State of the nation

The past week has been marked with what many consider as one of the most intriguing times in South Africa democracy because the deeds of the man supposed to govern and drive the nation,  have managed to put not just himself,  but his whole party in a tight corner due to constitutional reasons.

Last year the "Nkandla Saga" was the number one topic of conversation and after all the parliamentary debate, the matter was taken to the constitutional court. After much analysis the court decided to give its veridict on the matter which, was not different from what the opposition had been singing  in parliament. The constitutional court concluded that the president had in fact, broken the law and as a result he'd have to suffer the consequences of that.
The opposition rejoiced, the whole nation came to its feet and applauded democracy once again for being the impetus behind the politics. The opposition reacted swiftly and decided to come up with a motion that would throw the party in power in the hot seat. The impeachment motion brought about by the DA was seen as a measure that would be used to reveal the stand of every MP part if the African National Congress, on constitutional matters, and most importantly whether they stood behind the president or the country.

April 5th saw the president once again being saved by his faithfuls, as the impeachment motion was completely rejected and ignored by 233 of the parliamentary members of the ANC. Experts suggested that this is an exact reflection of what the county has been turned into, the ruling party will always overrule the constitution. Others suggest that this was right the right decision because they belive the president wasn't at fault at all hence his job should not be put in jeopardy because of a "small mistake".

As I tried to dissect and understand the situation, I reflected on what my grandad used to say, "there are always 3 sides to a story,  your side, the opponent's side and the truth!" With that said I don't think we'll ever know for sure how much money was taken for the "NKANDLA" upgrades but truth of the matter is, some money was taken away and the president's apologies testified to that, therefore that is the truth! Is it a crime? The constitutional court veridict on the matter concluded yes,  it, was in fact a crime. Should the president be impeached?  Well... 233 people who have massive influence on the constitution said no,  so it's up to us to do the math now.

Stick with me as I give you the latest updates as this story unfolds

Resurgence

My light will never allow me to succumb to evil gears
That are far away, even thou they seem near.
I am journeying, unaware of my future bounds
I worry not! The future lays on devine grounds.
Relapse keeps lurking, I stand firm as a pillar
For I am a new version of myself. I am Stellar.

The sands blow on my face while I fly
The dark attempts to blur my vision, I see.
I feel the turmoil closer, surrounding me like a sea
And as if I could no longer fight, nonchalance I apply.
I keep flying amidst and through the turbulences
I'll swim, crawl if I have to, but I won't be halted.

As I tread on my shadow, life sends me a reminder
It warns be about the dark and all that surround her.
I might be able to keep her grounded on my own
But the grass isn't always so green on my neighbour's lawn
So it hits me, all the way from the other side of the court
It shakes me, I would have fallen had it not been for teleport.

National shutdown: South Africa's youth awakens!

October 2015, crowds made up of young souls gather and march the streets of South Africa in quest of what is considered the most important aspect of a democratic society, educational needs.

 

Their plea: they neither approve nor accept the recent increments made by some of the national tertiary institutions, universities specifically, thus they kindly request for change and consequently the nullification of such increment.

This should not, by any means, be taken out of context as an act of misbehaviour,  or national vandalism as noted by some. The youth are doing exactly what should be done which is, fight for their basic rights as the people have the power to consciously change what cannot be accepted in a modern democratic society. This is also a result of youth growing tired of the constant dropouts due to unavailability of financial funds for many as well as the ever growing debt that others have to deal with for the remainder of their lives after they graduate.

A number of people have been arrested so far, for different accusations including vandalism, assult as well as treason amongst others things, but there is absolutely nothing stopping the youth as arrests are something expected whenever actions like these take place and no one is standing down until their requests are eventually agreed upon.

In light of all this, I have to admit that I am extremely proud of the South African youth because this means that they are, in fact, exercising their rights for the things that matters most in the best way possible. Education is the most important tool in the life of every human being as he/she looks to survive in this world therefore no human being should be deprived of it.

These actions also show awareness on the part of the youth regarding what the government can do as well as which sectors of our society they should be focusing and investing on.

2015 is surely going down in history as one of the one most remarkable post-apartheid years in South Africa.

The Bigger Picture

South Africa – the rainbow nation, the heart of Africa, and its second most populous nation; the first country in Africa to host the soccer world cup, the biggest sporting even in the world, the house to some of the most remarkable people on the continent - Nelson Mandela, Oliver Thambo, Miriam Makeba, Winnie Mandela, Trevor Noah are just a few of those. 

A nation filled with harmony and warm people although some have tried to tarnish its image.

Historically many have tried to destroy it through apartheid and its atrocious ideals giving birth and rise to discrimination and unfair treatment of the natives here yet the perseverance of many South African heroes and the will to be free proved to be stronger than anything; such was so strong that it impacted not only South Africa but the continent and the world allowing many to free themselves as well and keep the legacy of Nelson Mandela engraved upon their hearts and books.

Nature has thoroughly blessed it with its beauty, adorning it with an abundance of landscape, plateaus, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, sea and wild life. The table mountain in Cape Town, regarded as the most Iconic place in South Africa, has established itself as one of the most beautiful places in Africa and one of the wonders of the word as it is the most photographed place in South Africa. The Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga houses a variety of wild life that attracts many visitors around the world. 

 

Beauty is understandably subjective and everyone has their own views, nevertheless South Africa is house to some of the most beautiful women on the planet and everyone that has traveled around a few African countries can attest to that. Moreover, the diversity amongst women here concerning physical attributes is assurance that it can aesthetically and physically cater for everyone without having to rely on medical assistance!

As an African, South Africa has taught me some, if not the most important lessons in life. It has enabled me to engage in new social gatherings and learn more about different people, cultures and customs. It has also given me real friends that I know I will always cherish. I have been fortunate to be a part of the new South African generation where equality and civil rights are for everyone regardless of their colour or race. This freedom has allowed me to be able to have access to education just like any other South African as well as live or have fun anywhere I want. I also learnt that democracy and freedom of speech can, in fact, exist in more African countries if they could learn a bit from South Africa and the way they deal with their social-economic political issues.

The diverse ethnicity, languages, and heritage here overwhelm me and although different they are all somehow connected and that is the power of UBUNTU that lives among the people here.

These are just a few of the divine attributes that this country has to offer!

S.A Xenophobia: Who to blame?

South Africa's democratic image has once again been marred by one of the most cruel acts on the face of humanity known as xenophobia. Horrible scenes of a small number of black South African chasing and killing fellow black Africans because of, Lord knows what exactly, left me perplexed, knowing the history of this country and how hard they fought for freedom and equality in Africa as a whole with the help of many African compatriots.

According to some of these perpetrators "...these foreigners come here to take our women, jobs, opportunities and money..." they claim; and that for them, is enough reason to make them believe that they have the right to abuse and kill humans in the same manner exterminators deal with a plague of insects or rodents as seen in the picture bellow...

Moreover, the reactions we get from some of the prominent figures in the country are somewhat unintelligible making most people wonder about whether they stand for or against it. Zwelithini, one of the Kings here, said in a statement that "foreigners must pack their bags and go home" only to deny it afterwards saying that his statement was misinterpreted because he had said it in his native language. Other controversial statement came straight from the President's nest through one of his son who fiercely said that government must stop using taxpayers money to accommodate xenophobia victims... quiet an ironic statement here in Africa, seeing that some of his family's income comes from the same fund but oh well, he is South African and his black! so that is his for the taking...

I truly commend everyone who firmly stands against it, supports and promotes peace over all. Everyone is a foreigner somewhere and I believe that everyone has the right to live anywhere on this planet and make a living regardless of your color, race, ethnicity, nationality or social status... Was that not what the "End of Apartheid" symbolized?

This is not the first time xenophobia has hit South African shores and this time government only recognized it as such up until the world started to take notice of it.

Is the end of the world nearer than we think it is?

Over the past days we have seen outrageous things happening all over the world. Some of these things might be considered unbelievable by a few but they are as real as real can get. Plane crashes have become the new hobby for some nations. While many are killed negligently by the diabolical actions of  some of the world leaders, the world's major "Justice System" still undecided weather these acts are to be considered criminal or simply accidents.

The war caused by Israel against the Palestine is another case in need of divine intervention. Militants attacking schools and children is now considered as a defense act by "our worldly leaders". Are they killing these children to completely neutralize the chance of Palestine growing into becoming a better and stronger nation in years to come? Or, is it simply a way of inflicting more pain to the people (Parents) in Palestine and get them out of focus so as to lose the battle? Well, whatever the reason might be, these kids do not deserve any of this. 

And again the world's major "Justice System" still awaits for the "right time" to act.

Ebola is back with a bang! After so many years of absence, this uncontrollable plague has come back and taken more lives than it has before during the same period of time. It has been a major problem during some parts of North Africa, quickly spreading down to the central parts and extending it-self to the southern parts and middle-east.  

I'm not the type to believe in secret societies and conspiracy theories but none of these things happening right now all over the world seem like mere accidents to me.

Picture of the day

A chest x-ray shows the chainsaw that was embedded in James Valentine's neck and shoulder. Valentine, 21, was part of a crew pruning trees on Monday afternoon when his saw suddenly kicked back and the blade sliced into him. His co-workers brought him down from the tree and he was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Picture: REUTERS/Allegheny Health Network

Sunday Thoughts - Technology

Has anyone ever wondered what the world would be like without technology? Do you feel that perhaps, we would have been better human beings if we did not have all the technology we have around us today, or do you feel like technology has rather, helped us more than anything? Well regardless of your response to those questions, we all have to admit that technology has arguably played the most important role in the world we live in today.

Technology is the most important field of science right now, as it helps create, maintain, solve problems, handle different tasks and situations as well as learn new techniques that can have a huge impact on society. This is usually seen by the way everyone happens to be so hooked to it without even noticing sometimes because it is everywhere and it is, at most times, unavoidable.

 Many people have become consciously addicted to it due to the new tech-gadgets that are made available almost every minute hence causing a never-ending dispute among masses. Computers, tablets, cellphones, cameras, watches, vehicles are just a few of the most popular products that have been created and enhanced as a result of technology.  

Libraries have turned into museums, people have lost their jobs, virtual world (The Internet) has taken over physical socialization, having the latest cellphones has become more important to some than having a proper meal and that is how obsessed some have become with technology.

We may not see droids very often around us nevertheless, the way we has technology won us makes me feel like we have turned into droids ourselves. It is as though they have inserted a small chip into your brain that commands all your movements and behavior and impels us to firmly be reliant on all of these tech-gadgets for fear we maybe considered outdated.

With all of that said, I still think technology has helped us in a lot of ways and has made things easier for us, perhaps it should not, or maybe we feel that way because our brains have become so indulged into it yet, it is hard not to be impressed with what technology has offered us, thanks to our powerful brains.

Greetings - Sunday Thoughts

If you didn't know yet, Facebook's C.E.O Marc Zuckerberg has officially acquired most of the shares belonging to whatsapp, meaning he is in charge of the latter right now.

When I first saw the news on Facebook, I wondered to myself if this would be good news for us. I started asking myself questions such as "What does this mean for whatsapp? Will everyone who has Whatsapp be forced to have a Facebook account? Will Whatsapp/Facebook be integrated into each other and make it easier for users to connect through both media platforms as the likes of Facebook and Instagram or would Whatsapp have a bigger platform and even end up being used as, not only a mobile app, but a full computer application? I am sure everybody must be asking themselves a lot of questions regarding this news and how it will affect both parties not only physically but technically as well.

 Last night, 22/2/2014, the whole world got the first taste of Marc's reign when the Whatsapp app went down for a few hours, leaving users confused and upset. Some "experts" suggested that it was due to technical change caused by some of Facebook's developers, who have been trying to make both, Facebook and Whatsapp, work together.

I simply can't wait to see what this partnership will mean for the internet world and to everybody that uses both platforms. Mark is a smart guy, as we have come to learn from him throughout the years and he takes every opportunity he sees. I wish him all the best at his new endeavor and may this be a good partnership for all of us.

Is school really necessary?

I have recently been with a group of students that unfortunately have had the sad experience of failing grade 12. I told them that failing grade 12 is not the end of the world, as they still have a chance to make up for it but, I also told them that this could be one of the most important steps in their life, not only because it's the end of their high school experience but this also marks the beginning of  a new stage in their lives as they prepare to face the world.

I asked them what they think this meant for them and surprisingly, or not, many of these young peers assumed that being successful does not really depend on passing grade 12, which is debatebale, but I was shocked when few even went as far as saying that school isn't really a necessity in the lives of people. Never did I think, I would come across people with that mindset in this era. School holds us back yes, but there are advantages.

Life's a school itself, and having school experience is not only about having to study maths and science, but it teaches us how to interact with people of all types. School is the first glance we get at being involved in society and understanding it. It helps us, weather we like it or not, and it's up to us to use that to our advantage. It's impossible for human beings to live alone for we need each other because that's in our DNA, that's how we were made and school just makes it easier for us to understand that. I understand everyone has their own opinions, but I don't think I'd be able to write what I am right now if I did not go through the school experience.

Mr Mandela

The most popular topic of discussion during the month of December, one of the biggest funeral ceremony to have ever been staged in the whole world, the greatest gathering I have ever seen in my life. People mourn but at the same time there is a feeling of joy and celebration left in their hearts because of the things this man showed us and the legacy he has left behind.
He symbolizes humanity, unity, forgiveness, struggle, democracy and many things that men in general have been trying to instill in every human being's heart and mind. This man alone is bigger than I have ever imagined him to be, he might as well go down in history as the greatest man to have ever embraced this world.
Words are not enough to describe the efforts and impact he has had, and still have on the African continent and beyond. People come from all parts of the world to gather and mourn as well as celebrate the life of a man that has done his part the best way possible, and left a commanding mark on the ideology of democracy and equality.
Today, we take our hats off for the man that has led South Africa's struggle for freedom for so many years and succeeded like no other; the one responsible for unity in Africa and around the world; one of the most influential figures of this era Mr Nelson Mandela.

Picture of the day

40 year-old actor, Paul Walker, has passed after he was involved in a car accident in california. R.I.P Paul we will always remember you.

Picture of the day

Palestinian youths practice their park-our skills in Gaza

Picture: APAimages/Rex Features

Sunday thoughts

They are two of the most popular words in the world, but as time goes on  and as the world evolves they seem to be losing their popularity as well as importance. "Please" and "Thank you" have been, as referred to most, the magic words for quiet as long as we can remember and these words can be more powerful and meaningful than any other word you may use on a daily basis.

I was riding a bus to school recently when the bus made a stop at one of its regular bus-stops. As the bus stopped, two elderly ladies got on the bus. They looked pretty much tired and frail, so me being the human being I am, full of life, love and ethics, I spotted them from the moment they got in the bus, and in my head I knew already that I would stand up and offer my sit to one of them, and the fact that the bus was full meant that I really had to do it, I had no choice at that point.I, then,raised from the seat I was on and offered my sit to one of the ladies and by seeing that, the person sitting next to me did the same thing.

Both ladies sat down comfortably, I was delighted to have helped someone at that moment, for there is no greater joy for me than that, but something hit me at the moment... Those ladies never said a word or two to any of us, the ones who offered them the seats. I started thinking about how I was raised and the way my grandmother, mother and other elders in my family, always taught me to use the words "Please and Thank you". I also thought of the way we, the new generation, are constantly described by older generations and the media as rebellious, ill-mannered and arrogant people, but wait, how can we be any less different if the same people that usually criticize our demeanor act in an unpleasant way. Actions speak louder and better than words, and we get motivated when we see people do something that they would want us to do as well.

None of us has the right to judge anyone. I've realized that some people sometimes get so caught up in analyzing the behavior of others that they tend to forget about the good things themselves. Always do your best to change something you are not happy with because it starts with you. Those ladies were wrong but that does not mean we all have to be that way, let's keep doing good and using the magic words in that way, who knows, we may change the world and make it a better place.

Picture of the day: Misspelt tattoos - Hillarious

Sunday thoughts

Human beings are the only creatures that pay to live in a planet that was created for them to live in. As the world advances, we become so consumed by its ideologies as well as idiosyncrasies that it seems impossible to live without following such norms.The media is the biggest form of communication we have. It plays a strong role in everything we do and how we view things. Media controls the world whereas it should be the other way around. 

Our views on things such beauty, lifestyle, good and bad are mostly associated with whatever the media shows us. we fail to use our mental power, which has also been automatically programmed to the world around us due to the media, from the moment we are born and we end up thinking just like everyone else does. Sometimes I wonder whether we are really ourselves or we are just like a cartoon that is designed a certain way and have no free will at all.We are all here for a purpose, and you would be a complete moron to think otherwise. 

It is hard to be what we are because of many things that surround us and the circumstances we may have to encounter in this journey called life, but always try to explore the power of your mind. Do not get caught up in the same circle as everyone else, life is bigger than the box you may find yourself in right now and using your mind will let you see how. Learning how to use your mind will help you find not only yourself but also discover the true meaning and purpose of life. 

Picture of the day

On Sunday, Banksy set up a stall in Central Park selling original signed canvasses for $60 each (or £37). A YouTube video documenting the stall's progress indicated that much of the work went unsold, and those who did make purchases were unaware of the extensive value of the pieces.

Picture: Banksy

Sunday thoughts

Family is a beautiful word. Being part of a family is very tough as both expect certain things from one another and when things don’t go according to one’s way of thinking, the relationship can get a little messy. There are different stages in the life of a person and it is essential that the elders in your family understand that. Also, times change and parents sometimes fail to understand that yet, it is their duty to be on the same page with us in our different stages in life. They are older, wiser, more experienced and know a lot, but they do not know everything and that is where the balance between parents and their children should come in.

As parents or guardians sometimes tend to hold on to their kids for so long and hard that they tend to forget that it is part of life that people grow and become responsible for themselves. Parents should give their kids a chance not only to speak but to do things that the children think will be beneficial for both parties more so when they get to that young adult stage of life.

Helping out your children as they get older is not always about giving the money you have been saving for him during his early years, or other material means but try to instill a sense of responsibility and self-sustenance in them and let them do things for themselves, it is part of education. As I have always thought, I would rather have my parents teach me how to catch a fish, than giving me the fish in my hand, that way I will always be grateful to them and it help me become a better person and achieve more.

Parents do not be afraid to teach your children how to become independent and how to get a head start on life, and by parents I mean everyone that has children under their care. Give your children responsibilities, make them feel useful, consider your children’s thoughts and ideas, if you have a car teach them how to drive, if you have a company make them part of it by giving them small jobs to do, give them money as well as they need it but know how to balance it, it is the small things that will make a huge difference in the future, and what may seem stupid and illogical to you may be your kid’s greatest need.

The older we live the more we know, but that does not necessarily mean that we know more than everybody younger than us. Of all the people on earth, I never thought I would actually learn so much more about life from a person younger than I am. Hearing things I needed to hear from this person changed my whole perspective of life and made me learn things about myself that I never knew I had as well. I would not be writing this to you guys if it was not for this person.

Picture of the day - Rio de Janeiro Protest

Demonstrators also torched a bus on Rio Branco Avanue, Brazil, and pulled furniture out of banks to use in barricades as they squared off with police.

Picture: REUTERS

Today's youth worse in literacy and numeracy

According to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the age group between 16-24 are the worst to language and mathematics performers to ever exist. It also stated that the level of basic skills has deteriorated over the past 40 years with average students getting lower marks than their parents as well as grandparents.

This is quiet a scary fact, but with the way things are run in this modern world, this should not come as a surprise to anyone, young or old. Although there is a higher number of people passing with higher grades and going to university, advancements in technology have made it easier for us to deal with everything whereas in past years, random humans had to use their mind twice as much as our generation.

Older people will always be better skilled and in a better position than us in all aspects of life in general, therefore we should look up to them and try to emulate their behaviour although it is a challenge.