Reginald Makgoba Writer's Blog

Playing Soccer Keeps Me Fit

2011-10-13T01:19:00.001-07:00

Reginald Makgoba

THIS player is neither the answer to Bafana Bafana's goalscoring problems, nor harbors any hopes of being in the national squad for the 2010 World Cup. But Mmane Koko "Ace" Molopa trains every morning and is now used to playing soccer.

"Before I can do my domestic jobs, I go to training every morning. This helps me to keep my body healthy and fit. I started exercising after my doctor told me that exercising can keep my body ‘super healthy'".

Mmane Koko, Age 66, said if she had been exposed to soccer at an earlier age, she would have become a top South African striker and could have stolen the limelight from Noko Matlou, who plays for Banyana Banyana.

She encourages young people to participate in sports, especially soccer, from an early age and continue even when they are senior citizens.

She added that because soccer is not about exercising only, but also helps one to put bread on the table, it could make a difference socially.

"Soccer is a business and clubs these days pay generously. Therefore if our youth take sports seriously, they can make a living out of it and be healthy. But this can only happen if our government and other stakeholders participate in developing love for the sport and help build the infrastructure to support it for future generations."

It has been established that the elderly are victims of high blood pressure and other diseases because they rarely do what they were doing in the past. These include activities like fetching water and collecting firewood in the mountains.

"Nowadays we hardly ever exercise because we rarely go to the mountain to collect wood or even to fetch water. These days we buy wood from nearby sellers and it is also not safe anymore to ascend the mountain when you are old because there is the danger of being attacked," says Mmane Koko.

Doctor Leonard Maake, from Letaba Hospital, agrees that if senior citizens keep on exercising this could minimize their chances of developing diseases like high blood pressure and sugar diabetes.

Animal movie star acts in more than 400 movies

2011-10-13T00:45:00.000-07:00

By Metji Reginald Makgoba

Lions normally live up to fifteen years, but the indomitable lion known as Jackie, turned 30 years old earlier this year. He has managed to reach this unusual age after he has survived different diseases during his lifespan. His (now deceased) friend has been put on display in the reception at one of South Africans game reserves after he died of cancer three years back. Jackie as he is known by his movie fans, local and abroad, was spotted in Zimbabwe by authorised hunters in the bush of Harare. Renowned as a “Hollywood star”, Jackie is now camped in the northern part of South Africa, Limpopo Province at the Ranch Game Reserve. Jackie – the lion, started his acting career at the age of four, and lions like him were trained to entertain tourists in the nature conversation.

Before, he could become a famous actor, Jackie started as an escort entertainer – walking with tourists at game reserves in South Africa, and abroad. This is where his acting skill blossomed to make him a loyal animal in the film industry. He made his debut in movies at the age of 8 as a fully grown adult. Willow Phiri, who is a game ranger at the Ranch, admitted that it is quite unusual for a lion to complete three decades, and remain active. He said Jackie is still an active animal, he is still making babies – his last born cubs are now three, four and six years old respectively.

Phiri said a lion’s lifespan is up to 8 years when they are independent in the wild and up to fifteen years when they are in a game reserve. Now Jackie has exceeded the normal lifespan of a lion to become thirty years old. Jackie ‘stole the limelight’ when he appeared in a local comedy, Mr Bones in 2001. He has, to date, acted in more than 400 movies locally and abroad. His famous movies include: The Gods Must Be Crazy, King Solomon’s Mine, Chronic Rules Nania, Think about Africa, Wild in the Island, and Beval Hills. He now spends his days asleep, and also enjoying a 10 kg bag filled with meat twice a week. Phiri remarked that Jackie’s days are numbered, and he has acted in his last movie, The Pride, in 2010. “This lion has played a lionised role in the film industry, he has done it. It would be a sad moment if he dies, but this is inevitable”. Phiri said they are yet to announce the retirement of Jackie after 22 years of his acting career.

Life is hard, but Ramphela remains impervious

2011-07-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

Reginald Makgoba

Life became hard for Michael Ramphela, who totally lost his sight in 2003, after apartheid police forces beat him in 1986. But Ramphela, 48, says he did not lose hope even though he discovered that he could not see again. As a first child of his mother, he had to do something to save his family from an abject poverty endured by his family.

His parents died in early 90s, and he had to resume the responsibility as a bread winner. From his disability grant, Ramphela started small by running a spaza shop in his aunt’s backward, next to the University of Limpopo’s Turfloop Campus. For this initiative, he believed that his life became even harder, because he had to learn how to draw a budget, and to deal with unscrupulous customers who used fake notes to purchase his products.

However, against all the odds, Ramphela persevered with the running of his small business, and managed to accumulate income to assist his family to meet their end needs. Fortunately, the situation started improving as his mysterious story unfolded with promises. “I manage to put money on the table, and things slightly changed in my family”, said former Marobathuta High School matriculant.

Raphela always wished to have a good life, in 2009, he enrolled for a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, but could not proceed with his studies due to lack of funding. However, this ordeal did not affect his ambitions of having a beautiful life. Then he concentrated on running his spaza shop, while exploring other business opportunities in farming. “Things started changing for good, I wrote a business proposal about our small poultry farm, and I received funding to start our farm in Metz next to Boyne”, he said. Now Ramphela owns a small poultry business in Metz, and he recently bought a 1400 Nissan bakkie. “We use this car to deliver chickens and eggs to our customers. Ramphela hopes to grow his business, and further improve living conditions of his family members.

Reginald Makgoba is a blogger and media graduate from the University of Limpopo

An Eight-year Old Releases First Album

2011-07-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

Reginald Metji Makgoba

An eight-year old Katlego Mthombeni, who is affectionately known by his fans as London Passion, recently released an album called Siya Jema.

London Passion started singing at the age of four, and says he was taught how to sing by his father. Born in 2003 at Moteti, Denalson Village, London Passion is the second child to Shemi Mthombeni, who is reaping the fruit of his successful young singer.

The grade three learner at Good Sheppard School located in Moteti Village in Mpumalanga says he enjoys signing and wishes to have his second album one day in order to continue encouraging young people to see education as a great tool to survive poverty.

In his debut album, Katlego encourages his fellow learners through a song called Go to School. Amazingly, at his age, London Passion already understands the importance of education.

“We must go to school to acquire knowledge and ultimately pave a smooth path for our future. Education has a potential to lead to a better future,” he says.

The Ba Ba Ratang Morena singer shared a stage with Winnie Mashaba at Grace and Hope Disability School during the International Disability Day in Seshego township outside Polokwane, where he entertained and raised funds for this school.

In his fairly new career, London Passion has already been on the same stage with famous and powerful singers.

“I performed with the likes of Dj Cleo, Revolution and Solly Moholo. This was a very good experience for me. I wish one day I will be on the same stage with Lil Wayne,” the kwaito singer said.

Surprisingly, he got off the stage during his performance in Seshego to walk among the audience as they shouted his name, “London Passion….!”

At his age, one could wonder where he gained this amazing confidence, but his father says that he is a brave young lad who loves people.

His album was released under the auspices of George Senosha, the owner of Pick ‘n Pay Soshanguve-Mabopane, and Ephraim Mokou through their community outreach programmes. Mokou also helped the singer with branding and financial support to record his album.

When Mthombemi was asked about his son, he said that he is pleased that even though his son is in the entertainment industry, he takes school seriously and his teachers at Good Shepherd School are praising his performance. London Passion says that the reason he loves music is that he likes traveling and musicians travel a lot. And he wishes to cross London Bridge in England.

Will London Passion follow the ways of Sboniso Dlamini, aka Msawawa, whose music career was buried by problems and alcohol abuse?

School of Law Open Day X-Rays the Benefits of hard Work

2011-06-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

“Hard work pays”. This counsel was given by Honourable Justice Francis Legodi; a Judge in the North Gauteng High Court during his key note address to law students at the University of Limpopo recently. The event was the Black Lawyers Association Open Day, organised by its UL Chapter in partnership with the School of Management and Law. It focused mainly on ethics and morals guiding lawyers in their profession.

Buttressing his statement, Honourable Justice Legodi said that “in school we are rewarded by progressing to the next level of any study, and in the corporate world we are rewarded by self-satisfaction”, and added that “it is not about money, but the ability to fulfil your dreams as a lawyer and to serve the community” that counts. Speaking further, he told them that “there is no school for moral and ethics, but the two are essential for any individual”, he counselled students. The Judge said that law is not a profession for the rich. “When we choose a career, we should be driven by our passion, not money”, he said. Advocate Fana Nalana of Johannesburg Bar, who was one of the guest speakers at the event, also emphasised the value of hard work. “It does not matter where you come from. With perseverance and hard work, the sky is the limit”, he said. He encouraged law students to avoid political activism and focus on their studies, to avoid any criminal record.

According to BLA President, Mr Ngwako Maodi, the aim of their Annual Open Day is “to bridge the gap between what is theoretical taught in class, and what is practical happening in the legal profession”. He said their organisation invites dignitaries from all spheres of legal fraternity annually to address students about legal issues and prospects, and opportunities in the field. He encouraged students to ask their guests questions and use the occasion to understand the nature of the corporate world and what is expected of them.

A number of legal practitioners within and outside Limpopo Province were in attendance at the event as guest speakers. Advocate Modise Molekoa: Director of Legal Administration at the Department of Justice told students that the law profession is highly regulated, and advised them to readily act with honesty and integrity. He said their Code of Conducts requires a lot from a person, therefore, aspiring lawyers have to be clean from any wrong doing. In legal profession, the “fit and proper” contained in the Code of Conduct requires a lawyer or future legal practitioners to follow ethical conducts, and should not have committed any crime,” he explained.

He indicated that their department is building a High Court in Limpopo Province, and they will assist in exposing students to the practical aspect of their studies. “We want to partner with the University so that student can have access to conduct practicals while completing their degrees. We have made available 39 courts in Limpopo Province as part of dealing with crime and helping aspiring lawyers to take advantage of these facilities,” he said.

Advocate Arthur Maisela, General Manager: Technology Innovation Agency, in his speech “Expanding the Role of Ethics in the Legal Profession”, told students that lawyers have to follow their ethical codes and act with professionalism. According to him, there is a negative stereotype about lawyers being disloyal, and this stereotype has a negative impact on their profession. He advised aspiring lawyers to help remove this negative perception by becoming trustworthy.

Mr. Paul Ramara, an international property specialists and Spoor & Fischer partner said that universities should empower students to venture into international property law. According to him, the latter has a lot of opportunities, but there are few black people practising law in this sector. Mr. Mapulana Maponya of Mapulana Maponya Inc, emphasised the importance of partnerships in legal fraternity. He encouraged students to group and become law partners after completing their studies. According to him, partnerships can create big law firms, and this can also help in creating lot of jobs. Mokgadi Machaba: Senior Associate of EverSheds, told students that “their attitude will determine their success” and that nothing is impossible in life.

Mr. Edwin Mampa, LLB fourth level student expressed his appreciation to BLA “for a job well-done”, and for providing students with an opportunity to be close to established lawyers in the industry. He said the event is very important because they ‘get to communicate with people who have done it and have been there.”

STUDENT MENTORS ORGANISE A FUNNY DAY

2011-06-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

Members of the University of Limpopo mentorship had a funny day recently but their Project Manager, Mr. Snare Mokobodi insists it wasn’t only for fun. He says their first successfully funny day function was also aimed at raising funds for orphanages within the contiguous areas of the University. The event which was held at the Great Tiro Hall, was organized under the auspices of Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). High and primary school pupils from the surrounding areas of Mankweng also attended the function.

Jack Mokoka Selowa, a first year Social Work student, in his hilarious keynote address, encouraged both learners and students on behalf of the Students Representative Council (SRC) to take their studies seriously and indicated that “University of Limpopo is in quest of finding Africans solutions and a haven for grooming academics and leaders”. He advised high school learners to consider enrolling for their studies in the university.

The participants heeded the call from their organizers with their relatively funny and crazy looks. Their different funny attire stimulated the mood in the hall as participants were chatting and screaming at the performers and comedians throughout the function. But it was Elizabeth Moganedi, a second year Media Studies student, who ‘stole the limelight’ by imitating the late Sara Bartman with her fake curves and pseudo ballooned buttocks. She was ultimately honoured for her funny look, and won a creative sound system speaker.

Then, CAE Senior Lecturer, Mr. Mosimaneotsile Mohlake took the stage wearing a ‘mechanic’s’ suit to the surprise of the audience, in a mood to deliver his “funny speech”. But he could only express his delight by raucously laughing at the performers. He had to leave the podium laughing to his seat.

The spectacle unfolded with a multifaceted dimension; artists, actors, poets, comedians, and dancers took the stage on a campaign to amuse the audience. It was the price winner and BA student, Mr Sydney Ngobeni who bewildered the audience the most with his height, female long dress, sharp nose, hand bag, sun glasses and artificial breasts. He won a champ chair after he stunned the hall, and the Mister’s Crew with his weird modeling abilities.

The show reached a climax when Sammy Nthoke (aka Lekker Sweet) and Lyrik Shoxen – a rapper and vocalist respectively, performed on stage. They and the New Dawn Development; a band of three primary school learners extended the excited in the hall with their romantic songs.

The Chairperson of Senior Mentors Programme Mr. Mbongeseni Nkosi thanked the audience and his fellow mentors for making their first funny event a success. He hoped that they would be able to make positive changes in communities that are in need. “This is for charity. We are going to buy blankets for orphans and poor people in the surrounding areas of the University”, he said. They “have raised some undisclosed amount of money for this purposed”, he added.

Some of the artists saw the event as a move to unleash their talents and to give often overlooked people an opportunity to showcase their abilities. Nkele Malahlela, a third year BSc Agricultural Economics student saw it as her “life time opportunity”. She entertained the audience with her jokes and humorous dress code. Dilly Vuma, a fourth year LLB student agreed with her chairperson that the event was a big success considering it was the first of its kind organized by CAE.

In his closing remarks, the day‘s programme director and the Project Manager of Senior Student Programme, Mr Snare Mokobodi commended comedians who imitated a pregnant woman, and joked that this shows that people don’t condomise. He encouraged attendees to live a healthy lifestyle.

CAREER MOTIVATIONAL TALK FOR UL CHEMISTRY STUDENTS

2011-06-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

A successful career Motivational Lunchtime Talk was recently organised by the Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mineral Sciences. A leading South African Chemist, Prof. Marissa Susan Rollnick delivered the talk at Great Tiro Hall, focussing mainly on first entering science students, and the challenges experienced by both educators and students in chemistry.

Mr Ludwig Maluadzi, one of the event organisers and a lecturer at the Department of Chemistry said that the lunch talk was aimed at “motivating first students to take up chemistry as a profession.”

Prof Susan Rollnick who is a visiting Professor from Wits University, while explaining challenges faced by chemists, said that chemistry is very difficult because “we study things that we cannot see using theories”. She suggests that lecturers should teach students as a group of people who do not understand chemistry at all if they want them to understand and love the discipline. “The model of teaching chemistry at macroscopic rather than microscopic level makes this discipline very difficult for students, she said. According to her, “this could be the cause of major setbacks being experienced by Chemistry students”. She advised the Science educators in her audience to endeavour and “find a way of relating these models and make chemistry more interesting.”

Speaking further, Prof Rollnick; Head of Chemical Education Division of South African Chemical Institute, aid that “if lecturers focus, for example, on macroscopic level neglecting the microscopic in teaching chemistry, the illusion is then created that students understand their lessons, although this is not the case.” According to her, this situation makes things harder for students to excel in their studies, and informed all her audience that the year 2011 is the International Year of Chemistry.

Prof. Rollnick, who is also the Head of Science Education at Wits University, said that chemistry is based on evidence and experiments. Throughout her presentation, she emphasised the need to combine theory and experiment in teaching students. She was inundated with questions from students seeking clarity about, according to them, “studying things we do not see”. One of the students asked the Professor: “how do we know if there is oxygen if we cannot see it’? Responding, she said that oxygen cannot be seen, but we can produce evidence to show that oxygen really exists.

In counselling students on the career path they should take at the completion of their studies, she explained that chemistry students can become educators, journalists, lawyers, scientists, program developers. She however emphasised that an honours degree is a prerequisite for any student to become a chemist.

While giving a vote of thanks, Dr Regina Maphanga, a lecturer in the Department of Physics, thanked the students and staff members for their attendance, adding that she hope students have grasped some knowledge from the speech. She also appreciated the visiting professor ‘for presenting students with such a “wonderful motivational talk”. Ms Mathakhi Makananisa, a first level Geology student interviewed, appreciated the career talk, and said she learnt a lot about the intricacies, and approaches of dealing with Science –especially Chemistry.

Be Candid about Racism

2011-03-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

Reginald Makgoba

The history books show that South Africa is a troubled land with distressing racial stereotypes and prejudices, socially constructed by colonial masters. Explicably, freedom fighters world over fought extensively against racism until we witnessed the demise of apartheid regime and its racial discriminating rules. And it was then declared that the people of South Africa have to embrace each other and forgive and forget about the difficulties suffered by victims of racial rules. Therefore, citizens unwittingly thought that South Africa would become a racially united rain bow nation. This unity was to be done irrespective racial identity, but as caring and forgiving citizens. Despondently, this happened without confronting core political, economical and social inequities inflicted by the white-ruled racial government at the expense of both new generation and racism victims.

After South Africa elected its first black president in 1994, reconciliation was introduced as a way of finding a progressive strategy to do away with racism. However, reconciliation catalysts failed dismally to provide a platform in which an open debate can take place. This platform should have been created for a people to fathom the intricacies and implications of this prejudicial centred issue. The ruling party and its government, however, made it difficult for the people to talk about this issue. Considering the history of South Africa, racism is a very sensitive subject. Therefore, in order for people to overcome its sensitivities, they have to refrain from their emotions and socially constructed values. The different echelons of society and particularly of this nation should explicitly talk about racism. This is to make sure that bigotry such as racial discrimination statement is dealt with effectively. We cannot shy away from problems as a way of attempting to solve them.

The most difficult thing about our significant social problems is that, their remedies lack practical solutions to addressing issues such as racism. Instead of talking about the significance and the implications of racism in society, we resorted to “politically correctness” solutions. This political correctness prompted the government to change the lexicon structures where some racially discriminating words where prohibited. This meant that all issues surrounding racism were swept under the mat and pretence became the order of the day. But what happened to the thinking of most South Africans, racism still lingers in their cognisance. It is time for objective and authentic debate to take place on racism issues, not the irrational war of words going about in the public. Ours is a democratic society that encourages freedom of expression and responsibility that seeks to close the racial cleavages left by the likes of VF Verwoerd and DF Malan. It is unfortunate the current hullaballoo and war of words going about in the media polarises further racial segregation. Using anger and emotions to deal with a sensitive issue akin to racism could further inflict pain rather happiness and harmony.

Voters Will Determine Good Parties In The Elections

2011-02-11T03:58:00.000-08:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

Cope movement is “utterly” in disarray, but this does not automatically make other political houses such as the ANC, PAC, DA and IFP good parties. Factionalism and in fighting are rife in South African politics. This is because politics have been reduced to personalities and the looting of public funds. What is happening in the COPE movement is not new to our politics. It is a cancer affecting African leaders because they use their leadership positions to accumulate wealth through tenderpreneurship. Thus, holding a particular position is aligned with some fringe benefits, be it of financial or social nature.

For this reason, our leaders will undoubtedly be involved in gross and endless leadership battles. The ANC had the same problem of having individuals fighting for positions. And the very same COPE movement that is embroiled in leadership turmoil is an outcome and revelation of a battle for leadership in the ANC. Upsettingly, complementing what is currently happening within the echelons of COPE, heads are rolling in the Inkatha Freedom Party as the chairperson and the president are at one another other’ s throat.

Rhodes University political science lecturer as quoted by one the dailies says: “the conflict in COPE must be looked at in light of the conflict in the IFP, the ANC, its youth league and the Young Communist League. The reason bitter factionalism has become endemic in party politics is that none of the parties have an emancipatory vision for society”.

Crucially, local government elections are just around the corner, and citizens have to be critical when they choose the leadership. It is a time that calls all South Africans to introspect and evaluate their progress made by leaders and political parties respectively. It would be very lame to vote for a party over the other because of the looming political turbulence. Yet, this can have indirect or direct implications on the competence of these embattled leaders, but voters have to be vigilant, and benchmark the successes and dysfunctionalities portrayed by their so called democratic representatives.

It is very hard to establish what makes the electorate to vote for a certain party over the other. And for this reason it is difficult to predict the performance of COPE movement in the upcoming election. Terribly, to begin with COPE is not different from the ANC, but there were a large number of the people who voted for this in 2009. Irrelevantly, COPE is run like loose cannon, how you can operate a political party without an ideology. It was formed after unsuccessful attempts of demagogic leadership without a profoundly spelled out modus operandi.

ONLINE NEWS: MISTAKES, POOR GRAMMAR, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

2010-11-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

STAFF REPORT

Our online newspapers and publications have prioritized to provide fresh news, rather a need to ensure accurate reporting. It is profoundly perplexing that even big online publishers publish stories that are deeply rooted with grammatical errors. It is evident that these publishers have the right practitioners and caliber to furnish the public with good stories, but because they covet to be the only first to break stories, they subscribe to committing grammatical errors and journalistic crime.

It is then embarrassing that the same technology that should be used to empower journalists in providing the public with fresh information, they continually use it to bombard the citizens with among other things- vague ideas, spelling mistakes, and the unintended omission of words that affect the meaning of the story.

The same newspapers that helped many people to improve their languages skills- there are committing journalistic crimes. How are you then going to demonstrate the significance of the internet, when the paragons and leaders of journalism fraternity are misusing its benefits?

It is even sad that this situation can also be notice by people with “linguistical naivety” that it is an unacceptable situation. As readers, we then going fold our arms, say it is find “this is not a bad mistake”. No it can’t be. The speaker has it that bad habits are easy to adopt as good ones. The more our newspapers commit “small” journalistic errors, the more is going to become incurable disease. It starts smaller, and then other intruders would venture in to taint our beautiful profession.

It can be universally argued that the above-mentioned newspapers are very powerful in supplying the public with information. And they have feature intelligent characters that have also helped the public -not only to receive information, but education about the matters of the world and mankind.

The press is very important, and people in the industry have to ensure that responsible is fully observed. If we allow these kinds of crimes to happen, how are we then going to protect our profession against draconian calling for initiatives that would negatively affect the freedom of the press? No way. The media should stop writing their own obituaries and put their act together.

EDITED BY REGINALD MAKGOBA

BUSINESS OF VENGEANCE: Pirates or Maritzburg, which one?

2010-11-22T00:29:00.000-08:00

Reginald Makgoba

Is it a business of vengeance, or just a fair game play? Prior to the game between Santos and Kaizer Chiefs, Knowledge “Hitman” Musona said that the Capetonians will have to account for their demolishing and the ending of unbeaten record of the Gauteng based outfit.

On Saturday, both teams headed to Polokwane, Peter Mokaba Stadium where Kaizer Chiefs slaughtered Santos to book their spot in the Telkom Knockout final to face Orlando Pirates, who also arrested Chatsworth fans as they outplayed Maritzburg United 3 -0. The 20 years Zimbabwean international capitalized from a shoddy mistake from Santos keeper Tshepo Motsoeneng who also impressed throughout the game with some scintillating saves. And Musona’s dream came true after he scored the only goal to divide the two.

The business of vengeance will continually be pursued as Pirates and Chiefs will be meeting for fifth time for both competitions and premier league games on 04th December . Chiefs had stolen three points from Pirates defense that lacked depth and committing laughable mistakes. Interestingly, the duo will again lock horns in the finals as Pirates are yet to correct their embarrassment and make Chiefs pay.

Can Maritzburg United pursue the redemption day? Or the business of vengeance will just detract their ambitions. Maritzburg United will meet with Pirates on Friday for their premier league, and hopefully, they will be looking to reprimand Pirates who stole their dreams of reaching the Telkom Knockout final.

Can Pirates pay, will Chiefs pay, which one deserves the vengeance price? Is Maritzburg audacious enough to engage in the redemption business?

INVIGORATE THE PRESS OMBUDSMAN TO PROTECT PRESS FREEDOM

2010-10-27T02:43:00.000-07:00

REGINALD METJI MAKGOBA

The debate surrounding the media appeals tribunal is a perplexing one. It is not uncommon for professionals to protect the interests and their professions, but the strategy that is used for that protection has to be considerate and allow a diversity of opinions to venture. The fact that media professionals fail to acknowledge that the Press Ombudsman is a “toothless dog” make things difficult for both the African National Congress and the media fraternity to arrive at a consensus conclusion.

It is also important to objectively note that the press sometimes runs amok, and there should be an intervention from the government or any parties concerned. The media representatives should not be quick to judge and speculate the outcomes of the media appeals tribunal before it has considered the concern raised by the ANC government. The media should stop being adamant and accept that, the sometimes inaccurate reporting had caused irreparable damages for many politicians and other individuals.

Similarly, government officials believe that media sometimes go overboard, but they should also consider the importance of the media and the corruption it has exposed to save the States from becoming a banana republic. It is also significant that, public officials need protection from inaccurate reporting, but an inaccurate reporting by a few newspapers is not enough to justify a need for the tribunal as proposed by the ANC. And that can possible avert the independence of the press. There are media houses that have prioritized a need to seek and tell the truth, and to this reason, a few newspapers with erroneous reports cannot taint the press at large. In this case, “realism/realpolitik” cannot solve our problems as a nation.

The fact that the media and the ANC wish to protect the security of their states cannot solve the problems caused by inaccurate reporting and the protection of the freedom of expression. It is a universal agreement that the freedom of the press is a cornerstone for democracy, and to this view, freedom of the press has to be protected to hold the government accountable if they engage in wrong activities that can hamper the development of this nation. And at the same time, government, the press, public officials and everyone, in particular, has to be protected from malicious reporting. It is not wise to hamper the freedom of the press, or to allow the press to practice journalism haphazardly.

Let’s cordially accept that the freedom of the media is a basic premise for democracy, and at the same time concede that, accurate reporting is not a way of doing journalism, but the only way. The media should not be a loose entity and they should be responsible for their mistakes and pay the price if they have caused damages. The media do not have an institutional independence, and they have to use both their laws and ethics to invigorate the state of South African press. The ANC should not abuse its power to restrict a South African press.

Reginald Makgoba is an honours student at the University of Limpopo

STOP IMPRESSING THE WORLD –SHOW THE ACTUAL LOVE

2010-07-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGBA

South Africans celebrated the Mandela Day seven days after successfully hosted the first African world cup. By virtue of looking on the how the people and the media reacted, it was impressive. The erstwhile ANC stalwart and the first democratic president who gave hope to the hopeless should be happy as he is a means to unite our “formerly” divided nation. President Mandela presents peace and harmony to people who understand his contributions to liberating this country. The camaraderie shared during the World Cup euphoria and community involved symbolizes the love and caring hearts that South Africans have. Others even went to the extent where they bought needy schools books and study materials. It was all incredible and remarkable.

This is the behavior that should be encouraged in our daily basis, not only when we celebrate Mandela Day and hosting the World Cup. In this case I am not saying we should not celebrate this day, it would be a terrible mistake if we don’t. Considering his stature and pivotal role he played in South African society, he indeed deserves the kudos and a pat on the back. The compassion that South Africans showed in the World Cup confirmed that we can also love our fellow foreigners. We showed our love by rallying behind Ghana in the world cup which the only Africans teams managed to next round. But now that the world cup is no more, we have return back to our moral decay. Foreigners are not treated as human beings, what happened to the love and benevolence that we showed Europeans and Americans internationals. The elation provided the first step to mutually solve our problems, not blaming other people for our huge problems. This does not only imply to ordinary citizens, but to everyone who is an African.

The same kindness that people showed amid the celebration of Mandela Day presented love and compassion. It should be treasured in our daily lives. It should not be practiced when celebrating Mandela, but every day. I don’t think the former president can be happy to learn that South Africans are attempting to impress him, not whole-heartedly giving their support to the poor. This is very sad because after celebrating Mandela day that promoted love and peace, people still kill, steal, rape, involve in corruption and looting. Why are we deceiving “the old man” (Papa Mandela) by pretending as if we love people when we don’t. The people whom call foreigners also contributed in the establishment of our nascent democracy. Let’s try to put our self in his shoes to if we cannot strife for peace and harmony that he represents in the world. South Africans must honest and stopping pretend to the former presidents.

REGINALD MAKGOBA, Makgoba Ridge

‘FILIP’ MUST ALSO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS

2010-07-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

South Africa managed to show pan-pessimists and doomsayers that it is also a nation that can successfully host a colossal event such as the FIFA World Cup – as well as other sophisticated nations have. Detractors tried very hard to tarnish South Africa’s image in the international community saying that giving South Africa the right to host the world cup was a mistake. However, this nation has corrected all erroneous perceptions from its European counterparts that Africans are skilful in their own realm. Africa is good.

The eloquence in expressing our skills has undoubtedly harmonized with our optimism to silence our doomsayers. The Local Organizing Committee has shown that we can also mean what we say. This World Cup will not only be written in the history books, but also in the hearts and minds of people who witnessed the sheer exuberance and tremendous success of this event.

The magnitude of our success cannot be associated with novices. The superiority of this event can be allied with the countries that hosted this event more than one time but none of the countries that did so can match the stature of the South African World Cup. It can never be associated with beginners even though it was the first African World Cup. The history books will now clear the minds of the Europeans who underestimated the brilliance of afro- centricity. They thought after they colonized the rich continent of Africa, they would still be regarded as the only paragons of expertise and greater things; and in no way would Africans ever manage to compete with or to triumph against them. At least now they know that African epistemology is not frenetic as it is in the backward.

More importantly, it is discernible that Africa, South Africa in particular, is a safe place for them to invest. Foreigner investors were previously perplexed by ill-informed and mediocre reporting by their own international media houses to invest in South Africa. During and after the World Cup they discovered that South Africa is a conducive environment for international businesses to responsibly invest their money.

Organizers and whoever contributed in the prosperity of the World Cup deserve the kudos for having partaken. It was concerted efforts that propelled South Africa to the high level that we are today. Even though South Africa deserves a pat on the back, this robust commitments and determination has to continue to advance the lives of the local poor people. Organizers of the World Cup have sent a positive message to the facilitators and politicians of the service delivery. They pointed out that “saying nothing in many words can be debilitating and detrimental to the growth of the nation”. The message is quite eloquent as the nation has noticed that most South African politicians suffer from “verbal diarrhea”. The know how to talk about their problems, rather than addressing them.

The spirit and the energy that manned the World Cup should be applied to address the problems of this nation. We had more than 500 cases which were facilitated by the courts, so let the administrators of South African law stop the protracted processes of minor court cases that prompt locals to give up hope for justice. If the government can make swifter judgements in courts, it will ensure that poor citizens are treated fairly. Many others lose cases because of their socio-economic issues, but more lose cases simply because of the protracted replies they get from the courts.

The speed that was adopted by municipalities in constructing the stadiums should be also be applied to construct roads and RDP houses in rural areas. The sport fraternity should also refurbish rural sports complexes to bridge the current urban-rural divide. All visitors commended the conditions of our infrastructures and the ubuntu spirit that was abundantly experienced during the World Cup. This spirit is contradicted by rumours of xenophobia, it is not only an international soccer fan who deserves to be revered, but all Zimbabwean and foreign nationals that live in the street of Kayalitsha in Cape Town deserve respect. The government now needs to positively address immigrant conundrums as successfully hosted the World Cup.

Let’s everlastingly carry the energy that we had in the World Cup to solve our challenges. The hosting of the world cup in its nature was a challenge. Therefore, as South Africans and Africans let us clinically address poverty and illiteracy that drastically hamper the African image and its development. The World Cup success has given people hope, so let us continue with this oomph to redress problems of African nature.

The ubuntu spirit that was present during the world cup should be use to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich. This spirit presented harmony which is a platform to solving problems.

Reginald Makgoba is a Media Studies Honours student at the University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus

UNIVERSITY – COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP VITAL FOR DEVELOPMENT

2010-07-09T04:16:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

Academics and students gathered at the Old Senate Chambers, University of Limpopo, Turfloop campus recently for a Lunch Talk on “How to Successfully Merge Community – University Partnership into a Research Agenda”. Prof Nicole Webster, a Visiting Professor from Pennsylvania State University, USA, spearheaded the lunch talk, which was organized by Prof. Naftali Mollel, Head of Department, Agricultural Extension, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences of the University.

Speaking at the event, Prof Nicole Webster said that the University will be doing students a disservice if students are denied access to the community through research. She advised universities in general, and University of Limpopo in particular, to develop programmes that will allow students to become social agents for change. “Programmes that are offered in the classrooms must involve community activities. Then community will improve as the university grows”, she suggested.

“She explained that “if the University mutually partners with the community where it operates, it will allow its students to contribute skills to the community. By doing so, the students will be practicing social responsibility and fostering social change. Even the information that is offered in the classroom should allow students to talk, think, and act. The theory that is taught in classroom should ensure that students investigate problems that are rife in their communities and be able to address those problems reciprocally with their respective communities.”

Prof. Webster lamented that most universities depend on academic materials from outside their countries overlooking the problems that confront their own communities. She therefore urged universities to give their students a chance to prove their skills in their respective communities and conduct feasibility studies in their own wards.

“Although books that are written elsewhere are of vital importance, universities and colleges should also consider using information that is raw from the communities where they are located. And this can be done by community engagement and developing a mutual relationship with their communities. This is very important because by investigating problems that affect your community, you can at the same time find solutions for those particular problems,” she stressed.

The Visiting Professor is of the opinion that “to make community engagement successful then scholarship must be reconsidered. This is because the current university culture does not allow community engagement which is of vitally importance. This is a big problem because most universities produce graduate that fail dismally to contribute their skills in their communities to become social agents for change”.

“If students conduct researches in their communities they gain experience as they tackle problems encountered during their research process in the community. This can undoubtedly contribute to their personal growth and they can be able to think for themselves rather than seeking employment,” she added.

Contributing to her question, Professor Mollel explained that “In this University we only conduct lecture and research not necessarily community engagement. The department of Education only funds us to publish articles and to conduct research and there is no money specifically for community engagement. This means that we have to develop a programme that will lobby for community engagement and mutual relationship with the community specifically”
He also added that the lunch talk was prolific and is a good move to encourage community development through research. However, the universities will have to consider the socio-economic stance.

Ms M Chaminaka, a PhD student and lecturer at the Department of Economics, said that community engagement can uplift rural areas but the problem is that there is no money to spearhead the initiative. According to her, “We are a black marginalized university; therefore it is going to be hard for us to conduct pure community engagement. Our university is still developing so there are many more important things that we don’t have. It is going to be hard for us to practice community engagement programmme. Our people are very poor when we arrive at the communities they will expect us catering, which is something that the university can not afford. Even traveling cost will make things difficult”.

In contrast, Prof Webster said that there is no excuse that lecturers and students should engage with the community one way or the other. “They have to consider community engagement so that their community can also improve”, she emphasized.

When Prof. Nicole Webster asked by one of our journalist, why students spend many years conducting a research? She said that most universities do not expose students to research practical in time. Therefore, if they start doing research perhaps in honors and third year is likely to be a cumbersome task for them.

Phatudi Mahlokoane, a Masters student in Soil Science at the University of Limpopo says that the lunch talk was prolific and he hopes that the university would consider the initiative and develop programmmes that would consider community engagement.

UL BOOK CLUB CELEBRATE READING CULTURE

2010-06-01T04:36:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

University of Limpopo Book Club celebrated a World Book Day on 23th April 2010. This celebration is an annual highlight of the club that encourages students to partake in a number of competitions such as singing (solo or choir), story-telling, traditional games, poetry, quiz and others. The celebration was filled with various activities that intend to promote reading and writing academically and socially. Members and volunteers of the club rendered poems , speeches and even engaged in a debate that test their critical thinking and good spoken language which according to the Executive Dean: Faculty of Humanities, Prof N. Maake, is a result of critical reading and reading for pleasure. The club started celebrating the World Book Day in 2003. This day also coincides with William Shakespeare’s death on 23 April 1616.

The celebration held at the B-Block at the Turfloop campus of the University. During his brief speech, Prof Maake who was at the ceremony, highlighted the importance of reading, and stated that USA President, Barrack Obama is where he is today because of reading. “Reading is very important, people should make reading a habit. However, its results are cumulative. It is not an overnight process where get to see the benefit instantly. With reading, continuous efforts are required if one is to improve linguistically and intellectually,” he counselled all present at the event.

The book club runs a second-hand book to encourage people (including students) to buy and owns books. The club was formed in 2001 after recognising that students do not read non-academic materials. The club is co-ordinated by Professor E Ramani and DR. M Josephs, both of the Contemporary English and Multilingual Studies (CEMS) of School of Languages and Communication Studies. The club trains student volunteers to run its daily activities as a way of developing their management skills.

According to Prof. E Ramani the Department of English Studies has contributed more than 300 books from their personal collections and had set up a system to loan books to students from her office. Professor Ramani lamented that there is a stereotype that black people do not read, therefore UL Book is meant to encourage students to read books and other readable material, she explained, and suggested that reading should be instilled in younger people and everyone in general. Prof. Ramani believes that reading is like killing two birds with one stone. “When you read, your vocabulary increases and you acquire knowledge at the same”, she said.

Moses Marapedi 23, the Chairperson of the UL Book Club said that he joined the club in 2008 at his first year and the has book club definitely helped him to improve his spoken and written English Language. Morapedi who is from the School of Languages and Communication Studies, said that his “in his brief speech excellence blossomed after the book club helped me to develop a passion for reading, not only academic books but also other books on politics, romance and others”.

Another student concurs with Morapedi statement that the club has contributed greatly to their lives. Doreen Mojapelo, 19, said that the club has assisted her to develop love for reading and she is now enjoying reading. “After I joined the book club I gained experience in writing and public speaking. As you can see, I am the Programme Director for today’s event. The book club has helped me a lot and l no longer have problem in expressing myself in verbal and written form”, she said with a deep smile.

The club seems successful but Prof. Ramani said that there are some odds here and there. According to her, the book club is self-funded and members pay five rand as membership fee per year. That fee is supposed to fund the club. Cambridge University and other book shops contribute books and dictionaries which they sometimes distribute to their members or keep in their library. Volunteer and student members receive Cambridge Dictionaries as an inducement to motivate them to continue with their reading spirit, and also encourage other students to read, she revealed.

The celebration of World Book day was also supported by the Office of Dean of Humanities. According to the Dean, the event received a full support from our office because his office recognises the significance of reading, and will assist where ever they see the need to assist, Prof. Maake stated.

Books are expensive to the poor but the UL Book Club accommodates everyone by making books accessible. Thus students cannot blame their financial background. The book collection covers genres such as action, adventures, detective, fiction, junior classics, romance, politics relationships and others. A volunteers of the Book Club were busy selling books for R2, 00 each out side the club’s office as part of World Book Day celebration.

UL SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING STARTS PUBLIC INTELLECTUAL LECTURE SERIES

2010-06-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

University of Limpopo School of Accounting and Auditing (SoAA), successfully organised its 1st Public Intellectual Lecture recently. The public lecture which held at the Great Tiro Hall of the University, focused on the “the Global Economic and Financial Crisis and the South African Economy”. According Prof. CM Ambe, who lectures at the School, the public lecture series is aimed at promoting Scholarship and Academic dialogue.

The guest lecturer and visiting professor to the School, Prof. Dilip Garach led the lntellectual Discourse on what is peculiar about the financial crisis, “who is responsible for the crisis, what is required to avert the crisis and the South Africa’s options and prospects in responding to the crisis”.

Speaking at the public lecture, Prof. Garach, who is a Chartered Accountant and partner of Garach Corporation; multidisciplinary firm of Financial Advisors said that although South Africa was not drastically affected by the global economic recession, it should use the 2010 World Cup to showcase a positive image by hosting a successful World cup, and attract foreign investors that will contribute to the growth of its economy. He is of the opinion that politics and world events such as the Soccer World Cup are major spectacles that receive attention from the international media that also target people who are prospective investors to a particular nation.

According to him, “If a developing state like South Africa is able to fumigate its political landscape, it will see economic growth because the conduciveness of political landscape will undoubtedly attract foreign investors that will in turn contribute to skills development. However, in order for foreign investors to contribute to the economic growth, there should be an economic policy that will compel them to re-invest in skills development’’.

Prof. Garach is aware that South Africa has high unemployment rate, but is also convinced that its macro and micro-economy provide a room to tackle this out. “Foreigners shouldn’t come and cash and go with the money, this marginalises people who can positively gain through foreign investment programmes”, he submitted.

The visiting professor called on the media to be sensitive when covering economic issues that can prevent the economy from developing. According to him, if the local media is reporting negatively about the State, it can possibly hinder its development and economic growth irrespective of the economy’s infrastructure development, rich mineral resources, sound economy and active workplace. Prof. Garach further said that if tax payers’ money is used properly, South African economy will continue to grow and that it is for the government to utilise those monies effectively and foster economic development.”

Prof. CM. Ambe, while making an opening remark said that although South Africa experienced sustained growth over the last decade, the growth seems lop-sided as the benefit extended to only certain sectors and individual. “With global commodity being hampered by the current crisis, the prospects for the growth in South Africa may be gloomy”, he warned.

In his brief speech, Prof. O. Mireku, Executive Dean: Faculty of Management and Law expressed displeasure at the success rate of students from his faculty, strongly believes that encouraging scholarship and academic dialogues will undoubtedly motivate ‘fellow’ students. According to the Executive Dean, he called his students ‘fellow students’ because “being an Academic needs one to continuously learn from ‘fellow’ colleagues and students”, he explained.

Ms. Portia Mogale, a third year B.Computer Science student, who participated at the lecture, said that she learnt a lot from the lecture conducted by Professor Garach. In her word, “I have learned the intricacies of globalisation and economy. I believe that South African Government should prioritise skills development as it is a thorny issue”, she said.

SANTANA MUST GO - MALEMA

2009-10-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

Youth League president Julias Malema said Safa should recall Joel Natalino Santana from his respective position, he said during the campaign for SRC elections.

‘’South Africans are not losers; Santana is creating a wrong impression about our country so he must be fired. There are Bafana Bafana top erstwhile players who can take over and lead us to the height. What Santana is doing is an insult to our beautiful local football’’, says Malema. “So if they take someone local like Lucas Radabe the team can do very well. Lucas Radede is a role model of most South African. He is a star. And most players (South African) wanted to be like him. He knows the culture of our football not what Santana is doing; position do not win the game’’ he said.

“As a South African I am fed up of being erroneously represented by a loser. Africans are not losers. I think if a local coach like Lucas Radabe can take over, we can be able to solve problems,” he accentuated. "Every time when we have played a game, Santana would say, we are learning, when we are going to stop learning and play soccer that make all South African proud. The World Cup we are going host is not only for players".

Malema also criticised how "football politics" affect South African football.‘The decisions that are taken in our football should be of football interest. Not to satisfy Dr. Irvin Khoza or Danny Jordan. Our football fraternity is tottering because of the politics within it. But lets hope that ''energetic'' new president Kirsten Nematandani will make us proud,” he told University of Limpopo students.

WE ARE NOT HERE FOR RECOGNITION

2009-10-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Speaking at the University of Limpopo, Youth League president Julias Malema said that, ANC leaders should not or stop developing ’’ feathers ‘’after been elected as the leaders of the party.
‘’ANC leaders, especially, Student Representative Council should stop to behave like chauvinists or VIPs but they should be real custodian of students’ progression. They should not misuse the leadership to access lavish life and other immoral behavior. If they become leaders with the mindset of becoming prominent, they will end up using prevaricated ways to receive bribes from the management.’’

Referring the University of Limpopo, as ‘’the University of the ANC’’, Malema said that the ANC condemns young leaders who fail to address issues that affect students but becoming the lab dogs and receiving bribes from the management of the high learning institutions.

‘’We are all poor here, he told the masses. And we should not behave like rich people. And then, if the SRC receives bribes from the management obviously the students at large will continue to suffer. Speaking with his mother tongue, he said:’’ if a person becomes a thief at young age what will happen if is older; it is going to be worse.’’

Malema lambasted SRC members who fail to complete their degrees at record time.
‘’We must come here and live and, give others a chance to develop their leadership skills to become ANC leaders in future. So I encourage everyone and SRC members to work hard and, ultimately complete their degrees in time. Students should not fail or stay at the University for the sake of being a member of the council.

Malema also said that, black universities are called former black universities but however, he can’t see the different now and in the past. And he said that, this is because students are still marginalized. Students are taught by unqualified lecturers and the services are still poor.

‘’Therefore in order to improve the education, the government or the ANC has to build a good infrastructure for students so that the can be able to complete at a higher level. They should invest in black universities to ensure that in future they have good future leaders from these kinds of universities.

Quality education cannot be assured if degrees are sold like fish and chips, he said.
REGINALD MAKGOBA

2009-10-13T04:17:00.000-07:00

A LETTER TO SUNDAY TIMES COLUMNIST

Dear Andrew Donalson( Sunday Times COLUMNIST)

The way in which Jelly Tsotsi addresses racism in South Africa is irritating. Yet, we have to talk about issues that affect us but not in a way that in every situation we accuse people of being racist. Jelly accused South African whites for not welcoming Caster at the airport after she won a gold medal. He said that, all white South Africans are racists. I did not find any logic on how the matter was based. I think this man should go and research about the meaning “racism” because I wonder if he does understand the it. In fact, Jelly is a bozo that causes separation through colour within South Africans. Blacks in general should not use racism as an excuse if they fail to deal with their problems.

In this case, I am also black. It has been unfortunate that evil whites in the past treated black people badly, but we have to bury those things and perhaps discuss them straightforwardly. In a way, if stupid politicians fail to discuss their own problems based on their knowledge and wisdom, they should not include racism in everything because the debate will loose its significance. And therefore, will start looking back on how our people were badly treated.

For nascent democracy like ours to be nurtured, we don’t have to criticize situations without applying a rational mind. In fact what I see now, Jelly does not understand racism and in this regard people who support him will experience the same. For instance, Mister Chuene who is also a “professional liar” lied to all South Africans and defended himself by saying all people are liars. Unfortunately we were not talking about all people; the matter was based on him lying to us. Then, after ASA had failed to handle the matter properly, and Ned Bank withdrawn the patronage.

Later on, Jelly said, all Youth League members should close their accounts with the Ned bank, because it has withdrawn sponsoring the ASA financially. And the reason for the Ned bank to withdraw sponsoring them was quite reasonable and keen because no one likes to be associated with bad publicity. Irrationally, Jelly accused the Ned bank for been envious towards Mokgadi, ahh; the man was trying to score some point so that he become loved and favored. To me this does not make any sense, because if I were in the Ned bank circumstances, I would have done the same.

EDITED BY Modiba MT ( INFORMATION STUDIES STUDENT) FROM VK

ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL CLAIM FOR AIDS

2009-10-12T01:22:00.000-07:00

While, the government and other stakeholders have failed to develop a cure for AIDS. There are people who believe they can still cure HIV. Speaking in the Spring Lecture at the University of Limpopo Professor Matome Ramotlale who lives in Limpopo Province said the he can cure HIV and he told the panel of academics that they should call the media that he cancure AIDS.

‘’AIDS pandemic is the problem that is persistently endured in the world, so I want save the world because I believe my concoctions can heal AIDS. There are people whom have taken my concoctions and are now cured from this disease,’’ says ‘’Professor’’ Matome Ramotlale.

The traditional healer believes that African cultures have been undermined as people prefer what they call science that came with western people.‘’Our tradition of healing people is undermined and people look down to African health practitioners. I have been chased from the health department when I tried to tell them about my ability to cure AIDS. They locked gates if they know it was me,’ he said.

''Professor'' in Indigenous Knowledge System Ramotlale says that, he can save the world because this disease has taken lives of many people in South Africa and the world at large.

Medical practitioner, who could not be named, said this is a sensitive issue and he cannot say the traditional healer cannot heal AIDS. I think the government should give him a chance to prove himself. Maybe he can save the world you never know.

HEALTHY COMPETITION SHOULD ALIVE

2009-10-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

REGINALD MAKGOBA

An organization or a football team is to be sustained if it has a healthy competition within its ranks. A healthy competition encourages vigilance and competence because there would be not time for relaxation. Before a team can ever think of competing with its adversaries, it has to instill strength by allowing a health competition to take its course. Soccer league victory calls for a good competitive team with enough materials that compete on their regular basis. In order for a team to effectively participate in strong competitions, there has to be a competition within their team. This enables the coach to have informed options and good replacement if one player gets injured. In Naturena, it is a different story; they keep on sacking their coaches without taking another sophisticated view, which they have to have at least two competitive players who play the same position. This kind of modus operandi looms at Orlando Pirates, each and every game is played at their peak, the first line up know-well that they are players as good as they are on the bench eyeing their positions. Coaches end up running amok because players do not compete to earn positions, but they know automatically that they already have a spot in the squad, in spite of the nature of the game.

Therefore, if a team like Kaizer Chiefs is comprising players who call themselves regular players without enduring extensive competition within their ranks, the will unwittingly loose their forms, because no one is challenging them for their positions. A player has to earn a position not only because no one is competing with her or him, but instead he or she has to earn it through determination and hard work. So as a coach you may take time to notice their deteriorating performance. Super Sport United won three league titles consecutively, because they had a good team that allows competition within their ranks. This is a plea to Amakhosi, if you don’t buy good players or enough material, don’t expect the coach to produce prolific results. They should forget about miracle.

A Leader With TB Forced to Attend Mountain School

2009-09-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

A traditional leader who is allegedly suffering from TB has been taken to the mountain school by force. Lebithike Mogale (65) has been taken to the mountain school because it is believed that uncircumcised man is not eligible for leading the community.The incident happened at Lephepane village outside Tzaneen, after the owner of the school has sent ‘bathapi’ to go and fetch the traditional leader. This incident was not received well by those who have sent their children because they fear that their children might be infected with TB.

One of the parents who did not want to be named said that, the traditional leader might infect their children because he is suffering from TB. This can also put his life in danger because he would not be receiving the treatment that he would receive at home or hospital. We understand that the he must be circumcised but now the situation is not good for him. They should have taken him long time ago.

The traditional leader’s family is unhappy with the decision taken by Mmapipse Molopo (the owner of the school) to take the leader to the school.

‘I am unhappy with the decision to force my father. Because he is old to be ‘mixed’ with young children of 9 years. It could be lawfully as they are claiming but it was unfair because they also broke our house to take him says,’’ Victor Mogale, the traditional leader’s son.The family tried to open a case to the local police and to show that they were unhappy with situation.‘My uncle went to the police station to open the case but the police just came once and upon that, I don’t know what was the agreement between those police men and my uncle, if they had one’’, says Victor.

After the leader was has been taken to the school by the force. Two other men aged between 50 and 60 handed themselves to the school because they feared that they will also be forced.‘’It was said that they will take me and my friend Sole Modiba, and then I realized that it is better for me to go there before they can come and break my house says,’’ Chucks Mametja.

Politicians: Misleading language

2009-05-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Apartheid is gone. Now every South African citizen is free. This also means that the government has to bury propaganda and misleading language to the respective citizens. Although, there are barbaric activities that current South African leaders are still doing. In this sense, you find that a political leader has to go to rural areas and address people about the delivery related issues. But what I did not understand is that, some of these leaders belong to our poor respective societies and they will use big English which University student like me could not understand before I can contextualizing.

Our respective leaders would come to the society try to address what our senior citizens complain about. And they know very well that we have few senior citizens who understand English and these politicians will come into the society and speak with ‘big English’ and claim that they are address their grievances. How can our senior citizen understand this English even though when educated people sometimes fail to understand? I thought the purpose of communication is to convey a message that will be understood precisely. But in South African politics and politics in general it is different. Many political leaders use ‘big English’ to address problems because they know that they will just mislead our society.

Then, my concern is, will the poor community be able to understand the speech that had been delivered. Definitely no. our politicians must stop and speak to us with the language or English that is understandable and simple.

I based on these issues; our leaders should follow Chris Hani, when he said: “The people will not understand social, economic and political solutions if solutions themselves have being presented in a complex manner’’. Obviously, they speak big English with us and then we fail to understand what is been said. And the media will always give us what they believe is true not truth itself.

Succees without basic education

2009-05-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

Much has been said that lack of basic education can prompt people to commit crime. Perhaps it can, however, also make people to be the poor of the poorer. Although, these stereotypes are not true. People can still have better lives even though they did not obtain a basic education. And I am not saying people should not attend school although they have a chance to.

Jacob Zuma has set a good example for those who commit crime and complain about being poor because of the lack of a basic education. As a state president he is a good example, that people can still work and become what they want to be, even though they do not have basic education. He taught himself many things, politics and economics, which why he is ruling the country. So those people who do wrong things and pretend by saying,’ I did it be cause I don’t have a means to live because I am not educated should ashamed of themselves.

Passion and love determine what you want to be not what you have. Nowadays education is easy because we have access to various media that supplies information or education that is needed achieve our dreams. So people should stop using illiteracy as an excuse to do wrong things.God has given everyone a talent that will enable him or her to achieve their dreams and wishes.

Marianne Williamson once said in her poem, ‘We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone’.Therefore, this shows that every human being has what it takes to achieve his or her dreams despite the difficulties that we experience in life. To be poor is not a disadvantage but a mere stumbling block.

In fact, reading everyday can assists people ti acquire knowledge about business, politics, laws, ,, traveling and so fourth .

Jokes by Reginald Makgoba( women's FEAR)

2009-03-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Limpopo-There was a man who was afraid of women. Then one day, he came to me and said ''could please give me notes about how to propose a lady. Then I gave him strategies and possible answears and questions which can possibly be asked by a lady. Subsequently, he well approached the lady and they had a good conversation and promises. By the way my fellow had cramed what I wrote him. Unfortunately, the lady asked a question which was not in the scope, then my fellow said,''that one I don't know Reggie never told me about it''.

Expert Advice: Hosea Ramphekwa

2009-03-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

By Reginald Makgoba

Former Sunday Sun sport journ alist, Hosea Ramphekwa, 23, who was born in Rasebalane (Tzaneen), obtained a media studies degree at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus) in 2004 and continued his studies after he won The Percy Qoboza scholarship from Media24 to study for an honours degree with Rhodes University in 2005.This scholarship included former UL student, City Press sports journalist and print media award winner Elijah Moholola and Wetland Park Authority media spokesperson and Media Officer - Pontso Pakkies.

The former Turf Online and Grocott's Mail reporter stressed that, many journalism students complete their degrees and fail to do the job out there. He also accentuated that other students have a passion and love for writing but they are unable write to an article after they have completed their studies. This happens because the students do not practice or test their skill by freelancing and writing “letters to the editor”. This kind of practice improves writing skills while studying. Nowadays many media organisations in South Africa, and globally, are afraid to hire journalists who do not have experience and a good reputation because the media industry is very competitive. So the companies would not choose to risk hiring an inexperienced journalist, adds the Pretoria News reporter.

He also said: “This is a general problem that is encountered by companies in South Africa, especially in the media industry. Writing is a skill so it requires serious practice to a person to become a champion in the industry’.

‘I have a younger brother who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus) and I encourage and motivate him and his classmates to start writing articles and to volunteer at scommunity radio stations or any category in which they want to be involved or specialise’ he said.

Begging: Can't Solve Ramphele's Problems

2009-03-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

By Reginald Makgoba

While other blind people like him roam the streets begging, Michael Ramphele runs a spaza shop next to University of Limpopo in Mankweng. Ramphele, who lost his sight after police beat him during an apartheid protest in 1986, supports his family of seven people with the profit that comes from his small business.

Ramphele says he started his business from with his monthly social grant money. He says his business is aiding his family that has been struggling to make ends meet. “I use my grant money to get stock for the business. I also use it to provide food and clothes for my family since I am the only family member with income. Things are better. Since I started a business my family is no longer struggling to get food,” says the 46-year-old former student at Marobathota High School in Limpopo.

However Ramphele’s business has not lacked problems. “It is difficult for a blind person to trade because sometimes other naughty guys come with the intensions of cheating me. Some come to buy with fake notes knowing very well that I won’t recognise it because of my illness,” he says with a disappointed voice. Though he became totally visually impaired in 2003, Ramphele has always been fighting to make a better life for himself despite the odds stuck against him. “If you are unemployed it is hard to accomplish dreams because money has the potential to a good future.

"I was studying social work at University of South Africa (Unisa) in 2007 but was forced to drop out due to the lack of funds and personal reasons that I could not divulge,” he said. Ramphele, who hails from the same township as the late former ANC Youth League president Peter Mokaba, says he fought against apartheid but feels his efforts are not appreciated. “Most people who fought for liberation do not enjoy their prolific efforts as they are shunned by the new generation and remain marginalised.”