vol. 1 in Bloemfontein. The CD has been well received and so far the CD has been playing. The group has had interviews with a number of radio stations. “We also want to thank Mike for the Job well done on our CD. We have already performed in Sasolburg, Welkom, Bloemfontein and Botshabelo and soon we’ll be having shows in Bothaville on the 30 May 2009, Koffiefotein on the 06 and in PETRUSBURG on the 07 2009.” they point out.One of the artists of the group, Tumelo Pebane recorded for Gospel Gold on SABC 2 and he was backed by some of UOR artista. The group is in a mission to Pioneer in the field of contemporary Gospel, improving the sounds and style of Gospel music for the urban contemporary age.
Preferred Sounds is located in Bloemfontein and is always ready to spread the good news of Christ through their music to all people regardless of race , age , gender and Background.
Details
Name of the Album: Preferred Sounds Volume 1
Title Track: Moya wa Modimo
Producer: Preferred Sounds
Marketing and Distribution: Preferred Sounds
Recorded at Mixbri Studios
Company: Preferred Sounds Productions
MAY 8 – MAY 14 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Ace Magashule in the saddle at long last!” (By S Botsime)
Ace Magashule in the saddle at long last!
By S. Botsime
The crème de la crème assembled, agog with anticipation – as Ace Magashule was sworn in as the Premier of the Free State on Wednesday this week at the Mangaung Indoor Sports Centre.
Clad in outstanding finery, assorted guests witnessed an unforgettable ceremony. There were about four panel of groups that were sitting in front with top politicians like Motlagomang Xabathi, Thabo Moses, Sefora Ntobela, Mme Mantwa just to mention a few.
The protagonist himself, Ace Magashule, was beaming at the august occasion, with his customary smiles, hugs, and handshakes. He was superbly dressed in designer suit with all the trimmings. People lined up to congratulate him. Even his entry caused pandemonium as excitement reached a peak!The name of Mr. Sesele was nominated as the Speaker without opposition and every one supported the name .Thereafter he was appointed as Speaker of the Free State legislature. Mme Anna Tshopo was appointed as the deputy speaker. In his short speech Mr. Sesele thanked every one, the representatives and the working class ending his short speech that “working together we can do more”.
As he was officially sworn in as the Premier of Free State, Mr. Ace Magashule elicited excitement on many people’s faces. People chattered and whispered to the effect that it had been a long walk for the new Premier. He took the stage by thanking everyone from the SACP, COSATU, and the working masses of South Africa and churches irrespective of whether they are black or white, for their support.
The new Premier went on to remember some of the late comrades who devoted their time to fight for liberation, naming illustrious people like Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Kaizer Sebothelo, and Harry Qwala just to mention a few. “The people have spoken!” he concluded, to rapturous applause. Members from Opposition parties rose gallantly to the occasion, including Mr. Roy Jonkilshon of DA who congratulated Mr. Ace Magashule and said that he must use his position most importantly to uplift the standard of those who are underprivileged. “He must create a conducive environment for everyone in Free State.” he added.
Mme Sefora Ntombela also stressed that Mr. Magashule knew that the people essentially supported him because they wanted him to be a catalyst of change in the Free State. “He must always remember what the Freedom charter stand for.” she added.
Different political parties delivered speeches and their general massage was that Mr. Magashule must surround himself with strong and very focused people. Thereafter people proceeded to Clive Solomon Stadium where the official inauguration took place.
MAY 1 – MAY 7 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Young wordsmith makes his mark”. By Paul Lothane. Page 2
(reproduced here)
Young wordsmith makes his mark
The article below has just been published internationally. It is also available on a number of websites on literature on the internet. Free State News is proud that it first discovered and published the protagonist, Masakala. The article is reproduced below:
Teboho Masakala, a proud Free Stater, is still only 21 years old but the literary fraternity is already drooling about him and predicting great things from him. He’s the latest whizz kid in imaginative writing.
Yet Teboho (not surprising because of his youth) has only thus far written a number of short stories, and published a few of them. But this has not stopped countless people raving about his talent and potential and praising him.
Peter Moroe, respected literary critic says: “It is understandable why there is excitement about Teboho Masakala. The truth is that imaginative writers from the grassroots are very few and thin on the ground, and are hardly encouraged anyway. Most writers just want to write poetry. But Teboho writes imaginative short stories and his potential is awesome. Really, this very young man – he is actually a ‘boy’ but one has to be politically correct these days – has the literary world at his feet. What impresses me most is that considering his youth you would expect a lot of naivety and inadequate characterization in his works, but that is not the case,”
Pule Lechesa, acknowledged as an impressive literary critic says more cautiously: “We should not go overboard about Teboho Masakala. His writing career, such as it is, has just started really. But internationally one must note for example that Uganda’s (late) great writer, John Ruganda started his career by writing and publishing short stories too, as Teboho is doing now. He should be encouraged. I understand the young man is very respectful with his feet on the ground,”
Teboho Masakala’s short stories (like The other side of love) have appeared in sundry publications and on the Internet. He is also scheduled to be published in the next edition of The growth of Free State Black Writing journal – an excellent start to his writing career.
Omoye Bolaji, writer and literary activist who ensured that Teboho Masakala was published for the first time, says: “Sometimes I feel like Rip van Winkle - as if I have gone on too long! It’s great to see fine, fecund new writing talent emerging. Just within months, it was gratifying to see the awesome imaginative potential of very young writers like Neo Mvubu and Teboho Masakala,”
Over the decades African black literature has witnessed superb writers starting their careers with impressive short stories. Gomolemo Mokae and Es’kia Mphahlele published good short stories early in their careers. Chinua Achebe as a youngster in the University many decades ago began writing short stories which were published only much later on in book form. Literary commentators expect Teboho Masakala to write a novel (s) in due course.
“He must not be rushed,” Pule Lechesa however warns. “He (Teboho Masakala) must develop at his own pace. At the moment it’s too early to criticize his writing; all I can see so far is that he seems to love writing stories that end in tragedy and death! But I am sure I’m judging him prematurely,”
- Paul Lothane
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Free State News (April 2009 editions)
FREE STATE NEWS (April 2009 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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Flaxman Qoopane
S Botsime
Sports Desk
Michael Tlhakudi
Adverts Consultant
S Botsime
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
APRIL 24 - APRIL 30 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“IEC in FS orchestrates smooth elections”. (By J Stuurman). Front page
IEC IN FS ORCHESTRATES SMOOTH ELECTIONS
By J Stuurman
Free Staters came out in large numbers on Election Day this week, enduring the chilly weather as they enthusiastically queued to cast their votes.
According to the Provincial Electoral Officer (PEC) Chris Mepha, about 80% of the voting stations in the Province opened in time on election day for eligible voters, except those stations which could not open because they were waiting for the police escort to the stations.
However, the Free State Office of the IEC experienced some challenges that caused delays in some of the voting stations in the region. On the day some of the voting stations ran out of ballot boxes, as well as paper.
“The Centre was not aware of the situation but it has established that there are more people in some of the voting stations than the number of the ballot papers,” Mr. Mepha explained.
This was attributed to the number of people who went to vote where they were not registered and this weighed heavily on those stations. By 11 o’clock on the morning of elections 202 000 voters had already cast their ballot in the province. The overall voter turn out was one million two hundred sixty three.
Mepha explained further: “Our ballot boxes are small and they can not carry the number of the papers, and due to this, 145 boxes have been distributed and we will also use ordinary brown boxes”
The stations that were affected by this dilemma included President Brand station, Fichardtpark primary school where people had to wait for an hour for the ballot papers. This challenge was the main contributor to the extension of voting time on election day where ultimately 80% of the voters cast their ballot.
Other stations that experienced this problem outside Bloemfontein were based in Moqhaka Municipality and Maluti A phofung. Free State news learnt that there was an incident in QwaQwa where a presiding officer was shot in the morning when he was about to open a voting station, and the Deputy Principal of a school at Letsha le madukle had to act as a presiding officer. “The police responded very quickly and Mr. Makubu (the man shot) was taken to the hospital where he is now recovering,”
“I think elections went on very smooth because of the stable history in the province, there was no report of political violence. It was very peaceful though there were some complaints about running out of ballot papers and we accept the blame for that,” Chris Mepha acknowledged.
APRIL 17 – APRIL 23 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Fun-filled day at UCT” (page 2). By S. Botsime
(reproduced here)
Tomorrow (Saturday, April 18) will witness a potpourri of soccer games and sexy car washes at Central University of Technology (CUT). Three soccer matches will be held, all competing for the Indigo CUT Cup. The Bloemfontein Celtic women team will be playing against the Local Free State team.
The occasion is expected to feature mouth watering events and sights. To add to the sports menu, Mangaung local media are also billed to play against the department of sports art and culture.
The publishing director of indigomag, Mr. Dennis Akulay in an exclusive chat with Free State news revealed that it was an occasion nobody should miss. He stressed: “I urge people to bring their cars, since the money that will be made will help in supporting the CUT netball league.”
Dennis added: “We have gone out of our way to make it a superb occasion people can revel in, have fun with a competitive yet entertaining edge. The car washes will be done by sexy young ladies who will be giving satisfaction, with unbridled charm and courtesy,”
The games will begin at eleven o’clock and they will run concurrently with the sexy car washes. “Miss this at your own peril!” Dennis rounded off.
APRIL 10 – APRIL 16 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“It’s time to question” (A poem by Skietreker)
“It’s Time to Question”
My version of depression is when I don’t feel like writing or rhyming
But spitting revolution in your face
And giving birth
Creating purity on this earth
Eating food from the mud
For we planted the roots
Now we seek healing
By fooling death
And beating his name with the back of a spoon
I feel like my hands are maroon
So I plant flowers on the moon
In the middle of June
You can do the maths
Clearly through these veins
My blood is rude
Dig my grave
And leave me space for the truth
I apply but you always get the stupid job
This is not a stupid joke
I hate the word “Connection”
Sentences like I know people in “High Places”
If we could trade places
Heaven knows I would expose you
Disgrace you and destroy you
In the meantime they smile
While sitting in their big offices
Carrying hidden rifles on their backs
Making promises yes
Delivering wrongs and bombs
In my eyes looking through your lenses
Only a few are blessed with great opportunities
When we looking for that stupid job
They act as if we not qualified
So they undermine underrate & discriminate
They give what we could have had
To those who already drive in the lines of power
Wearing fancy dresses and pink ties
They pretend as if they care
“Bakene jwale wena o Skatana”
Hate me and see if I care
Faith is written on my chest
With time and ink
I will destroy life on so many pages
With my tongue I direct my words to those who are listening
I’m not forcing you
My rhymes are free of charge
My anger is just freestyle
We hoping to see Tenders displayed in Newspapers
Jobs created & corruption defeated
Opportunities given fairly
And not by favour
One day when I find the only True God
My version of depression will come to an end
That time will only come
When things are done right.
Yours truly …
SkietReker
APRIL 03– APRIL 09, 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Uhuru: Freedom is coming”. A poem by Raselebeli “Magic” Khotseng
(reproduced here)
UHURU: FREEDOM IS COMING
By Raselebeli “Magic” Khotseng
I feel the wind of change that waves my invisible tail in jubilation
Being a servant transformed to a master of my own destiny
I listened to the music of its independence
Uhuru! Uhuru! We’ve overcome our democracy
I was a nation of beggars queuing for butter-bread upon the heat of the soil
My children died in untarred roads without electricity
My daughters gave birth in households enveloped by curling smoke of a coal fire
Under Bantu Act they celebrated their humiliation on Kruger’s Day
But now they’re celebrating a new dawn of a rainbow nation
Uhuru! Uhuru! Freedom has come
I was a nation of marginalized working class of domestic workers and farm slaves
Whose blood and sweat spilled on building bridges and digging trenches
With hands dark as their pigmentation they carried soil buckets
Those are African diamonds of our economy whose mouths sing
Song of freedom Uhuru! Freedom of democracy has come
I was a nation of brutalized families whose defiant mouths
Remain voiceless during interrogation and torture
For fearing a cloud of death, prison and exile
Since their oppression reaches heavenwards they now speak
Like a man free from steamy room Uhuru! Freedom has come
It was a desperate nation longing for chewing boerewors in rugby match
Yearning for privileges of a long hair and light complexion
Nor a right to complain and give praise
Alas that right has long been buried and given way to propaganda
Propaganda, a freedom to befriend the devil under Suppression Act
But now they whisper in harmony: “Uhuru; freedom has finally come!”
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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the months.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Flaxman Qoopane
S Botsime
Sports Desk
Michael Tlhakudi
Adverts Consultant
S Botsime
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
APRIL 24 - APRIL 30 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“IEC in FS orchestrates smooth elections”. (By J Stuurman). Front page
IEC IN FS ORCHESTRATES SMOOTH ELECTIONS
By J Stuurman
Free Staters came out in large numbers on Election Day this week, enduring the chilly weather as they enthusiastically queued to cast their votes.
According to the Provincial Electoral Officer (PEC) Chris Mepha, about 80% of the voting stations in the Province opened in time on election day for eligible voters, except those stations which could not open because they were waiting for the police escort to the stations.
However, the Free State Office of the IEC experienced some challenges that caused delays in some of the voting stations in the region. On the day some of the voting stations ran out of ballot boxes, as well as paper.
“The Centre was not aware of the situation but it has established that there are more people in some of the voting stations than the number of the ballot papers,” Mr. Mepha explained.
This was attributed to the number of people who went to vote where they were not registered and this weighed heavily on those stations. By 11 o’clock on the morning of elections 202 000 voters had already cast their ballot in the province. The overall voter turn out was one million two hundred sixty three.
Mepha explained further: “Our ballot boxes are small and they can not carry the number of the papers, and due to this, 145 boxes have been distributed and we will also use ordinary brown boxes”
The stations that were affected by this dilemma included President Brand station, Fichardtpark primary school where people had to wait for an hour for the ballot papers. This challenge was the main contributor to the extension of voting time on election day where ultimately 80% of the voters cast their ballot.
Other stations that experienced this problem outside Bloemfontein were based in Moqhaka Municipality and Maluti A phofung. Free State news learnt that there was an incident in QwaQwa where a presiding officer was shot in the morning when he was about to open a voting station, and the Deputy Principal of a school at Letsha le madukle had to act as a presiding officer. “The police responded very quickly and Mr. Makubu (the man shot) was taken to the hospital where he is now recovering,”
“I think elections went on very smooth because of the stable history in the province, there was no report of political violence. It was very peaceful though there were some complaints about running out of ballot papers and we accept the blame for that,” Chris Mepha acknowledged.
APRIL 17 – APRIL 23 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Fun-filled day at UCT” (page 2). By S. Botsime
(reproduced here)
Tomorrow (Saturday, April 18) will witness a potpourri of soccer games and sexy car washes at Central University of Technology (CUT). Three soccer matches will be held, all competing for the Indigo CUT Cup. The Bloemfontein Celtic women team will be playing against the Local Free State team.
The occasion is expected to feature mouth watering events and sights. To add to the sports menu, Mangaung local media are also billed to play against the department of sports art and culture.
The publishing director of indigomag, Mr. Dennis Akulay in an exclusive chat with Free State news revealed that it was an occasion nobody should miss. He stressed: “I urge people to bring their cars, since the money that will be made will help in supporting the CUT netball league.”
Dennis added: “We have gone out of our way to make it a superb occasion people can revel in, have fun with a competitive yet entertaining edge. The car washes will be done by sexy young ladies who will be giving satisfaction, with unbridled charm and courtesy,”
The games will begin at eleven o’clock and they will run concurrently with the sexy car washes. “Miss this at your own peril!” Dennis rounded off.
APRIL 10 – APRIL 16 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“It’s time to question” (A poem by Skietreker)
“It’s Time to Question”
My version of depression is when I don’t feel like writing or rhyming
But spitting revolution in your face
And giving birth
Creating purity on this earth
Eating food from the mud
For we planted the roots
Now we seek healing
By fooling death
And beating his name with the back of a spoon
I feel like my hands are maroon
So I plant flowers on the moon
In the middle of June
You can do the maths
Clearly through these veins
My blood is rude
Dig my grave
And leave me space for the truth
I apply but you always get the stupid job
This is not a stupid joke
I hate the word “Connection”
Sentences like I know people in “High Places”
If we could trade places
Heaven knows I would expose you
Disgrace you and destroy you
In the meantime they smile
While sitting in their big offices
Carrying hidden rifles on their backs
Making promises yes
Delivering wrongs and bombs
In my eyes looking through your lenses
Only a few are blessed with great opportunities
When we looking for that stupid job
They act as if we not qualified
So they undermine underrate & discriminate
They give what we could have had
To those who already drive in the lines of power
Wearing fancy dresses and pink ties
They pretend as if they care
“Bakene jwale wena o Skatana”
Hate me and see if I care
Faith is written on my chest
With time and ink
I will destroy life on so many pages
With my tongue I direct my words to those who are listening
I’m not forcing you
My rhymes are free of charge
My anger is just freestyle
We hoping to see Tenders displayed in Newspapers
Jobs created & corruption defeated
Opportunities given fairly
And not by favour
One day when I find the only True God
My version of depression will come to an end
That time will only come
When things are done right.
Yours truly …
SkietReker
APRIL 03– APRIL 09, 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Uhuru: Freedom is coming”. A poem by Raselebeli “Magic” Khotseng
(reproduced here)
UHURU: FREEDOM IS COMING
By Raselebeli “Magic” Khotseng
I feel the wind of change that waves my invisible tail in jubilation
Being a servant transformed to a master of my own destiny
I listened to the music of its independence
Uhuru! Uhuru! We’ve overcome our democracy
I was a nation of beggars queuing for butter-bread upon the heat of the soil
My children died in untarred roads without electricity
My daughters gave birth in households enveloped by curling smoke of a coal fire
Under Bantu Act they celebrated their humiliation on Kruger’s Day
But now they’re celebrating a new dawn of a rainbow nation
Uhuru! Uhuru! Freedom has come
I was a nation of marginalized working class of domestic workers and farm slaves
Whose blood and sweat spilled on building bridges and digging trenches
With hands dark as their pigmentation they carried soil buckets
Those are African diamonds of our economy whose mouths sing
Song of freedom Uhuru! Freedom of democracy has come
I was a nation of brutalized families whose defiant mouths
Remain voiceless during interrogation and torture
For fearing a cloud of death, prison and exile
Since their oppression reaches heavenwards they now speak
Like a man free from steamy room Uhuru! Freedom has come
It was a desperate nation longing for chewing boerewors in rugby match
Yearning for privileges of a long hair and light complexion
Nor a right to complain and give praise
Alas that right has long been buried and given way to propaganda
Propaganda, a freedom to befriend the devil under Suppression Act
But now they whisper in harmony: “Uhuru; freedom has finally come!”
Monday, March 30, 2009
FREE STATE NEWS (March 2009 editions)
FREE STATE NEWS (March 2009 editions)
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Adverts Consultant
S Botsime
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
MARCH 27 - APRIL 5 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Intriguing Pacofs Poetry Session” (page 3) By Kgosietsile Dintlhoane
INTRIGUING PACOFS POETRY SESSION!
By Kgosietsile Dintlhoane
The PACOFS team which organized the poetry session held in the theatre at the weekend deserves plaudits for a highly successful occasion.
I must applaud people of Mangaung for having attended the session in great numbers, particularly the youth ranging between the age of eighteen and twenty five. There were also a great number of adults who embraced the session with their presence.
Having said that, allow me to point out that there is a great deal of talent in this country that one is not aware of. Free State’s “Ice-Bound” (Serame Makhele) for example - give the man a mic and stand back and you are going to be lured by his performance, slamming words is what he does best.
Oh, and then there was kwazi. You would be ashamed of yourself if you heard how he recited very deep poems in the language that he knows best, his mother tongue Sesotho. Kwazi held the attention of the crowd like a spider web, he gave us pieces like Ntate Tswekere which has a very deep message to the predators and the preys in the relationship between old men and young girls, he recited his work with great excitement and eloquence. It was sensational!
I have read Sipho Mnyakeni’s book, “The winning combination” and it was my first time seeing him perform, there is no doubt the man is talented, very creative and innovative. He belted out a piece called “Dear Black come back”, basically about the lost African generation who have adopted western cultures and forgotten about their roots and who they are. This gentleman will touch you deep inside when he chronicles the life of OR Tambo, infusing music with poetry and introducing to the crowd a number of young singers who sang with such deep emotion indicating that they do understand the significance of the hero they were singing about.
When we thought that we had witnessed the ultimate talent from a number of artists that had already performed for us, Napo Masheane came on stage like a forest fire, she commanded our attention when she recited from her collection “Caves speak in metaphors”; her “Daddy and me” has been a poem that stayed in my mind for some time now and listening to her recite it brought tears in my heart. She explained herself that the poem holds a special place in her heart and one could understand why. And then she gave us a gift by reciting “Samburu” - north butterfly, you will be in a trance state listening to her recite this poem and her memory is excellent. She also gave us a piece called Shikamoo, a poem about love. Napo is of course a world class actress and performer. Her poetry is universal, the subjects she touches on are very important in a society like our own.
I would like to end these notes with a poem of Isabella Motadinyane whom South Africa lost in 2003 through stomach ulcer: “She walked a painful lane home”
she walked a painful lane home
wiping tears of change
from her soiled body
but told no one about those fakes
now her poison intake
lays skin on her bones
perspires with naked truth
reading her medical record
as three little words
holding back the years
*Mr Kgosietsile Dintlhoane is a nationally and internationally respected poet and literary activist
MARCH 20 - MARCH 26 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“From dusty streets to glitzy world stage” (page 4). By Julia Stuurman
(reproduced here)
FROM DUSTY STREETS TO GLITZY WORLD STAGE!
By Julia Stuurman
Pesa Pheko, young, black and blessed, a twenty two years old talented artist who hails from Botshabelo has achieved a lot that would make ambitious older people to tremble at their knees at the thought of him. He has made a visible mark in the art world and his future is so bright that the international stage can’t turn a blind eye on him.
His love for the art and theater started back in 1997 while he was just a humble learner from a disadvantaged community. But his stronghold was his mother and brother who supported and encouraged him to pursue his talent while the need to help in sustaining this four member family headed by a mother drove him to identify opportunities that will reward him later.
“I admire the strength that my mother has shown throughout my life but I was driven by the need to provide for my sister” he told Free State news.
In 2006 Pesa opened a production company that was formerly known as Fepa Production that he co-owned with his friend, Moeketsi Mokhethi. His main purpose was to pass what he had to others who are less fortunate. Through his company he managed to give training to learners in two primary schools in Botshabelo. Subsequently, some of them have won local competition within the province.
“I really want to thank these schools especially Thari ya Tshepe because they have backed me up in all these years, I appreciate their support so much”
However, his company has been registered under a different name since then and is now known as Blindarts Creative motion and it is the only registered section 21 Company in the province that deals with arts and culture. His objective that has seen the light of day did not change with the name but grew to new heights
“With this name I am trying to go beyond what people associate with blind as disability and emphasizing the fact that we see our dreams clearly when we have closed our eyes with nothing hindering our clear view of them”
But on clear grounds, this is not an association for the blind but a go-ahead company that helps youth to see beyond their challenges and working towards their goals at any cost.
Two years later, in 2008 to be exact, Pesa studied in Sebikwa Arts Center under a one year learnership provided by MAPPP Seta. Unfortunately he did not finish. However, he managed to learn how to use the drums and he says he is grateful for the opportunity to acquire this skill.
“There were many opportunities that were passing me by during this period and I was not allowed to take them while I was still under this programme but unfortunately, or can we say fortunately I excused myself but I don’t regret taking that step”
The list of his achievements include playing a character known as “Guitar” in the well known SARAFINA play directed by the renowned Mbongena Ngema as part of the ten year freedom celebrations. He is now heading his own project called A.K.A MOSOTHO which he performs in local schools and around the country. He has also been recognized by the National Arts Council that awarded him an R80 000 grant for his work.
Pesa Pheko is a well known name in local and provincial art competitions and festivals. He is also currently busy promoting his latest project “From that Corner” which focuses on the place where he was born, telling stories about it and highlighting the achievements of this place “ I believe there are lots of stories that could be told about this place-Botshabelo and I intend telling them as they are”.
For him, the success story goes on. “I have been in Nigeria for sometime and I will be on my way to London in a week’s time but from April I will be in the country concentrating on telling stories in my way”
MARCH 13 – MARCH 19 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“FS Health challenges tackled head on” (Front page) By Julia Stuurman
(reproduced here)
F S HEALTH CHALLENGES TACKLED HEAD ON
By Julia Stuurman
The Minister of Health, Barbra Horgan visited the Free State province last week as her first stop to all other provinces to interact with stake holders in her department and listen to their concern about the state of health care in the country and their respective province.
“This is the first province to visit, to hear at firsthand about people concerns” she said.
The main concern of the province during her visit was the shortage of funds that forced the department to turn other patients back because of inadequate ARV’s in primary health care facilities. There are critical contributors that were raised during this discussion that might have led to these financial difficulties; the increase of nurses’ salaries and lack of proper planning in the department.
But according to the Minister, there is hope for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as other chronic diseases. This hope is in the form of 11million from a donor in United States of America expected to be delivered soon. Also there are medicines that are already in the country but they cannot be distributed as yet because they are not registered as required.
“As South Africans we have been happy to be self-sufficient but the reality is we are going to have to try and find help in any way we can” she said.
According to the Minister, the main challenge that the department had to face was spending and budgeting. However this does not mean that there was reckless spending because she said the National office has received “clean audit” from the province. “There is a genuine pressure not mismanagement” she added.
“Free State has been a pace setter –first to initiate ARV and its roll out and they are now victims of their own success” the Minister cited.
During the discussion with all stakeholders and health workers there were questions raised about whether the guidelines for treatment will change in the future “Guidelines for treatment won’t change” she replied.
But the advice that was given to health workers was that to prevent some minor setbacks in their service delivery they have to get better and smarter in their day to day rendering of their service. However, the department acknowledged the challenges that the health worker had to face during this period.
“We acknowledge their challenges and we want to tell them that we appreciate their work very much” MEC for Health, Sakhiwo Belot assured.
There were also sharing of successes of the department on the table “We have the shortest turnaround time in the country to access treatment, there is also an indication that the number of people going through drug assessment increases” Belot cited.
“Free State is committed to reward the treatment that is required. It is just that now the number of patient overlaps the funds but we are doing everything we can” HOD for Health, Pax Ramella concluded.
MARCH 06– MARCH 12 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“The ravages of alcohol”. Letter by Teboho Masakala
(reproduced here)
THE RAVAGES OF ALCOHOL
By Teboho Masakala
I’m deeply concerned about how young people of today are so much into alcohol. If you go to taverns you will find a lot of young people drinking. They opine that alcohol is the way to have “fun” but this habit has destroyed so many lives and talent that is out there.
Every Saturday, you will find them having bottles of beer in their hands, many girls have fallen pregnant because of alcohol abuse and have engaged themselves in sexual activities that result in AIDS and other diseases. I have noticed how happy they become when they talk about alcohol, they become so happy that they even brag about it. Many of them fight after drinking alcohol,
They fight over girls and beer. I have seen a few of them get stabbed, being rushed to the hospitals with wounds all over their body. Parties are also one of the factors contributing to youth drinking alcohol, some of them become so aggressive. It is so difficult to stop them as they even fight with their parents; some even insult them and become so impertinent.
If we don’t do something to stop our youth from wasting their life on alcohol, we might end up being a nation with no respect, alcohol takes away your respect, dignity, and the only pride you have ever had. Some of our celebrities have thrown their life and careers down the drain because of alcohol and I don’t want to see some of us ending up like them.
Some of the young people make alcohol look “cool” but it isn’t. Alcohol is not the only way to have fun, some don’t remember what happened the next day because of the excessive alcohol they consumed. What can we do to make our youth see that alcohol abuse is destroying their future, dreams, hope and life? You live only once – and it’s better to use this sole opportunity to do something useful with your life
Sneaking out at night, or lying to our parents is one of the things that is still the problem. I am so touched about what I see, young girls running after money - money to buy alcohol and as a result of pregnancy they end up not going to school and their future being down the drain because they are forced prematurely to look after babies. It’s time we do something to help our youth
One wise man said that a nation that does not invest in its youth has no future. We don’t want our youth to be that kind of youth; our youth need to concentrate on their education because it is the only key, weapon, shield to conquer all. An injury to one is an injury to all. We need to face it, ALCHOL ABUSE DESTROYS LIFE, FUTURE, AND FAMILIES. One ends up being a LIQUOR SLAVE,
I do wish and hope that our youth can see another side of life; how important it is to live life to the fullest without indulging in dangerous, unwholesome habits. I believe Free State news can help with this crusade.
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Adverts Consultant
S Botsime
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
MARCH 27 - APRIL 5 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Intriguing Pacofs Poetry Session” (page 3) By Kgosietsile Dintlhoane
INTRIGUING PACOFS POETRY SESSION!
By Kgosietsile Dintlhoane
The PACOFS team which organized the poetry session held in the theatre at the weekend deserves plaudits for a highly successful occasion.
I must applaud people of Mangaung for having attended the session in great numbers, particularly the youth ranging between the age of eighteen and twenty five. There were also a great number of adults who embraced the session with their presence.
Having said that, allow me to point out that there is a great deal of talent in this country that one is not aware of. Free State’s “Ice-Bound” (Serame Makhele) for example - give the man a mic and stand back and you are going to be lured by his performance, slamming words is what he does best.
Oh, and then there was kwazi. You would be ashamed of yourself if you heard how he recited very deep poems in the language that he knows best, his mother tongue Sesotho. Kwazi held the attention of the crowd like a spider web, he gave us pieces like Ntate Tswekere which has a very deep message to the predators and the preys in the relationship between old men and young girls, he recited his work with great excitement and eloquence. It was sensational!
I have read Sipho Mnyakeni’s book, “The winning combination” and it was my first time seeing him perform, there is no doubt the man is talented, very creative and innovative. He belted out a piece called “Dear Black come back”, basically about the lost African generation who have adopted western cultures and forgotten about their roots and who they are. This gentleman will touch you deep inside when he chronicles the life of OR Tambo, infusing music with poetry and introducing to the crowd a number of young singers who sang with such deep emotion indicating that they do understand the significance of the hero they were singing about.
When we thought that we had witnessed the ultimate talent from a number of artists that had already performed for us, Napo Masheane came on stage like a forest fire, she commanded our attention when she recited from her collection “Caves speak in metaphors”; her “Daddy and me” has been a poem that stayed in my mind for some time now and listening to her recite it brought tears in my heart. She explained herself that the poem holds a special place in her heart and one could understand why. And then she gave us a gift by reciting “Samburu” - north butterfly, you will be in a trance state listening to her recite this poem and her memory is excellent. She also gave us a piece called Shikamoo, a poem about love. Napo is of course a world class actress and performer. Her poetry is universal, the subjects she touches on are very important in a society like our own.
I would like to end these notes with a poem of Isabella Motadinyane whom South Africa lost in 2003 through stomach ulcer: “She walked a painful lane home”
she walked a painful lane home
wiping tears of change
from her soiled body
but told no one about those fakes
now her poison intake
lays skin on her bones
perspires with naked truth
reading her medical record
as three little words
holding back the years
*Mr Kgosietsile Dintlhoane is a nationally and internationally respected poet and literary activist
MARCH 20 - MARCH 26 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“From dusty streets to glitzy world stage” (page 4). By Julia Stuurman
(reproduced here)
FROM DUSTY STREETS TO GLITZY WORLD STAGE!
By Julia Stuurman
Pesa Pheko, young, black and blessed, a twenty two years old talented artist who hails from Botshabelo has achieved a lot that would make ambitious older people to tremble at their knees at the thought of him. He has made a visible mark in the art world and his future is so bright that the international stage can’t turn a blind eye on him.
His love for the art and theater started back in 1997 while he was just a humble learner from a disadvantaged community. But his stronghold was his mother and brother who supported and encouraged him to pursue his talent while the need to help in sustaining this four member family headed by a mother drove him to identify opportunities that will reward him later.
“I admire the strength that my mother has shown throughout my life but I was driven by the need to provide for my sister” he told Free State news.
In 2006 Pesa opened a production company that was formerly known as Fepa Production that he co-owned with his friend, Moeketsi Mokhethi. His main purpose was to pass what he had to others who are less fortunate. Through his company he managed to give training to learners in two primary schools in Botshabelo. Subsequently, some of them have won local competition within the province.
“I really want to thank these schools especially Thari ya Tshepe because they have backed me up in all these years, I appreciate their support so much”
However, his company has been registered under a different name since then and is now known as Blindarts Creative motion and it is the only registered section 21 Company in the province that deals with arts and culture. His objective that has seen the light of day did not change with the name but grew to new heights
“With this name I am trying to go beyond what people associate with blind as disability and emphasizing the fact that we see our dreams clearly when we have closed our eyes with nothing hindering our clear view of them”
But on clear grounds, this is not an association for the blind but a go-ahead company that helps youth to see beyond their challenges and working towards their goals at any cost.
Two years later, in 2008 to be exact, Pesa studied in Sebikwa Arts Center under a one year learnership provided by MAPPP Seta. Unfortunately he did not finish. However, he managed to learn how to use the drums and he says he is grateful for the opportunity to acquire this skill.
“There were many opportunities that were passing me by during this period and I was not allowed to take them while I was still under this programme but unfortunately, or can we say fortunately I excused myself but I don’t regret taking that step”
The list of his achievements include playing a character known as “Guitar” in the well known SARAFINA play directed by the renowned Mbongena Ngema as part of the ten year freedom celebrations. He is now heading his own project called A.K.A MOSOTHO which he performs in local schools and around the country. He has also been recognized by the National Arts Council that awarded him an R80 000 grant for his work.
Pesa Pheko is a well known name in local and provincial art competitions and festivals. He is also currently busy promoting his latest project “From that Corner” which focuses on the place where he was born, telling stories about it and highlighting the achievements of this place “ I believe there are lots of stories that could be told about this place-Botshabelo and I intend telling them as they are”.
For him, the success story goes on. “I have been in Nigeria for sometime and I will be on my way to London in a week’s time but from April I will be in the country concentrating on telling stories in my way”
MARCH 13 – MARCH 19 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“FS Health challenges tackled head on” (Front page) By Julia Stuurman
(reproduced here)
F S HEALTH CHALLENGES TACKLED HEAD ON
By Julia Stuurman
The Minister of Health, Barbra Horgan visited the Free State province last week as her first stop to all other provinces to interact with stake holders in her department and listen to their concern about the state of health care in the country and their respective province.
“This is the first province to visit, to hear at firsthand about people concerns” she said.
The main concern of the province during her visit was the shortage of funds that forced the department to turn other patients back because of inadequate ARV’s in primary health care facilities. There are critical contributors that were raised during this discussion that might have led to these financial difficulties; the increase of nurses’ salaries and lack of proper planning in the department.
But according to the Minister, there is hope for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as other chronic diseases. This hope is in the form of 11million from a donor in United States of America expected to be delivered soon. Also there are medicines that are already in the country but they cannot be distributed as yet because they are not registered as required.
“As South Africans we have been happy to be self-sufficient but the reality is we are going to have to try and find help in any way we can” she said.
According to the Minister, the main challenge that the department had to face was spending and budgeting. However this does not mean that there was reckless spending because she said the National office has received “clean audit” from the province. “There is a genuine pressure not mismanagement” she added.
“Free State has been a pace setter –first to initiate ARV and its roll out and they are now victims of their own success” the Minister cited.
During the discussion with all stakeholders and health workers there were questions raised about whether the guidelines for treatment will change in the future “Guidelines for treatment won’t change” she replied.
But the advice that was given to health workers was that to prevent some minor setbacks in their service delivery they have to get better and smarter in their day to day rendering of their service. However, the department acknowledged the challenges that the health worker had to face during this period.
“We acknowledge their challenges and we want to tell them that we appreciate their work very much” MEC for Health, Sakhiwo Belot assured.
There were also sharing of successes of the department on the table “We have the shortest turnaround time in the country to access treatment, there is also an indication that the number of people going through drug assessment increases” Belot cited.
“Free State is committed to reward the treatment that is required. It is just that now the number of patient overlaps the funds but we are doing everything we can” HOD for Health, Pax Ramella concluded.
MARCH 06– MARCH 12 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“The ravages of alcohol”. Letter by Teboho Masakala
(reproduced here)
THE RAVAGES OF ALCOHOL
By Teboho Masakala
I’m deeply concerned about how young people of today are so much into alcohol. If you go to taverns you will find a lot of young people drinking. They opine that alcohol is the way to have “fun” but this habit has destroyed so many lives and talent that is out there.
Every Saturday, you will find them having bottles of beer in their hands, many girls have fallen pregnant because of alcohol abuse and have engaged themselves in sexual activities that result in AIDS and other diseases. I have noticed how happy they become when they talk about alcohol, they become so happy that they even brag about it. Many of them fight after drinking alcohol,
They fight over girls and beer. I have seen a few of them get stabbed, being rushed to the hospitals with wounds all over their body. Parties are also one of the factors contributing to youth drinking alcohol, some of them become so aggressive. It is so difficult to stop them as they even fight with their parents; some even insult them and become so impertinent.
If we don’t do something to stop our youth from wasting their life on alcohol, we might end up being a nation with no respect, alcohol takes away your respect, dignity, and the only pride you have ever had. Some of our celebrities have thrown their life and careers down the drain because of alcohol and I don’t want to see some of us ending up like them.
Some of the young people make alcohol look “cool” but it isn’t. Alcohol is not the only way to have fun, some don’t remember what happened the next day because of the excessive alcohol they consumed. What can we do to make our youth see that alcohol abuse is destroying their future, dreams, hope and life? You live only once – and it’s better to use this sole opportunity to do something useful with your life
Sneaking out at night, or lying to our parents is one of the things that is still the problem. I am so touched about what I see, young girls running after money - money to buy alcohol and as a result of pregnancy they end up not going to school and their future being down the drain because they are forced prematurely to look after babies. It’s time we do something to help our youth
One wise man said that a nation that does not invest in its youth has no future. We don’t want our youth to be that kind of youth; our youth need to concentrate on their education because it is the only key, weapon, shield to conquer all. An injury to one is an injury to all. We need to face it, ALCHOL ABUSE DESTROYS LIFE, FUTURE, AND FAMILIES. One ends up being a LIQUOR SLAVE,
I do wish and hope that our youth can see another side of life; how important it is to live life to the fullest without indulging in dangerous, unwholesome habits. I believe Free State news can help with this crusade.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Free State News (Feb 2009) editions
FREE STATE NEWS (February 2009 editions)
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Adverts Consultant
Steve Sotyu
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
FEB 27 – MARCH 06 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Reconnection of the unknown!” (from Poetry Corner) Page 7. By Kelebone Pitlele
(reproduced here)
RECONNECTION OF THE UNKNOWN!
(At least I know my mistakes!)
By: Kelebone Pitlele
Ignored for so long to be prolonged by my insanity
Programmed or shall I say brainwashed to believe life
Is not better without things we can buy or sell
This part I did not see nor hear about and yet it happened
And when I say I hate it, know that I mean it ‘cos I loved too hard…this part
Sailed to confront my demons as they played tricks with my mind
Laid my body down but my spirit still needed to understand Me
I don’t know this being that shows me things that I’ve never seen and yet I know we connect
Our hands hold each other as we see the future together and the mystery is still there, yet we connect.
Strengthen my wits to understand and have mercy on my mistakes
Guide my profound ability to always tell the truth
Be the way, life and stability to know who I am and where I come from
Because I know where I want to be
Utilise how I speak and not to forget the connection we have
Place me close and I will never forget the sight you showed me as I lived it with you in our mysterious life
Today I am Kelebone
Tomorrow may come with a new life but I can never be scared of my life
I look forward to every situation, challenge and pain that will make me grow to be the woman I am
Silently I gaze at myself and know that the mystery is now revealed that how I saw yesterday.
FEB 20 - FEB 26 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Congenial centre takes kids off the streets” (page 7). By Julia Stuurman
(reproduced here)
Congenial Centre takes kids off the streets
By Julia Stuurman
The sight of children in a group busy sniffing the glue on the street is not only an unusual sight, but a most unwelcome and unwholesome one. South Africa is amongst the countries that encounter the challenge of street kids. Arguably what makes this practice stand out here is that there is a spirit of Ubuntu amongst its citizens.
This has been demonstrated by a family at Phahameng Location in Bloemfontein who opened their home and hearts to over fifty vulnerable and abandoned kids in their area. The Williams’ family started taking in these children voluntarily in the early nineties and they then went on to be registered formally under the name Iphahamiseng Place of Safety in 1996 with the then Department of Welfare (which is now known as Social Development).
“We saw that we can provide a safe and secure home for these children of whom some were street kids while others were abused by their family due to dysfunctional homes” said the co-founder and the mother of this institution, Sanna Williams. These children needed a family structure that will guide them into being responsible adults and Sanna and Aubrey Williams were geared for this responsibility.
However, raising children does not only need love and care but it also requires one to be able to provide them with an opportunity for schooling. “Taking them to school was also a struggle for us but we were also blessed in this area of our life because we were able to receive social assistance to enable them to attend school”
Currently, this centre houses 55 children and the youngest of them all is a boy of seven years. Remarkably, twenty one of them are at high school, two have already obtained their grade twelve and are hoping to further their studies.
Litlhare Marake is sixteen years old and she is in grade ten at Sehunelo High School and she has spent most of her childhood in the centre. “It is my home and I am very comfortable here. I don’t imagine myself anywhere else” she told Free State news.
Bongane Jantjie and Setjhaba Makoko arrived at this place in 1997 and they have been here since then. They are now at high school and they don’t want to see themselves anywhere other than here at Iphahamiseng. “We are very much happy here and this is only the home we have known in our lives” they said.
The centre prides itself on the achievement it has had in “decreasing” the number of street kids in their area. They have also created jobs for the community adjacent to it. Dieketseng Mafa, a mother of two started working at this centre in 1993 and she has seen it growing “We used to cook outside using firewood but now we have stoves which are making our job easier” she said.
Even though this centre is doing well due to the assistance they get from the Social Development and Department of Justice, they still welcome any help from willing individuals and the community “ I thank God for making us realize that we have to love our neighbor and we will continue” they concluded.
FEB 13 – FEB 19 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“American Black history month celebrated in Bloem” (Page 2)
(reproduced here)
AMERICAN BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATED IN BLOEM
By S. Botsime
The city library in Bloemfontein city came alive at the weekend as “American Black History Month” was celebrated with some aplomb. Heather Thompson, a black American lady did the honours personally, introducing and guiding guests through this historical excursion.
This event is celebrated every February in America. Heather Thompson patiently held sway at the Bloemfontein library with the highlight being a movie shown called Laakwanna Blues. This movie took us back down memory lane as far back as 1956.And the movie was written by Robbin Sentiego. Mercy Gray stars as an actor here, and it was pointed out that it was originally done as a play.
The presentation was quite impressive. There were displays on the wall of gurus like Malcolm X, Rosa Park, Martin Luther King, and Oprah Winfrey, just to mention the few. The movie begins with the end, all about the hardship, trauma, good times and not forgetting the romance. Viewers were much impressed by the setting of the movie, the tuxedos, the ball gowns and the black & white shoes. Part of the movie was done before the segregation and after.With impressive detail, the movie highlighted the romance, vagaries, point of raising children in a not too conducive environment where it’s a constant battle for survival. I have to admit that I found myself reminiscing on the stories of Sophiatown and district six where people like Kippie Moeketsi and Abigael Khubeka made one to dance the night away!
This special event was more of an eye opener for me and I wonder how far have we preserved and documented our history as South Africans? I had to conclude that although this was an American film the similarities between there and here are marked. Truly, this is just a small world, we are the same just divided by oceans!
FEB 06– FEB 12 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Gratifying reunion at Thaba Nchu School” (Page 6) By Charmaine Mrwebi
(reproduced here)
Gratifying Reunion at Thaba Nchu School
By Charmaine Mrwebi
As a child growing up you spend almost twelve years of your life in a school environment. So it’s evident that whatever the type of adult you become, it’s because of the influence by the particular school. This truism assumed great dimensions with me recently as Goronyane High School (Thaba Nchu) celebrated its 40th anniversary!
Schools like this instilled the love of reading widely, especially for leisure in people like myself. Indeed most of the readers became enamoured by the wider ramifications of literacy and literature thanks to the vision of their teachers who had a talent of narrating novels in a very practical manner; that you can almost see the characters! Today some of us are contributing to literature because of our school background when the foundation was laid.
Yet after Matric most of us forget our school and just watch as such alma mater rot and deteriorate. We need to recognize and applaud these institutions that made a lot of impact in out lives as the former learners in these institutions.
The survival of Education in the South African soil should be restored by former learners who appreciate what education has done for them individually.
Goronyane High School in Thaba Nchu is celebrating its 40th year anniversary as a well as having a reunion for its former learners. The aim and purpose of the celebration is to honour the late teachers who have passed on and made a difference in our lives; another motive for the celebration is to find means of investing back into our local schools through a collective effort of donating money as well as our time to the progress of the school.
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Adverts Consultant
Steve Sotyu
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
FEB 27 – MARCH 06 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Reconnection of the unknown!” (from Poetry Corner) Page 7. By Kelebone Pitlele
(reproduced here)
RECONNECTION OF THE UNKNOWN!
(At least I know my mistakes!)
By: Kelebone Pitlele
Ignored for so long to be prolonged by my insanity
Programmed or shall I say brainwashed to believe life
Is not better without things we can buy or sell
This part I did not see nor hear about and yet it happened
And when I say I hate it, know that I mean it ‘cos I loved too hard…this part
Sailed to confront my demons as they played tricks with my mind
Laid my body down but my spirit still needed to understand Me
I don’t know this being that shows me things that I’ve never seen and yet I know we connect
Our hands hold each other as we see the future together and the mystery is still there, yet we connect.
Strengthen my wits to understand and have mercy on my mistakes
Guide my profound ability to always tell the truth
Be the way, life and stability to know who I am and where I come from
Because I know where I want to be
Utilise how I speak and not to forget the connection we have
Place me close and I will never forget the sight you showed me as I lived it with you in our mysterious life
Today I am Kelebone
Tomorrow may come with a new life but I can never be scared of my life
I look forward to every situation, challenge and pain that will make me grow to be the woman I am
Silently I gaze at myself and know that the mystery is now revealed that how I saw yesterday.
FEB 20 - FEB 26 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Congenial centre takes kids off the streets” (page 7). By Julia Stuurman
(reproduced here)
Congenial Centre takes kids off the streets
By Julia Stuurman
The sight of children in a group busy sniffing the glue on the street is not only an unusual sight, but a most unwelcome and unwholesome one. South Africa is amongst the countries that encounter the challenge of street kids. Arguably what makes this practice stand out here is that there is a spirit of Ubuntu amongst its citizens.
This has been demonstrated by a family at Phahameng Location in Bloemfontein who opened their home and hearts to over fifty vulnerable and abandoned kids in their area. The Williams’ family started taking in these children voluntarily in the early nineties and they then went on to be registered formally under the name Iphahamiseng Place of Safety in 1996 with the then Department of Welfare (which is now known as Social Development).
“We saw that we can provide a safe and secure home for these children of whom some were street kids while others were abused by their family due to dysfunctional homes” said the co-founder and the mother of this institution, Sanna Williams. These children needed a family structure that will guide them into being responsible adults and Sanna and Aubrey Williams were geared for this responsibility.
However, raising children does not only need love and care but it also requires one to be able to provide them with an opportunity for schooling. “Taking them to school was also a struggle for us but we were also blessed in this area of our life because we were able to receive social assistance to enable them to attend school”
Currently, this centre houses 55 children and the youngest of them all is a boy of seven years. Remarkably, twenty one of them are at high school, two have already obtained their grade twelve and are hoping to further their studies.
Litlhare Marake is sixteen years old and she is in grade ten at Sehunelo High School and she has spent most of her childhood in the centre. “It is my home and I am very comfortable here. I don’t imagine myself anywhere else” she told Free State news.
Bongane Jantjie and Setjhaba Makoko arrived at this place in 1997 and they have been here since then. They are now at high school and they don’t want to see themselves anywhere other than here at Iphahamiseng. “We are very much happy here and this is only the home we have known in our lives” they said.
The centre prides itself on the achievement it has had in “decreasing” the number of street kids in their area. They have also created jobs for the community adjacent to it. Dieketseng Mafa, a mother of two started working at this centre in 1993 and she has seen it growing “We used to cook outside using firewood but now we have stoves which are making our job easier” she said.
Even though this centre is doing well due to the assistance they get from the Social Development and Department of Justice, they still welcome any help from willing individuals and the community “ I thank God for making us realize that we have to love our neighbor and we will continue” they concluded.
FEB 13 – FEB 19 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“American Black history month celebrated in Bloem” (Page 2)
(reproduced here)
AMERICAN BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATED IN BLOEM
By S. Botsime
The city library in Bloemfontein city came alive at the weekend as “American Black History Month” was celebrated with some aplomb. Heather Thompson, a black American lady did the honours personally, introducing and guiding guests through this historical excursion.
This event is celebrated every February in America. Heather Thompson patiently held sway at the Bloemfontein library with the highlight being a movie shown called Laakwanna Blues. This movie took us back down memory lane as far back as 1956.And the movie was written by Robbin Sentiego. Mercy Gray stars as an actor here, and it was pointed out that it was originally done as a play.
The presentation was quite impressive. There were displays on the wall of gurus like Malcolm X, Rosa Park, Martin Luther King, and Oprah Winfrey, just to mention the few. The movie begins with the end, all about the hardship, trauma, good times and not forgetting the romance. Viewers were much impressed by the setting of the movie, the tuxedos, the ball gowns and the black & white shoes. Part of the movie was done before the segregation and after.With impressive detail, the movie highlighted the romance, vagaries, point of raising children in a not too conducive environment where it’s a constant battle for survival. I have to admit that I found myself reminiscing on the stories of Sophiatown and district six where people like Kippie Moeketsi and Abigael Khubeka made one to dance the night away!
This special event was more of an eye opener for me and I wonder how far have we preserved and documented our history as South Africans? I had to conclude that although this was an American film the similarities between there and here are marked. Truly, this is just a small world, we are the same just divided by oceans!
FEB 06– FEB 12 09 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Gratifying reunion at Thaba Nchu School” (Page 6) By Charmaine Mrwebi
(reproduced here)
Gratifying Reunion at Thaba Nchu School
By Charmaine Mrwebi
As a child growing up you spend almost twelve years of your life in a school environment. So it’s evident that whatever the type of adult you become, it’s because of the influence by the particular school. This truism assumed great dimensions with me recently as Goronyane High School (Thaba Nchu) celebrated its 40th anniversary!
Schools like this instilled the love of reading widely, especially for leisure in people like myself. Indeed most of the readers became enamoured by the wider ramifications of literacy and literature thanks to the vision of their teachers who had a talent of narrating novels in a very practical manner; that you can almost see the characters! Today some of us are contributing to literature because of our school background when the foundation was laid.
Yet after Matric most of us forget our school and just watch as such alma mater rot and deteriorate. We need to recognize and applaud these institutions that made a lot of impact in out lives as the former learners in these institutions.
The survival of Education in the South African soil should be restored by former learners who appreciate what education has done for them individually.
Goronyane High School in Thaba Nchu is celebrating its 40th year anniversary as a well as having a reunion for its former learners. The aim and purpose of the celebration is to honour the late teachers who have passed on and made a difference in our lives; another motive for the celebration is to find means of investing back into our local schools through a collective effort of donating money as well as our time to the progress of the school.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Free State News (January, 2009 edition)
FREE STATE NEWS (January, 2009)
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
JAN 30 - FEB 05 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Chocolate Soul album unveiled” (page 2) By Michael Tlhakudi
(reproduced here)
Chocolate Soul album unveiled
By Michael Tlhakudi
Finally, the long awaited album of the Lesotho born artist is out and available in all good stores in and around Bloemfontein. Refiloe ‘Chocolate Soul’ Thoahlane (23) took just over a year to work on this project of House Music after three years of creating Hip hop Instrumentals.
This comes after Chocolate Soul initially wanted to become a Hip hop artist but all this changed after a hectic exposure to the Bloemfontein night life, influenced mainly by Deep House music. After four years of building a name for himself in the Free State, he met business partner and best friend Teboho Rankae better known as Tza who is also an Executive Producer in this offering. Together they decided to work with Chocolate Soul in preparation for molding him into a House Musician. They invented a new genre of Music called Crunch House, a combination of Hip hop instrumentals and House Music.
The 15-track album comprises a mixture of Sesotho and English tunes. City of Roses is the first single that is receiving airplay in various radio stations in the Free State. The other songs that deserve mention include Maseru Strawberries featuring Ntsiki and Erik, Eternal Love featuring Erik and Live another Day.
“This album has been an eye-opener for me and I experienced challenges nevertheless. Working with DJ Christos has certainly helped me a lot to grow as an artist,” he said.
Chocolate Soul will also be performing in different places across the country to promote the album.
To book Chocolate Soul call 072 874 4210/076 318 1285
Jan 23 – Jan 29 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Ministers light torch of peace” By Neo Mvubu (Front page)
(reproduced here)
MINISTERS LIGHT TORCH OF PEACE
By Neo Mvubu
The Torch of Peace was lit at Nkgopoleng Secondary School in Sasolburg by the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor together with the Minister of Public Safety and Security, Jeff Radebe.
The ministers arrived at the school earlier than all the other people, and then started their surprise visits to schools. Later that day, they returned to Nkgopoleng Secondary School and the formal torch of peace ceremony began.
The torch was lit to encourage learners as well as all the other road users to remain safe and secure in the roads. According to the Minister of Public Transport Safety and Security, Jeff Radebe, the level of collisions on our roads has decreased and that this is due to road safety campaigns that have been implemented so far.
The significance of lighting the torch was to combine the need for 16 days of Activism against women and children campaign with the need for safety and security on our roads and in schools.
The Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor said that the department is committed to, “deliver books, process appointments, pay salaries…and to ensure schools have resources,” She also added that the torch of hope should act as a reflection of the commitment both the educators and the students have for the year ahead.
The learners from various schools, in and around the Free State welcomed the encouraging messages from the ministers, and one representative of the students stood up from her seat and commented on the realities surrounding road safety.
JAN 16 – JAN 22 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Seleke’s day of glory” (Front page)
(reproduced here)
SELEKE’S DAY OF GLORY
By Neo Mvubu
Free State news columnist, Seleke Botsime (who writes the Silhouettes column) was named this week as “The Free State Columnist of the year” (2008) at a successful occasion hosted by Phoenix Literary Press and Club. Venue was the Cuthberts Building in Bloemfontein. The event will take place annually to celebrate the hard earned work of columnists in the Free State.
“I am blessed to be here and receiving this award today, it is but God who should receive the ultimate recognition,” an ecstatic Seleke told Free State news.
The Chairman at the auspicious occasion was Ntate Kgang Abel Motheane, well known prolific author and publisher. Also present was the Chief Executive Officer of Melodi Productions, Tebogo Seseane, the MD of Josh 158 Recording Studio, Urbain Tila, commentator and critic, Jerry Seekoei, among others. There were performances and deliveries from notable bards, “Icebound” and Charmaine Kolwane. The press was amply represented too.
Phoenix Press operative Mr. George Rampai explained how the firm continues to boost literacy and literature in the Free State, including through the publication of books. In a most illuminating Citation delivered by literary icon Mr. Lebohang Thaisi, the reasons why Mr. Seleke emerged as “the Columnist of the year” were lucidly explained.
Seleke is a man of wisdom, his works reflect on traditional values that are but day by day disintegrating. His column is known by many as Silhouettes and taps into the daily lives of the spiritual. He won the award in the midst of impressive column writers from publications such as Mangaung Issue as well as The Way.
According to Lebohang Thaisi, “The profundity of the column (Silhouettes) has to be specially commended. These are not articles we can just pick up and read quickly. We have to savour slowly the special language and intellectualism that bedeck them; we ponder over them, re-read and appreciate.”
Seleke Botsime was presented with a special Certificate, the sum of R1000 00, and other gifts.
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
JAN 30 - FEB 05 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Chocolate Soul album unveiled” (page 2) By Michael Tlhakudi
(reproduced here)
Chocolate Soul album unveiled
By Michael Tlhakudi
Finally, the long awaited album of the Lesotho born artist is out and available in all good stores in and around Bloemfontein. Refiloe ‘Chocolate Soul’ Thoahlane (23) took just over a year to work on this project of House Music after three years of creating Hip hop Instrumentals.
This comes after Chocolate Soul initially wanted to become a Hip hop artist but all this changed after a hectic exposure to the Bloemfontein night life, influenced mainly by Deep House music. After four years of building a name for himself in the Free State, he met business partner and best friend Teboho Rankae better known as Tza who is also an Executive Producer in this offering. Together they decided to work with Chocolate Soul in preparation for molding him into a House Musician. They invented a new genre of Music called Crunch House, a combination of Hip hop instrumentals and House Music.
The 15-track album comprises a mixture of Sesotho and English tunes. City of Roses is the first single that is receiving airplay in various radio stations in the Free State. The other songs that deserve mention include Maseru Strawberries featuring Ntsiki and Erik, Eternal Love featuring Erik and Live another Day.
“This album has been an eye-opener for me and I experienced challenges nevertheless. Working with DJ Christos has certainly helped me a lot to grow as an artist,” he said.
Chocolate Soul will also be performing in different places across the country to promote the album.
To book Chocolate Soul call 072 874 4210/076 318 1285
Jan 23 – Jan 29 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Ministers light torch of peace” By Neo Mvubu (Front page)
(reproduced here)
MINISTERS LIGHT TORCH OF PEACE
By Neo Mvubu
The Torch of Peace was lit at Nkgopoleng Secondary School in Sasolburg by the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor together with the Minister of Public Safety and Security, Jeff Radebe.
The ministers arrived at the school earlier than all the other people, and then started their surprise visits to schools. Later that day, they returned to Nkgopoleng Secondary School and the formal torch of peace ceremony began.
The torch was lit to encourage learners as well as all the other road users to remain safe and secure in the roads. According to the Minister of Public Transport Safety and Security, Jeff Radebe, the level of collisions on our roads has decreased and that this is due to road safety campaigns that have been implemented so far.
The significance of lighting the torch was to combine the need for 16 days of Activism against women and children campaign with the need for safety and security on our roads and in schools.
The Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor said that the department is committed to, “deliver books, process appointments, pay salaries…and to ensure schools have resources,” She also added that the torch of hope should act as a reflection of the commitment both the educators and the students have for the year ahead.
The learners from various schools, in and around the Free State welcomed the encouraging messages from the ministers, and one representative of the students stood up from her seat and commented on the realities surrounding road safety.
JAN 16 – JAN 22 2009 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Seleke’s day of glory” (Front page)
(reproduced here)
SELEKE’S DAY OF GLORY
By Neo Mvubu
Free State news columnist, Seleke Botsime (who writes the Silhouettes column) was named this week as “The Free State Columnist of the year” (2008) at a successful occasion hosted by Phoenix Literary Press and Club. Venue was the Cuthberts Building in Bloemfontein. The event will take place annually to celebrate the hard earned work of columnists in the Free State.
“I am blessed to be here and receiving this award today, it is but God who should receive the ultimate recognition,” an ecstatic Seleke told Free State news.
The Chairman at the auspicious occasion was Ntate Kgang Abel Motheane, well known prolific author and publisher. Also present was the Chief Executive Officer of Melodi Productions, Tebogo Seseane, the MD of Josh 158 Recording Studio, Urbain Tila, commentator and critic, Jerry Seekoei, among others. There were performances and deliveries from notable bards, “Icebound” and Charmaine Kolwane. The press was amply represented too.
Phoenix Press operative Mr. George Rampai explained how the firm continues to boost literacy and literature in the Free State, including through the publication of books. In a most illuminating Citation delivered by literary icon Mr. Lebohang Thaisi, the reasons why Mr. Seleke emerged as “the Columnist of the year” were lucidly explained.
Seleke is a man of wisdom, his works reflect on traditional values that are but day by day disintegrating. His column is known by many as Silhouettes and taps into the daily lives of the spiritual. He won the award in the midst of impressive column writers from publications such as Mangaung Issue as well as The Way.
According to Lebohang Thaisi, “The profundity of the column (Silhouettes) has to be specially commended. These are not articles we can just pick up and read quickly. We have to savour slowly the special language and intellectualism that bedeck them; we ponder over them, re-read and appreciate.”
Seleke Botsime was presented with a special Certificate, the sum of R1000 00, and other gifts.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Free State News (December, 2008 edition)
FREE STATE NEWS (December, 2008)
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 (soon the paper will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Thabo wa Makae
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Marketing Desk
Thabo wa Makae
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
19 DEC – 25 DEC 08 Edition
* Note: this will be the last edition of the newspaper until next year (2009)
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Modernism in Tebogo and the haka, (Book Review)” (page 3). By Pule Lechesa
(reproduced here)
BOOK REVIEW
Modernism in Tebogo and the haka
By Pule Lechesa
Recent fictional works reflect how the world has moved on in the New Millennium, positively affecting the lives of countless black people at grassroots level all over Africa . This patent trend can be seen for example in Omoseye Bolaji’s latest work of fiction, Tebogo and the haka (2008)
We read and re-read our old favourites, novels, plays etc written by distinguished African writers over the decades and we are struck about the rather old-age ambience of such works. We feel that there is something missing – and most likely that thing is modern technology. Pick up Njabulo Ndebele’s classic, Fools for example and the ambience seems not so different from the setting of 19th century books like Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.
Yet Zamani, the protagonist in Fools, is a school teacher and “middle class” in orientation. But he has few comforts compared with the modern world perks. Not even electricity. Nowadays we are awash with modern gadgets and technology and these things are incorporated into modern fiction. Gone are the days when stationary phones and faxes were the ultimate in technology as can be seen from thousands of books published just a few decades ago.
The face of the modern world has changed so much that most people now have access to things like cell phones, the Internet and ipods. In fact it is understood that in some African countries now “even beggars have one two or more cell phones”. This shows how the whole world has changed. Very few African blacks might have access to internet in their private house but with so many “Internet cafes” all over the place – not to talk of at many libraries – the world has opened up, so to speak.
Hence Tebogo Mokoena , the private investigator of the Tebogo Mystery series reflects this exposure to modern technology, moreso in Tebogo and the haka. His wife, Khanyi, is in France but of course she keeps in touch with him thanks to modern technology, via emails and by phone. SMS (text messages) keep their love glowing despite the vast physical distances between them:
“Before I slept, I was delighted to receive a text (SMS) message from my wife, Khanyi. She reiterated her love for me, said Paris was great but she would prefer to be with me. ‘Sweet dreams honey,’ she ended, ‘big, big kisses’….I slept well”
(Tebogo and the haka; page 11)
As we see later on in the book SMS messages add to the mystery of the story as the plot unravels (but I do not want to give the plot away here); also, as part of the deference to modernity at the end of the book we are told about “slick, sophisticated tape recorder on my person”
Despite the fact that Tebogo is in a small town (Ladybrand) he still has time to go to the Internet. As we are told:
“He (the owner of the Internet shop) smiled. ‘Ah, sometimes we just open for a few hours. Now people are becoming more interested in the Internet. Alas, right now, only one computer is working well. You can pay for 30 minutes, an hour…to user the internet’
‘An hour would be fine,’ I said. ‘I’d like to catch up with my emails…’ I paid for an hour and read my disappointingly few emails. I had hardly spent 15 minutes here and I was more or less through…’”
“Tebogo and the haka, pages 31 - 32)
Other aspects of the story/mystery here involve recordings being made and being shown on computers (not on TV which apparently has become common place!). We are no longer surprised these days that many people at grassroots level have access to computers and sophisticated recorders. It is all part of modernism – which keeps on improving and growing daily.
There are some people who believe that the modern generation has lost a lot (spiritually and intellectually), with so much technology around; that the likes of the Bronte sisters 200 years ago (Emily and Charlotte, to mention the most famous duo) honed their intellect because there was no electricity then (so no electrical gadgets at the time) – that they had ample time to think, go for walks, meditate and construct. The quality of their published works certainly shows their awesome intellect.
However others point out that with so much knowledge available to the world now – accessible more or less instantaneously from the Internet – people are over-spoilt for choice now and can avail themselves of wonderful opportunities. Certainly writers continue to write, and reflect and complement the goings-on in our world, as can be seen from Omoseye Bolaji’s latest work of fiction.
12 DEC – 18 DEC 08 Edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“MY TIME!” (Column) By Seleke Botsime (page 7)
(reproduced here)
Silhouettes
MY TIME
By Seleke Botsime
Allow me to cut my umbilical cord so that I may speak. Prepare the stage and stand firm since I am about to burst like a wine skin and give you what I know. Strike me with a rod so that I can gush out the living water since when I was born I was named the “rock” I remain quiet when the world speak of my father, I remain silent and listen attentively when the world gives their insight about the creator but I was never impressed with their knowledge.
I remain a piece of clay, and for ever remain a potter that shaped me from time immemorial and every thing was good. I died for three days and be buried in him and with within the heart of the earth; never forgetting the fact that I am that rock that snuffs out Goliath from the book of kings. Let those who are found to be fumbling be at silence, when this king proclaims the profound wisdom of my father!It remains a mystery that the master is not only found in majestic cathedrals or supernatural visions, but also in wonders of polar bears and in the plays of Shakespeare (and never being common).
His footprint is increasing in unlikely places. So the heavens dish out this most delightful food and the world remains in a state of awe! I graze at the greener pastures and throw my net at the deepest of the ocean. In short I was prepared for this battle. That is why it was never a surprise that when the earth opened its legs and give birth to me the heavens were shaken and earth was silent (all because I did the confrontation).The street became my university and my downfall 0became my strength.
Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future!When I rise and speak this wisdom I didn’t forget to buckle my waist with the breastplate of righteousness, never did I forget a shield of faith of which I will use to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Wearing the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit. Brothers I tell you, I am heavenly pregnant with the zeal. Let this be an open letter for those with the spirit of Belzubhab. This soldier is ready for war! I remained at the back seat for long but now I am found on the front seats, I make front pages since I am no longer undercover not forgetting dominating the headlines.
This is my time, brothers!Blow the horns at Bethhakkerrem since the conquering one is here. In him and through me the blind will say ‘they can see’ and the poor will say they are rich. Dear brothers my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities and most of all against the dark world with their spiritual forces. Everything will be revealed in time since now the world is not ready to conceive this. I hear the heavens rejoice ‘cos I am standing at the land of Beulah and the final word from my father is “Truly this one is my son!”
05 DEC – 11 DEC 08 EDITION
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“NUANCES OF BARACK OBAMA” (Letter). By Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga (page 6)
(reproduced here)
Nuances of Barack Obama
By Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga
Africa is patiently waiting to see whether high-riding Barack Obama is an angel of mercy or something more sinister!
In 1963, Dr Martin Luther King JR had a dream. “It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” The election of Obama as the first black president of America was a fulfillment of Dr King’s dream.
The election of Obama seemed like great news for Africa . Kenya the birth place of his father, even declared a national holiday. The million dollar question though, is how Obama will shape up. Even though the world is becoming a global village Africa still remains an island of war, poverty, hunger and diseases. America and the West always blame political instability, lack of democracy and corruption for Africa ’s woes. This is true to a certain extent but I think there is more to this. Africa does not only need lessons of bourgeois democracy but justice.
America and the West are always showering Africa with aid. Africa is a rich continent but is always getting unfair trade deals from the developed world. In 2002, IMF chief Horst Koehler toured Africa for five days. On this tour he said trade distortions made a mockery of efforts to reduce poverty and made any real progress impossible. “If we do not give you better trade opportunities then maybe the fight against poverty is lost from the beginning… Rich nations should do what they preach to others –liberalize and open up the markets”. With the election of Obama as the president of the most powerful nation in the world Africa is hoping to get a fair deal this time.
However a lot is expected from the new president elect. He is taking over an America with a depressing economy and involved in many wars. Obama has pledged to help Africa . This is going to be a very huge task for him. Lack of universal responsibility has made attempts to bring peace in Africa just a fleeting illusion that many have pursued but failed to attain. It boggles the mind that in this era where you can have breakfast in Johannesburg , and supper in London over two million people perished in Rwanda . Where was UN? Where was AU? DRC, one of the richest countries on the continent has never enjoyed peace since attaining independence from Belgium in 1960. The country has potential to supply the rest of Africa and some parts of Europe with electricity. It has rich agricultural soils. It has diamond, gold, cobalt, copper and coltan, a metallic ore used in cell phones, DVDs and computers. Recent reports are saying coltan exports from Eastern DRC are believed to be financing the on-going conflict in DRC now. Coltan is mined illegally and smuggled over the DRC border by militias operating in the area. It is estimated that in the 18 months until October the Rwandan army earned about $500m from Congolese coltan. Who is supplying the rebels with ammunition, food, and uniforms?
Finding a permanent solution in DRC has always remained elusive. The tragedy of this rich country is rooted in its wealth and ethnic conflicts are merely a smoke screen for what’s really at stake- mineral wealth. This has always been a hunting ground for mercenaries, powerful nations and multinationals. Imagine that anywhere you go in the world even kids have cell phones, computers and DVDs. But for ordinary Congolese everyday continues to be a struggle to survive violence, hunger and diseases. External intervention is responsible for conflict in Africa so as to open avenues for foreign companies to exploit Africa ’s resources. We are therefore waiting to see whether Obama is the one who is to come or we shall have to wait for another.
The writer is a journalist based in SA.
mkanemanyanga@yahoo.com
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 (soon the paper will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Thabo wa Makae
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Marketing Desk
Thabo wa Makae
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
19 DEC – 25 DEC 08 Edition
* Note: this will be the last edition of the newspaper until next year (2009)
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Modernism in Tebogo and the haka, (Book Review)” (page 3). By Pule Lechesa
(reproduced here)
BOOK REVIEW
Modernism in Tebogo and the haka
By Pule Lechesa
Recent fictional works reflect how the world has moved on in the New Millennium, positively affecting the lives of countless black people at grassroots level all over Africa . This patent trend can be seen for example in Omoseye Bolaji’s latest work of fiction, Tebogo and the haka (2008)
We read and re-read our old favourites, novels, plays etc written by distinguished African writers over the decades and we are struck about the rather old-age ambience of such works. We feel that there is something missing – and most likely that thing is modern technology. Pick up Njabulo Ndebele’s classic, Fools for example and the ambience seems not so different from the setting of 19th century books like Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.
Yet Zamani, the protagonist in Fools, is a school teacher and “middle class” in orientation. But he has few comforts compared with the modern world perks. Not even electricity. Nowadays we are awash with modern gadgets and technology and these things are incorporated into modern fiction. Gone are the days when stationary phones and faxes were the ultimate in technology as can be seen from thousands of books published just a few decades ago.
The face of the modern world has changed so much that most people now have access to things like cell phones, the Internet and ipods. In fact it is understood that in some African countries now “even beggars have one two or more cell phones”. This shows how the whole world has changed. Very few African blacks might have access to internet in their private house but with so many “Internet cafes” all over the place – not to talk of at many libraries – the world has opened up, so to speak.
Hence Tebogo Mokoena , the private investigator of the Tebogo Mystery series reflects this exposure to modern technology, moreso in Tebogo and the haka. His wife, Khanyi, is in France but of course she keeps in touch with him thanks to modern technology, via emails and by phone. SMS (text messages) keep their love glowing despite the vast physical distances between them:
“Before I slept, I was delighted to receive a text (SMS) message from my wife, Khanyi. She reiterated her love for me, said Paris was great but she would prefer to be with me. ‘Sweet dreams honey,’ she ended, ‘big, big kisses’….I slept well”
(Tebogo and the haka; page 11)
As we see later on in the book SMS messages add to the mystery of the story as the plot unravels (but I do not want to give the plot away here); also, as part of the deference to modernity at the end of the book we are told about “slick, sophisticated tape recorder on my person”
Despite the fact that Tebogo is in a small town (Ladybrand) he still has time to go to the Internet. As we are told:
“He (the owner of the Internet shop) smiled. ‘Ah, sometimes we just open for a few hours. Now people are becoming more interested in the Internet. Alas, right now, only one computer is working well. You can pay for 30 minutes, an hour…to user the internet’
‘An hour would be fine,’ I said. ‘I’d like to catch up with my emails…’ I paid for an hour and read my disappointingly few emails. I had hardly spent 15 minutes here and I was more or less through…’”
“Tebogo and the haka, pages 31 - 32)
Other aspects of the story/mystery here involve recordings being made and being shown on computers (not on TV which apparently has become common place!). We are no longer surprised these days that many people at grassroots level have access to computers and sophisticated recorders. It is all part of modernism – which keeps on improving and growing daily.
There are some people who believe that the modern generation has lost a lot (spiritually and intellectually), with so much technology around; that the likes of the Bronte sisters 200 years ago (Emily and Charlotte, to mention the most famous duo) honed their intellect because there was no electricity then (so no electrical gadgets at the time) – that they had ample time to think, go for walks, meditate and construct. The quality of their published works certainly shows their awesome intellect.
However others point out that with so much knowledge available to the world now – accessible more or less instantaneously from the Internet – people are over-spoilt for choice now and can avail themselves of wonderful opportunities. Certainly writers continue to write, and reflect and complement the goings-on in our world, as can be seen from Omoseye Bolaji’s latest work of fiction.
12 DEC – 18 DEC 08 Edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“MY TIME!” (Column) By Seleke Botsime (page 7)
(reproduced here)
Silhouettes
MY TIME
By Seleke Botsime
Allow me to cut my umbilical cord so that I may speak. Prepare the stage and stand firm since I am about to burst like a wine skin and give you what I know. Strike me with a rod so that I can gush out the living water since when I was born I was named the “rock” I remain quiet when the world speak of my father, I remain silent and listen attentively when the world gives their insight about the creator but I was never impressed with their knowledge.
I remain a piece of clay, and for ever remain a potter that shaped me from time immemorial and every thing was good. I died for three days and be buried in him and with within the heart of the earth; never forgetting the fact that I am that rock that snuffs out Goliath from the book of kings. Let those who are found to be fumbling be at silence, when this king proclaims the profound wisdom of my father!It remains a mystery that the master is not only found in majestic cathedrals or supernatural visions, but also in wonders of polar bears and in the plays of Shakespeare (and never being common).
His footprint is increasing in unlikely places. So the heavens dish out this most delightful food and the world remains in a state of awe! I graze at the greener pastures and throw my net at the deepest of the ocean. In short I was prepared for this battle. That is why it was never a surprise that when the earth opened its legs and give birth to me the heavens were shaken and earth was silent (all because I did the confrontation).The street became my university and my downfall 0became my strength.
Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future!When I rise and speak this wisdom I didn’t forget to buckle my waist with the breastplate of righteousness, never did I forget a shield of faith of which I will use to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Wearing the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit. Brothers I tell you, I am heavenly pregnant with the zeal. Let this be an open letter for those with the spirit of Belzubhab. This soldier is ready for war! I remained at the back seat for long but now I am found on the front seats, I make front pages since I am no longer undercover not forgetting dominating the headlines.
This is my time, brothers!Blow the horns at Bethhakkerrem since the conquering one is here. In him and through me the blind will say ‘they can see’ and the poor will say they are rich. Dear brothers my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities and most of all against the dark world with their spiritual forces. Everything will be revealed in time since now the world is not ready to conceive this. I hear the heavens rejoice ‘cos I am standing at the land of Beulah and the final word from my father is “Truly this one is my son!”
05 DEC – 11 DEC 08 EDITION
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“NUANCES OF BARACK OBAMA” (Letter). By Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga (page 6)
(reproduced here)
Nuances of Barack Obama
By Maxwell Perkins Kanemanyanga
Africa is patiently waiting to see whether high-riding Barack Obama is an angel of mercy or something more sinister!
In 1963, Dr Martin Luther King JR had a dream. “It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” The election of Obama as the first black president of America was a fulfillment of Dr King’s dream.
The election of Obama seemed like great news for Africa . Kenya the birth place of his father, even declared a national holiday. The million dollar question though, is how Obama will shape up. Even though the world is becoming a global village Africa still remains an island of war, poverty, hunger and diseases. America and the West always blame political instability, lack of democracy and corruption for Africa ’s woes. This is true to a certain extent but I think there is more to this. Africa does not only need lessons of bourgeois democracy but justice.
America and the West are always showering Africa with aid. Africa is a rich continent but is always getting unfair trade deals from the developed world. In 2002, IMF chief Horst Koehler toured Africa for five days. On this tour he said trade distortions made a mockery of efforts to reduce poverty and made any real progress impossible. “If we do not give you better trade opportunities then maybe the fight against poverty is lost from the beginning… Rich nations should do what they preach to others –liberalize and open up the markets”. With the election of Obama as the president of the most powerful nation in the world Africa is hoping to get a fair deal this time.
However a lot is expected from the new president elect. He is taking over an America with a depressing economy and involved in many wars. Obama has pledged to help Africa . This is going to be a very huge task for him. Lack of universal responsibility has made attempts to bring peace in Africa just a fleeting illusion that many have pursued but failed to attain. It boggles the mind that in this era where you can have breakfast in Johannesburg , and supper in London over two million people perished in Rwanda . Where was UN? Where was AU? DRC, one of the richest countries on the continent has never enjoyed peace since attaining independence from Belgium in 1960. The country has potential to supply the rest of Africa and some parts of Europe with electricity. It has rich agricultural soils. It has diamond, gold, cobalt, copper and coltan, a metallic ore used in cell phones, DVDs and computers. Recent reports are saying coltan exports from Eastern DRC are believed to be financing the on-going conflict in DRC now. Coltan is mined illegally and smuggled over the DRC border by militias operating in the area. It is estimated that in the 18 months until October the Rwandan army earned about $500m from Congolese coltan. Who is supplying the rebels with ammunition, food, and uniforms?
Finding a permanent solution in DRC has always remained elusive. The tragedy of this rich country is rooted in its wealth and ethnic conflicts are merely a smoke screen for what’s really at stake- mineral wealth. This has always been a hunting ground for mercenaries, powerful nations and multinationals. Imagine that anywhere you go in the world even kids have cell phones, computers and DVDs. But for ordinary Congolese everyday continues to be a struggle to survive violence, hunger and diseases. External intervention is responsible for conflict in Africa so as to open avenues for foreign companies to exploit Africa ’s resources. We are therefore waiting to see whether Obama is the one who is to come or we shall have to wait for another.
The writer is a journalist based in SA.
mkanemanyanga@yahoo.com
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Free State News (Nov 2008)
FREE STATE NEWS PUBLICATION (Nov 2008)
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 (soon the paper will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Thabo wa Makae
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Marketing Desk
Thabo wa Makae
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
28 NOV – 04 DEC 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Hark at this praise singer!” By Flaxman Qoopane (page 2)
(reproduced here)
Hark at this praise singer!
By Flaxman Qoopane
Yakobi Sixam (41) a powerful and captivating praise singer, honed his skills from a young age whilst based in the Eastern Cape. “I was only 14 when I started to become a praise singer” he told Free State news. “I was at Mbashane farm at King Williams Town. My father (Sihlalo) then had thirty cattle and I used to look after them. There was a big bull called Zadunge (dirty floor) among the cattle. The bull used to fight and intimidate other bulls and I used to praise it; that is how I became a praise singer”
Sixam attended Nonto Primary School. “At the Primary school the principal noted my talent as a praise singer. She encouraged me to perform at school concerts. She was tough on me, insisting I was word perfect in my renditions. I also performed at sundry school functions,”
He also reminisced that in those days when his father wanted to slaughter one of his cattle, he would take him (Sixam) to the kraal, and ask him to praise the cattle and their ancestors. “Mothers from other villages would come to my father’s ceremony and used to ukuyiyisela (ululate)” he smiled.
Sixam became very popular in the Eastern Cape. “When people from our neighbouring villages were having traditional ceremonies, they would invite me to their events to do praise singing,” he said.
From 1978 – 88 he studied for a Bachelor of Pedagogics (B.Ped) at Fort Hare University. “Prof Mkhonto introduced me to Xhosa poetry and praise singing and encouraged me to work harder as a praise-singer,”
Sixam has garnered several awards. In 1988 he was awarded the Battle of Poets in East London. In 2000 he was given the Premier’s Poetry Award in the Eastern Cape. From 2002 – 2008 he performed at the Arts Festival in Grahamstown with distinction. Also the Eastern Cape Dept of Water Affairs involved Yakobi Sixam in a project to train young praise-singers. Sixam also recently wowed audiences at the recent Macufe Wordfest in Mangaung here.
21 NOV – 27 Nov 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Jolly day for disadvantaged children,” By Julia Stuurman (page 2)
(reproduced here)
JOLLY DAY FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
By Julia Stuurman
The refreshing sound of birds singing and the welcome breeze of fresh air were not the only things captivating at the Maselspoort Resort just outside Bloemfontein, as the reverberation of children’s laughs and excitement added to the wonderful order of the day.
This was the setting as Social Development, in partnership with Vodacom selected children from the disadvantaged communities in Botshabelo for the annual Toy Party held to entertain kids.
“We wanted to take these children to a place they have never been to before, just to enjoy themselves,” Vodacom Marketing Manager, Lungile Jama said.
These children were from Amohelang Intermediate School, Karabelo and Refentse crèches. Vodacom selected two hundred of them and transported them to the Resort. The kids ranged from the ages between four and nine years. The theme for this party was “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
The entertainment was in form of pony rides, battery operated cars, face painting, jumping castle, a treasure, a treasure hunt and bracelet making. They were given gifts like skate boards and party goodies which included t-shirts and water bottles.
To seal the merry day, Father Xmas arrived on a pirate ship and children jumped on it to join him on his gift journey.
14 NOV – 20 NOV 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Scintillating pre-School Graduation Ceremony!” By Thabo wa Makae (page 4)
(reproduced here)
SCINTILLATING PRE-SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY!
By Thabo wa Makae
Stepping Stones Pre-Primary School held a graduation ceremony and a concert at Berg – Dal Church Hall in Dan Pienaar Bloemfontein. The aim and the purpose of the ceremony were to honor and crown the graduating youngsters. The big function was graced by the multitudes of parents and friends. The kids put on a great show, performing dramas, dancing and singing to their parents and friends.
Mrs. Maureen Vermeulen, who is the founder and principal of the Stepping Stones explained that she started to be a teacher since 1989. She studied for four years to become a pre-school teacher.
She stressed to Free State News that teaching the kids is like a calling to her because she wants to make a difference to their lives. She also mentioned that she is targeting kids from 3 years to 6 years of age. “One of my priorities is to prepare kids physically and mentally for next year as they will be joining other higher schools.” She said at the occasion. She added that she is so impressed about the support she gets from the parents.
Free State News talked to some of the parents of the graduating kids. Mrs. Lindiwe Vinger and Mrs. Mookho Monaheng both indicated that they are impressed with the performance of their kids. Mrs. Vinger said: “This is a memorable, unforgettable occasion. I have been stunned by the performances and intelligence of the kids. My own kid, Dintle has also done me proud!”
She and Mrs. Monaheng added that their kids joined the school without the knowledge of speaking English, but the children are now so proficient and confident! Free State news talked to the graduates; amazingly Dintle Vinger in particular is already fluent in English at the age of 5. The parents rounded off by saying they like the school because it promotes the mother tongue, and also inculcates respect. .
7 NOV – 13 NOV 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Free State News journalist scoops prestigious award” (Front page)
(reproduced here)
FREE STATE NEWS JOURNALIST SCOOPS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
By Neo Mvubu
Free State News’ senior journalist, Julia Stuurman has come out tops, winning in the Features category of the inaugural Provincial GCIS Community Media Awards which were held in the Regional Hall in Mangaung this week.
Dignitaries who graced the epochal occasion included the Mayor of Mangaung Local Municipality (MLM), Eva Moilwa; Nthabiseng Mokotjo, the Councillor, Mokotjo Mokotjo former Lesedi FM Presenter, Dr Elsabe Pepler from the University of the Free State (Humanities Department) and Qondile Kedama, Communications Manager for MLM.
GCIS organised the Community Media awards to acknowledge the hard earned efforts of journalists. The awards were dished out in the following categories: for photo journalism, for features, for government based stories, and for sports journalism. There was also the Overall Winner category. There were dozens of entries in all the categories from all over the Free State Province.
Upon being declared winner in the Features category, Julia Stuurman stood up from her seat with disbelief as she was called forward, and her award formally handed over to her. “I am so happy and grateful to the people who made this journey with me worth travelling thus far,” said the “blushing” winner.
Julia Stuurman has for many years devoted her life to quality journalism. Career gongs for her include going through a short course in investigative journalism at Rhodes University under Sol Plaatje funds; writing for a London Based Magazine called Africa in Diaspora; receiving her certificate in journalism at ALLEBY Power Learning at the Midrand Campus, and going through an internship with Express Newspaper. She also worked for ZPR as a public relations assistant, and was an Abet educator. She has been strutting her journalistic stuff with élan for Free State News for some years now “Free State News publication has enabled me to express my passion for writing.”
She added: “These awards generally provide an indication that someone out there really values the work that journalists do, and this is a form of motivation for the aspiring journalists, a way to push them, and make them stay strong,”
The News Editor of Free State news, O. Bolaji, said: “Ms Julia Stuurman is a joy to work with. She’s a consummate professional. She’s cerebral, courteous, and charming. She also has maturity, momentum, and mystique. As a complement, when necessary, she’s possessed of a disarming, whimsical sense of humour! I’m very happy for her,”
The other winners were Nkosana Mashinini (Eastern Free State Issue) for photo journalism, Jabulani Dlamini (Express) for government based stories- and Overall Winner; and Teboho Setena (formerly at Express) for sports journalism.
This web page(s) would regularly focus 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 (soon the paper will be celebrating its 10th year anniversary). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Here, we shall have regular items like “Feature of the week”, which started in July, 2008
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
Julia Stuurman
Flaxman Qoopane
Neo Mvubu
Thabo wa Makae
Sports Reporter
Michael Tlhakudi
Marketing Desk
Thabo wa Makae
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Photographer
Fresh Pix
Contact number:
051 447 1655
28 NOV – 04 DEC 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Hark at this praise singer!” By Flaxman Qoopane (page 2)
(reproduced here)
Hark at this praise singer!
By Flaxman Qoopane
Yakobi Sixam (41) a powerful and captivating praise singer, honed his skills from a young age whilst based in the Eastern Cape. “I was only 14 when I started to become a praise singer” he told Free State news. “I was at Mbashane farm at King Williams Town. My father (Sihlalo) then had thirty cattle and I used to look after them. There was a big bull called Zadunge (dirty floor) among the cattle. The bull used to fight and intimidate other bulls and I used to praise it; that is how I became a praise singer”
Sixam attended Nonto Primary School. “At the Primary school the principal noted my talent as a praise singer. She encouraged me to perform at school concerts. She was tough on me, insisting I was word perfect in my renditions. I also performed at sundry school functions,”
He also reminisced that in those days when his father wanted to slaughter one of his cattle, he would take him (Sixam) to the kraal, and ask him to praise the cattle and their ancestors. “Mothers from other villages would come to my father’s ceremony and used to ukuyiyisela (ululate)” he smiled.
Sixam became very popular in the Eastern Cape. “When people from our neighbouring villages were having traditional ceremonies, they would invite me to their events to do praise singing,” he said.
From 1978 – 88 he studied for a Bachelor of Pedagogics (B.Ped) at Fort Hare University. “Prof Mkhonto introduced me to Xhosa poetry and praise singing and encouraged me to work harder as a praise-singer,”
Sixam has garnered several awards. In 1988 he was awarded the Battle of Poets in East London. In 2000 he was given the Premier’s Poetry Award in the Eastern Cape. From 2002 – 2008 he performed at the Arts Festival in Grahamstown with distinction. Also the Eastern Cape Dept of Water Affairs involved Yakobi Sixam in a project to train young praise-singers. Sixam also recently wowed audiences at the recent Macufe Wordfest in Mangaung here.
21 NOV – 27 Nov 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Jolly day for disadvantaged children,” By Julia Stuurman (page 2)
(reproduced here)
JOLLY DAY FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
By Julia Stuurman
The refreshing sound of birds singing and the welcome breeze of fresh air were not the only things captivating at the Maselspoort Resort just outside Bloemfontein, as the reverberation of children’s laughs and excitement added to the wonderful order of the day.
This was the setting as Social Development, in partnership with Vodacom selected children from the disadvantaged communities in Botshabelo for the annual Toy Party held to entertain kids.
“We wanted to take these children to a place they have never been to before, just to enjoy themselves,” Vodacom Marketing Manager, Lungile Jama said.
These children were from Amohelang Intermediate School, Karabelo and Refentse crèches. Vodacom selected two hundred of them and transported them to the Resort. The kids ranged from the ages between four and nine years. The theme for this party was “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
The entertainment was in form of pony rides, battery operated cars, face painting, jumping castle, a treasure, a treasure hunt and bracelet making. They were given gifts like skate boards and party goodies which included t-shirts and water bottles.
To seal the merry day, Father Xmas arrived on a pirate ship and children jumped on it to join him on his gift journey.
14 NOV – 20 NOV 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Scintillating pre-School Graduation Ceremony!” By Thabo wa Makae (page 4)
(reproduced here)
SCINTILLATING PRE-SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY!
By Thabo wa Makae
Stepping Stones Pre-Primary School held a graduation ceremony and a concert at Berg – Dal Church Hall in Dan Pienaar Bloemfontein. The aim and the purpose of the ceremony were to honor and crown the graduating youngsters. The big function was graced by the multitudes of parents and friends. The kids put on a great show, performing dramas, dancing and singing to their parents and friends.
Mrs. Maureen Vermeulen, who is the founder and principal of the Stepping Stones explained that she started to be a teacher since 1989. She studied for four years to become a pre-school teacher.
She stressed to Free State News that teaching the kids is like a calling to her because she wants to make a difference to their lives. She also mentioned that she is targeting kids from 3 years to 6 years of age. “One of my priorities is to prepare kids physically and mentally for next year as they will be joining other higher schools.” She said at the occasion. She added that she is so impressed about the support she gets from the parents.
Free State News talked to some of the parents of the graduating kids. Mrs. Lindiwe Vinger and Mrs. Mookho Monaheng both indicated that they are impressed with the performance of their kids. Mrs. Vinger said: “This is a memorable, unforgettable occasion. I have been stunned by the performances and intelligence of the kids. My own kid, Dintle has also done me proud!”
She and Mrs. Monaheng added that their kids joined the school without the knowledge of speaking English, but the children are now so proficient and confident! Free State news talked to the graduates; amazingly Dintle Vinger in particular is already fluent in English at the age of 5. The parents rounded off by saying they like the school because it promotes the mother tongue, and also inculcates respect. .
7 NOV – 13 NOV 08 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK:
“Free State News journalist scoops prestigious award” (Front page)
(reproduced here)
FREE STATE NEWS JOURNALIST SCOOPS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
By Neo Mvubu
Free State News’ senior journalist, Julia Stuurman has come out tops, winning in the Features category of the inaugural Provincial GCIS Community Media Awards which were held in the Regional Hall in Mangaung this week.
Dignitaries who graced the epochal occasion included the Mayor of Mangaung Local Municipality (MLM), Eva Moilwa; Nthabiseng Mokotjo, the Councillor, Mokotjo Mokotjo former Lesedi FM Presenter, Dr Elsabe Pepler from the University of the Free State (Humanities Department) and Qondile Kedama, Communications Manager for MLM.
GCIS organised the Community Media awards to acknowledge the hard earned efforts of journalists. The awards were dished out in the following categories: for photo journalism, for features, for government based stories, and for sports journalism. There was also the Overall Winner category. There were dozens of entries in all the categories from all over the Free State Province.
Upon being declared winner in the Features category, Julia Stuurman stood up from her seat with disbelief as she was called forward, and her award formally handed over to her. “I am so happy and grateful to the people who made this journey with me worth travelling thus far,” said the “blushing” winner.
Julia Stuurman has for many years devoted her life to quality journalism. Career gongs for her include going through a short course in investigative journalism at Rhodes University under Sol Plaatje funds; writing for a London Based Magazine called Africa in Diaspora; receiving her certificate in journalism at ALLEBY Power Learning at the Midrand Campus, and going through an internship with Express Newspaper. She also worked for ZPR as a public relations assistant, and was an Abet educator. She has been strutting her journalistic stuff with élan for Free State News for some years now “Free State News publication has enabled me to express my passion for writing.”
She added: “These awards generally provide an indication that someone out there really values the work that journalists do, and this is a form of motivation for the aspiring journalists, a way to push them, and make them stay strong,”
The News Editor of Free State news, O. Bolaji, said: “Ms Julia Stuurman is a joy to work with. She’s a consummate professional. She’s cerebral, courteous, and charming. She also has maturity, momentum, and mystique. As a complement, when necessary, she’s possessed of a disarming, whimsical sense of humour! I’m very happy for her,”
The other winners were Nkosana Mashinini (Eastern Free State Issue) for photo journalism, Jabulani Dlamini (Express) for government based stories- and Overall Winner; and Teboho Setena (formerly at Express) for sports journalism.
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