SUCCESS IN THE TOURISM BUSINESS

A BACKPACKER LODGE COMES TO LIFE AND MANY BENEFIT

You must chase your dreams no matter what, says Lebohang Malepa, owner of the well-known Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. "Don't give up even if it seems impossible and you don't know how or where to begin," he said.

Selling crafts

"I knew from an early age that I didn't want to say 'good morning sir' to anyone," Malepa said. "I just hated the thought of waking up in the morning and having to go to work. But I knew that I had to do something to support myself." 

Before he started his business, Malepa was selling crafts to tourists at the famous Hector Peterson Memorial in Soweto. "Most of the tourists were not buying a lot of goods, so I started thinking about ways to grow my business," he said. 

While selling at the memorial he often met people who were transporting tourists. Most of them told him that tourists wanted to experience the real South Africa and were interested in spending time in the townships. 

Malepa then got the idea of opening a bed-and-breakfast lodge in Soweto and offering visitors guided tours on bicycles. This would be a first in a black community in South Africa.

Creates jobs

He was lucky to have the use of his grandparents' large four-room house, which he could change into a lodge. Today, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers gets visitors from all over the world. 

Malepa employs ten part-time guides who ride with the visitors on their bicycles. He also employs three full-time people to help him run the business, and he contracts a neighbour to prepare food for his guests. 

In this way, the business not only gives tourists a truly South African experience, but also boosts tourism in Soweto and creates jobs.

Goals

Malepa's goal is to grow his business. He is in the process of applying for funds from government programmes like the Umsobomvu Youth Fund. While waiting for money from government, he is working towards his goals using the profit he is able to make. 

His advice to people who want to start their own businesses is simple: 
"You can dream, but you must follow up on your dreams with actions."

- Muzi Mkhwanazi

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If possible, use daylight in the office instead of switching on lights

EDUCATION
 

ALL IS NOT LOST IF YOU FAILED MATRIC

Last year a number of people failed their matric exams. Because the new curriculum was introduced this year, they cannot re-write their exams while attending school like normal pupils do. 

But all is not lost for them. There is help through the Department of Education’s Senior Certificate Assistance Support Programme. 

Four-year chance

If you failed matric in 2007 or if you are doing Grade 12 part-time on the old curriculum, the programme gives you an opportunity to re-write your exams up to 2011. 

This is a four-year chance to get a matric certificate based on the old curriculum. After 2011, no Grade 12 exams will be based on the old curriculum. This means if you have failed and miss this opportunity, you will have to complete Grade 12 studying new subjects under the new curriculum.

All provinces

The support programme is available in all the provinces. If you join, you will have to attend classes on Saturdays. If you live in Limpopo, you must attend classes on Friday afternoons, as well as Saturday mornings.Different subjects will be taught and you will get teaching support materials like study notes and exam papers from previous years.

The subjects you can take include Accounting, Agriculture, Biology, Business Economics, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physical Science and two official languages, as well as Afrikaans and English at second-language level.

Exams under the old curriculum will be written in May and June of every year, from May 2008 to May 2011. 

Opens doors

Learners are encouraged to make use of this opportunity before it is too late. For those who were taught under the old system, it will be difficult after 2011. Under the new system they will have to start learning in a totally different way because of the outcomes-based nature of the new curriculum. 

It is also important to get your senior certificate as soon as pos-sible, because it can open doors for your personal development and further learning at universities and colleges. If you do not get your senior certificate while you have the opportunity, you risk the chance of never being able to study at a university or college. 

- Muzi Mkhwanazi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Close windows and doors when the heater is on to keep the heat inside

JOIN THE POLICE

BECOME A CRIME BUSTER

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is increasing its efforts to fight crime. To help them do this, they are looking for keen, energetic and dedicated young people to join their ranks. 

There are 5 613 posts available in all the nine provinces. If you want to join, you must be between 18 and 30 years old. You must have a Grade 12 certificate, a valid Code EB driver's license, and be physically and mentally fit. You must also be able to speak English fluently, as well as one other official language. 
 

To apply

There's nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than being a servant of the people, says the SAPS training section. To start your career with them, you can get application forms from your nearest recruitment office at any police station. 

All applicants will have to undergo a psychological assessment. This will tell the police whether you are the right kind of person to be a police official. It will also tell them if you have previous criminal convictions, you are willing to have your background checked and are prepared to serve anywhere in South Africa.

Basic training

As a new police recruit, you will undergo a Basic Training Learning Programme (BTLP). This programme has the following three phases:

• Phase 1: Basic training and tactical policing programme for six months. This is presented at the various basic training institutions in Pretoria, Oudtshoorn, Graaff-Reinet, Bhisho, Mthatha, Chatsworth, Phillipi, Bishop Lavis, Ulundi and All Saints.

• Phase 2: Field training as a student constable in uniform. During this time, you will work in the Community Service Centre (CSC) for the first 12 weeks, after which you will work outside the CSC.

• Phase 3: In-service training. After students have finished the basic training for six months and field training for another six months respectively, they undergo in-service training for 12 months. When they meet all the requirements, they will be appointed permanently as constables.

ACT now

After finishing all three phases of basic training, the constables must work in the police service for at least four years on salary level four. This includes all the fringe benefits such as medical aid, service allowance, and pension. Join now and become a crime buster. Follow your heart and your conscience and join the offensive against crime. Against Crime Together (ACT). 

ACT Now!

– Selby Bokaba, SAPS

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Make sure fridge doors are properly sealed and closed to keep the cold air inside

For the past few months, people all over the country have been talking about one thing that affects all of us - load shedding. 

Load shedding is a way of saving electricity. It means electricity is switched off in certain areas for periods of about two hours at a time. This helps to ensure that the electricity that is available is enough for everyone.

Work together

But load shedding is not the only way of saving energy. We must all work with government to save electricity. If we use more electricity than what is available, it could lead to more power cuts for longer periods across the country.

If all of us put in an effort and use the electricity saving tips that are available, we can save more than 10 per cent of the country's total electricity usage.

Response plan

Government, through the Department of Minerals and Energy, has started a National Response Plan to reduce the use of electricity. If it is successful, it may put an end to load shedding.

The plan is already in place and involves saving electricity in government and state-owned buildings. These buildings include hospitals, municipal offices, clinics and Eskom buildings. It also includes 2010 projects and traffic lights. 

Through the response plan, government is educating people to save electricity and encouraging them to change their behaviour. The response plan is expected to help solve the electricity problem in the next five to eight years.

Energy regulations

Government has also come up with energy regulations. In line with the regulations, lights may not be on in empty buildings, especially after working hours, street lights and lights on highways may not be switched on during the day and government buildings or projects may use only energy-saving light bulbs. 

Electric geysers in new houses with a value above R750 000 and in office blocks, hostels, resorts and shopping complexes must have solar water-heating abilities. 

- Ndivhuwo Khangale

Turn off your computer, TV, or radio when you're not using it.

 

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY DO YOUR APPLIANCES USE

As the country continues with efforts to save energy, it is important to know how much electricity your appliances use at home.

An electricity usage leaflet from Eskom gives details about electrical appliances at home and how much electricity they use. Stoves, geysers, kettles, washing machines, heaters, fans, dishwashing machines and grinding machines, use the most electricity. 

They are followed by microwave ovens, frying pans and irons. Home appliances that use less electricity are hi-fis, televisions, radios, electric blankets and light bulbs.

When you buy your appliances you will see the number of watts (units of electrical power) that it uses. This number is usually stamped under or at the back of your appliance. An iron, for example, uses 1 500 watts. This is equal to 1, 5 kilowatts (a kilowatt is 1 000 watts of electricity). 

To change watts to kilowatts, move the comma three spaces to the left, for example: 1 500 watts = 1, 5 kilowatts. To find out what it costs, you then multiply the number of kilowatts by the price of one unit of electricity, for example 40 cents (1, 5 x 40 cents = 60 cents). This is the cost of using an iron for an hour.

- Ndivhuwo Khangale

 

MAKING MORE ENERGY FOR THE FUTURE

South Africa is finding itself in a position where the need for electricity is more than the available supply. By working together to save electricity, we are helping government to make sure that there will be enough to go around. 

Long-term plans

Energy-saving plans are already cutting the demand for electricity. But saving energy now is a short-term solution to the problem. For this reason, government has started major long-term plans to solve the country's electricity problems into the future. 
Over the next five years alone, government, through the national electricity supplier, Eskom, plans to spend about R300 billion. The long-term plans consist of different types of power stations using modern technology to make more energy.

Modern technology

This includes a pressure water reactor, which will be ready by 2015. It is a way of creating energy by using boiling water that is put under pressure. 

In Cape Town, government is also building a wind-energy power station. This is a way of making electricity from wind energy using windmills. It will create about 100 megawatts of power for the area.

Another project is the building of an energy source known as a pebble bed modular reactor. It is expected to start making energy before 2013. About half of the 40 000 megawatts of power needed by the country over the next 20 years will come from nuclear power.

Counting on all of us

South Africa is not the only country in the world that is facing energy shortages. Many other developing countries are finding that they cannot keep up with the electricity demand. Brazil has also faced similar problems. 

The Brazilian government managed to solve its electricity problems with the help of its people. Households that wasted electricity had to pay fines, while those which saved were awarded. 

Our government will not follow Brazil's example in this regard, but is counting on all of us to do everything we can to save electricity.

- Muzi Mkhwanazi

MANAGING YOUR MONEY

DON'T HIDE FROM DEBT GET COUNSELLING

A funny radio advert is on air. It is about a man who gets a call from a call-centre demanding payment for an instalment he didn't pay. When he hears the call is about the money he owes, he pretends his phone is on voicemail and asks the caller to leave a message.

Many people, like this man, are so deep in debt that they cannot repay. They are too scared to answer their phones or open their mail. But there is no need to hide or panic.

Counselling service

With the new National Credit Act, you don't have to be harassed and frightened by call centre agents. You can get out of debt.

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) has started a debt counselling service for people who have fallen so deep into the debt trap that they don't know how to get out. Debt counselling includes education on how to manage your money and how to get out of debt.

Payment arrangements

NCR Debt Counselling Project says the first step is to talk to someone at the finance department of the credit giver's head office. You can explain your situation and arrange to pay off small amounts. 

Do not be forced to agree to pay what you cannot afford. Also, do not try to impress by promising to pay what you don't have. Tell them what you can afford and stick to the arrangement.

Final notice

People should always read letters from their credit givers. Credit givers cannot threaten to take your goods or blacklist you before sending you a Section 129 letter, which is a final notice. 

This letter can only be sent to you after you have not paid your instalments for three months. Credit givers can only take legal action against you after the final notice has been sent, says NCR.
If you are so deep in debt that you cannot stick to the arrangements you have made, the final option is to contact a debt counsellor and apply for a debt review.

- Ndivhuwo Khangale

* Read more about debt counselling in the next issue of Vuk'uzenzele.

 

 

 

 

 

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When cooking, use pots with tight-fitting lids to keep the heat inside

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

FROM UNEMPLOYED MECHANIC TO MENTOR AND TEACHER

Simon Ndlovu, a motorbike mechanic from Soweto, found himself without a job when a number of companies he worked for closed down. His only choice was to start his own business fixing bikes. 
"Losing my job has been a blessing. I regret not having started my own business a long time ago", he said. 

Ndlovu has been working as a motorbike mechanic for the past 32 years. Happy to be his own boss now, he is also a mentor and teacher to the youth.
 

Working hard

Most of the youth who have lessons with Ndlovu are in high school. After school, they get together at his small workshop in Tshiawelo, Soweto, for their daily lessons. "I have helped so many young people, I have lost count. Many of them now have jobs; some are working in town," Ndlovu said. "It makes me very happy to see young people concentrating on doing good things rather than resorting to criminal activities." 

He rewards his students for their interest in learning new skills by teaching them to ride motorbikes, buying them school uniforms and generally helping them with funds for their school needs.

Dream

Judging from all the bikes in his workshop that need to be fixed, it is clear that there is a growing need for this kind of work in Soweto.

Ndlovu's dream is to own a bigger workshop fitted with all the tools he needs and more space for his classes. He has applied for funds from government programmes to grow his business. He recently found out about these funds. 

In the meantime, to reach his goals, he is not waiting for hand-outs from government. He believes that if funding does come his way, it will find him working hard to improve his business.

Opportunities

His advice to the youth is to be patient and make time to learn skills which might be useful for them in the future. "There are more opportunities now than when I was young. I have faced discrimination in the workplace and had to endure harassment. But I didn't give up, because I wanted to learn," he said. "I don't regret having been patient during those trying times. Now, I depend only on myself and I'm my own boss,"

Contribution

Ndlovu does not expect government to do things for him, but rather does what he can for his country. In this way, he is making a contribution towards Jipsa without even realising it.

- Muzi Mkhwanazi

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When cooking, the size of the pot should match the size of the stove plate

A few fun games to keep you entertained and exercise your brain...

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Don't fill the electric kettle up when boiling water; boil only what you need

ECONOMIC LITERACY

HOW THE BUDGET AFFECTS YOU

Social Grants

From April this year, the disability and old age grants will be increased with R70 to R940 a month. The child support grant will be increased by R10 in April and by another R10 in October to make it R220 a month. In January 2009, the child support grant will be extended to include children up to 15 years old. The age for men to get old age pension will be reduced from 65 to 63 this year, to 61 in 2009 and to 60 by 2010.

Safety and security

To help fight crime, the Department of Safety and Security will get an extra R10 billion over the next three years. The money will be used to employ more police officers, prosecutors, magistrates and judges. Forty new police stations will also be built.

Education

More than R1,5 billion will help to feed about 7 million school children this year. Over the next three years, R18 billion will be spent on school buildings and on equipment to make schools safer. Pre-school education will be accessible to even the poorest households. More money will be made available for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and for further education colleges.

Personal income tax

People who earn less than R46 000 a year (about R3 800 per month) will not pay tax.

Job creation

An amount of R1 billion will be used to support job creating programmes which fall under the Expanded Public Works Programme. The Department of Trade and Industry will get an additional R2,3 billion over the next three years to support job creation.

 

Reducing poverty

Provincial governments that run social development programmes which help to reduce poverty, will get R238 billion. This is the biggest share of the budget and is a 16 per cent increase from last year’s budget.

Infrastructure development

The budgets of the departments of housing; provincial and local government; water affairs and forestry; sport and recreation; and transport have been increased by R17 billion. This will be used to improve infrastructure like roads, railways, water supply and sewerage over the next three years.

Health services

R14,1 billion will be available to improve health services. Nurses’ wages will go up and about 25 000 posts will be filled by 2010. Some of the money will be used to build new hospitals and fix up old ones. More money will be available for HIV and Aids programmes and TB treatment.

- Ndivhuwo Khangale and Muzi Mkhwanazi

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Boil water in an electric kettle rather on a stove plate or in a microwave; it uses less energy

HEALTH ADVICE

TB - GET TESTED AND COMPLETE YOUR TREATMENT

March 24 is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. On this day, countries all over the world will remind people of the importance of testing for TB early, starting treatment as soon as possible and completing treatment. 
TB can be prevented and it is curable. Government is working hard to provide treatment and to reduce some of the major causes of TB, like poor nutrition and lack of proper housing.

Cost

TB patients who do not complete their treatment, make it very difficult for government to fight the disease.
It costs government R400 to start treatment for one TB patient. This cost can go up to R24 000 for Extreme Drug Resistant (XDR) TB.

Treatment

If you are infected it is important that a health worker checks that you take the correct medicine regularly for a specific period of time. By examining you regularly, the health worker will see whether your treatment is working, and whether you have any other health problems.
It takes about six months for TB to be cured completely, but within two weeks of starting treatment, you will no longer spread the disease.
If you do not take all your medicine, you will not be cured and you will continue to spread TB to others in the family or community. It is dangerous to stop your treatment, because even if you start again later, you may never be cured.

How is TB spread?

TB is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits without covering his or her mouth and nose. Germs are spread into the air and when others breathe them in, they may become infected.

- Ndivhuwo Khangale

Signs of TB
 

• If you have any of these signs, get tested at your nearest clinic as soon as possible. Testing is free.

• coughing for longer than two weeks or coughing up blood

• chest pains

• tiredness and weakness

• weight loss

• night sweats, even when it is cold
• How to prevent TB from spreading

• Get tested, take medicine regularly and don't stop until you are cured, even if you feel better.

• Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and spit in a tissue.

• Open windows and doors to let fresh air into the house.
• Who should be tested for TB?

• All children younger than five years should be examined for signs of TB, especially if family members have TB. Young children can get very ill from the disease.

• Anyone who shows signs of TB, like coughing for two weeks or more, or sweating at night, should be tested for TB.

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Use gas for cooking and heating; it is more efficient and saves electricity

KEEPING IT BRIEF

PREVENTING MISUSE OF 2010 PHRASES PLAN FOR 2010

By law, certain phrases relating to the 2010 FIFA World Cup may only be used under specific conditions. This means they are protected by what is called ‘intellectual property rights’, which will prevent them from being misused. Phrases like 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa may, for example, not be used to advertise events that are not official FIFA World Cup events. 

They may also not be used on goods other than registered goods like caps, T-shirts and bags. Newspapers and other media may use the phrases, but reporting must be fair and may not be misused for advertising purposes or to make money. The phrases include: 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa, World Cup 2010, South Africa 2010, SA 2010, 2010 Fifa World Cup, Africa 2010, Soccer World Cup, and South Africa World Cup. The law also protects host cities’ names together with the phrase 2010.

- BuaNews 

 

Eastern Cape 
As part of its contribution to save energy, the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality will start three energy-efficient projects later this year. One of the projects will use solar energy (energy from the sun) to heat water for home use. Wind energy and gas from land-fill areas will also be used. Nelson Mandela Bay is ideal for making electricity from wind because a lot of wind is available in the area.

- BuaNews

 

Mpumalanga 
More than 1 000 trees have been planted at a township outside Balfour as part of the Greening Mpumalanga project. The province has now passed its target of planting 100 000 trees by February. The project aims to make people in the province more aware of the importance of planting trees and caring for the environment. Funding for Greening Mpumalanga comes from the provincial and municipal budgets, as well as from donors. 

- BuaNews

 

Limpopo
To develop skills among municipal workers and improve service delivery in the Greater Letaba municipality, more than 150 municipal workers will get basic training. Training will include skills like typing and computer literacy, first aid, communication, house-building, plumbing, roads and road signs. At the end of the courses, the workers will receive certificates of competency.

- BuaNews

 

Western Cape
A project called Child-Friendly Schools, was started by the Western Cape Department of Education earlier this year. The plan, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund, encourages a safer learning environment in some of the province’s schools where safety is a concern. This comes after the Minister of Education pointed out nine schools (one per province) with safety problems. 

- BuaNews

 

Gauteng 
The provincial education department is building 70 new schools throughout the province. The schools will help relieve overcrowding and improve the province’s education system. So far, 17 of the schools have already opened to take in some of the 17 194 learners who could not be placed by the end of last year. This year, 678 360 new learners registered in the province. This is an increase of 2,8 per cent from 2007. 

- BuaNews

 

KwaZulu-Natal 
To improve learning at needy schools, learners at 30 schools in the country will get 60 000 lap desks worth R3 million. The first lap desks were handed over to learners at Mandosi Primary School in Pinetown. Lap desks can be carried and can be used at home or in the classroom. The project, which is sponsored by Old Mutual , is supported by the Department of Education. Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu, is the patron. 

- BuaNews

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Remember to switch off all lights, especially outdoor lights, during the day

Education is the right choice
I am 34 years old and I never wrote my final matric exam. My girlfriend was pregnant and I left school to find greener pastures. It was hard without adequate education, no work experience and no skills. I could only get a job as a petrol attendant.
Then I registered for ABET and got my senior certificate. Let us not put our problems ahead of our futures. The world is full of choices and chances. Education is the right choice. 
- Mahlomola Piet Tseisi , Bothaville, Free State

 

Life is too short to live with regrets
I was shocked by a 19-year old girl with three kids who is now carrying the fourth one. I wonder if this girl lacks knowledge or is she just doing it for the sake of getting a child support grant. My plea to young girls out there is to stop being baby-making machines. So, wake up girls, don't destroy your future. Life is too short to live with regrets. 
- Charles Twala, Barberton, Mpumalanga

 

Child-support grants not for personal needs
It is most regrettable that some people use the child support grant for their own personal needs. When they apply, the impression is given that the grant will benefit the child. But as soon as it is approved, they use the money to buy alcohol, clothes, drugs, or new hairstyles and neglect their children. Children are not a means to financial gain, fraudulently or otherwise, but a gift from God who need our love and care.
- Masheme Makoatsane, Mohlakeng, Gauteng

 

Parents are the primary educators
It is not always easy, but parents must tell their children the truth about changes in their bodies when they grow up. This must not only be the responsibility of teachers in the classroom. They should also not learn from their peers; they may receive wrong information, criticism and pressure. 
Parents are the primary educators and they must give first-hand information to their children. I ask every parent to correct this situation before it is too late.- Simon Malele, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga

 

Don't just talk, ACT
I like the term that says "Act Against Crime". We will be saying 'Stop Crime' on radio, TV and in newspapers, but criminals don't read newspapers; they wrap stolen goods with them. They don't listen to or watch radio and TV, but steal them and sell them. If we see someone stealing, we must pick up the phone and dial 08600 1011. Let's stop talking, and ACT. Actions are better than words.- Mmakhumo Jaola, Mafikeng, North West

 

Learners, be careful
I was once a victim of crime at my school. I appeal to government to have a special operation of policemen visiting schools from time to time, especially schools in informal settlements. 
Most of the learners who are involved in crime are those who work hand in glove with the criminals who are not learners. Learners who are friends with criminals look for other learners who carry valuable goods like cell phones, then they inform the criminals. These students are robbed on their way home. Learners must be more careful and stop carrying valuables to school.
- Proman Gumede, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

 

Take care after finishing a jail sentence
I write this letter to appeal to all those who received parole and to those who came out of jail after finishing their sentences. Please guys take care. Be drug free, because your brains are the headquarters of your body and soul. Don't lie, because you'll have to lie again to cover up that lie and you won't stop lying.
Have some task that you can devote your energy to. Plant vegetables and people will buy from you. Take care of cents; rands will take care of themselves. Give women love and respect, children will see you as a great father. Walk proud and smile; somebody, somewhere will smile back at you and your burdens will seem lighter. 
- Nkosinathi Mahanjana, King Williams Town, Eastern Cape

 

Change your criminal lives
If you murder or hurt someone, remember that he or she is the loved one of his or her family like you are to your family. If you steal, murder, rape or rob, imagine how much pain and loss you cause to the families and loved ones of your victims.
What goes around comes around. I assure you that life has a way of revenging the cruel things you did to others. Remember all the special people in your life that you love. Imagine them as victimised like your victims. If you change your criminal life, you will be doing good things like reducing crime, protecting your future victims and improving your country. 
- Klaas Matlou, Mabathlane, Limpopo

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Change to energy-saving light bulbs: they last longer and use less electricity

Switch off lights, fans or heaters when no-one is in the room

TRADITION AND THE LAW

REGISTER YOUR CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE TO MAKE IT LEGAL

Traditional marriages will only be recognised as lawful if they have been registered. Even if lobola was paid and the marriage was celebrated along with customary rituals and laws, it must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs. 

This is a condition of the African Customary Marriages Act, which came into operation in November 2000. In line with this law, the marriage can be registered at any office of the Department of Home Affairs within a period of three months after the customary wedding took place.

Property

Many couples, especially those who want to separate, experience the negative side of not registering their marriages. This is because when couples separate there are often disagreements about property. Registered customary marriages are viewed by the law as being "in community of property." This means the partners share the property, like furniture or land that they have collected during the marriage. In an unregistered customary marriage, one of the partners can lose his or her right to the property when they separate. In some cases, couples who have divorced have lost everything they had put into the marriage because they failed to register their marriages.

Witnesses

To register a customary marriage, a couple must go to an office of the Department of Home Affairs. At least one witness for each of the partners, or a representative from each of the families must also be present.

Although the Act says that both partners must be 18 or older before they may get married, exceptions can be made for younger couples. Both partners' parents must give their approval and must be present when the marriage is registered. 
At present, the definition of customary marriages as given by law, only includes marriages that take place along with any of the African customary marriages. It does not include customary marriages entered into within other religions, for example Hindu or Muslim. 

- Muzi Mkhwanazi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When cooking, use pots with flat bottoms to spread heat evenly

ROLE MODEL

THERE IS POSSIBILITY BEHIND DISABILITY

Hellen Ndamase (34) from Soweto is HIV positive and later went blind. While living with her boyfriend she found she had HIV.
"He was my first boyfriend and I didn't believe it when the doctors told me I was infected. I was bitter at first, but later I realised that I couldn't blame anyone but myself. I realised I didn't take the responsibility of protecting myself," she said.

Became blind

Ndamase, who is now an Aids councillor and motivational speaker, said she and her boyfriend did not tell anybody about their HIV status until he died in 1998. "His death opened my eyes. I decided to tell my family and everyone else that I was HIV positive. It was not easy at first. I lost my job and I had to go and live with my parents. They have been very supportive ever since."
"In 2005, when I was studying for an honours degree in Industrial Psychology, I became blind," said this lively young mother of a 10-year-old son.

Motivational speaker

Ndamase said becoming blind was worse than when she found out she was HIV positive. "I now live with the fact that when others say roses are red, I say they are dark," she said jokingly.
Ndamase has a university degree in administration, but because she is blind, she struggled to find a job. She could only get jobs as a switchboard operator. 
But becoming a member of the National Council for the Blind, has helped her to get a role in SABC's HIV and Aids educational drama, Chisa. This, in turn, helped her to become a motivational speaker. She also started helping organisations to run HIV support groups.

Aids Day

She said she had a problem with people teaching children about using condoms, but not teaching them about waiting to have sex until they were married or in a faithful relationship. 
In December last year, Ndamase gave a touching speech to the youth at an Aids Day in Mokopane, Limpopo. She shared the stage with Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Health Minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
"There is possibility behind disability," Ndamase said. "Stop loving money too much because it will kill you. Stop blaming others for having infected you. Instead, take responsibility for your own safety. There is more information today than ever before, but people choose to be ignorant," she told thousands of people at Mokopane stadium.

- Ndivhuwo Khangale

 

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Soak beans and samp overnight; it saves a lot of cooking time and electricity

     

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Fix or replace faulty appliances;they do not work efficiently and waste energy

Use small kitchen appliances instead on the stove;they use less electricity

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

TAKING TREES SERIOUSLY

A story in a magazine about how people in Australia were struggling to breathe fresh air because of a lack of trees changed Abel Nkuna's life.

Nkuna of Dan Village in Tzaneen, Limpopo, knew nothing about trees and their importance in our everyday lives. He spent his working life as a buyer and seller at a building material store until he lost his job in 1998.

Food and medicine

It was only after reading the story about Australia's lack of trees, that Nkuna started taking trees seriously. He realised that the same thing could happen in South Africa if we did not look after our trees, especially indigenous ones. He saw that trees not only make our landscape beautiful, but also give us food, medicine and shelter.

Many South Africans are not aware of the importance of protecting trees, especially in the previously disadvantaged communities, Nkuna said.

President Thabo Mbeki talked about this at an Arbor Week function last year. He said a visitor to South Africa could easily tell which areas were the former "whites only" suburbs because there were much more trees.

Empty forests

Nkuna is very worried about the cutting down of trees for fire wood and other reasons. He said most forests were getting empty and that this spoiled the environment. It also means birds and wild animals disappear because there is not enough trees and forests for them to live in and get food from. "We need to protect whatever trees are still left and plant even more," Nkuna said. "It is very sad that a province like Limpopo, for example, is known for baobab trees, but how many do you see when visiting here?" he asked.

Seeds

In 2003, Nkuna decided to start planting indigenous trees from seeds. The Dendrological Society of South Africa gave him information about indigenous trees. They also taught him about the importance of planting and protecting them. He collected seeds like acacia, fig, marula, baobab, natal mahogany, and podmahogany.

Nkuna then went to the Land Care Project of the Department of Agriculture and to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry to talk about his tree project. Both departments were interested and encouraged him to plant even more trees. Since 2004, he has sold about 5 000 indigenous trees to them, as well as to local municipalities.

Jobs

Nkuna now has about 7 500 young trees in his yard which are ready to be sold. Another 13 000 will be ready by September. He is also giving jobs to 10 local women who help him with his nursery. "Indigenous trees are cheap to maintain. I only use ordinary soil mixed with cow dung compost," he said. "The only thing I buy is the plastic bags as each tree has to be planted separately."

Big challenge

This year, Nkuna faces a big challenge. Water Affairs and Forestry Minister, Lindiwe Hendricks, announced a programme to plant a million trees in schools, townships and roadsides across the country. 

The programme will help to improve South Africa's landscape, and will make our country healthier and even more beautiful, Hendricks said. 

To put the programme into action, the department prepared a planting plan that shows where all the trees will be planted throughout the country. Nkuna said he was very happy about the programme and hoped that other people would also start projects to meet the department's needs.

Meanwhile, Food & Trees for Africa, a company registered with the Department of Welfare, is helping cities all over the country to plant hundreds of trees in townships.

-- Ndivhuwo Khangale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUTH

TOURISM OFFERS A HOST OF CAREERS

As part of plans to develop skills in the country, especially in the tourism sector, a school to train chefs was started in Pretoria in February.

Presidency

Opened by Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Compass Group Chef Academy, is supported by the Presidency under the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (Jipsa). 

It was started as a partnership between the Swiss Hotel School and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund. The school will take in 36 learners to start with. The Compass Group will train them in different subjects relating to tourism and hospitality.

Skills plan

The opening of the school also fits in with a Tourism Skills Sector Plan for 2008/09. A study done under the Sector Plan shows that employment within the sector has grown by 7,2 per cent in 2004; 14,3 per cent in 2005; and 10,6 per cent in 2006. 

The Sector Plan is focusing on pointing out the scarce skills needed in the tourism industry and on ways to develop such skills. It will help to inform tertiary education institutions like colleges and universities about the training needs in the tourism sector. "They need to know that the training they are providing is in line with what is needed in the industry," said SA Tourism.

Career fair

SA Tourism will start a National Tourism Career Fair later this year. The fair will be aimed at the youth and will highlight the different career opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. "The skills of 2020 needs to be developed today, and the nationwide fair will go a long way towards strengthening skills in tourism in South Africa," according to SA Tourism.

- BuaNews

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When cooking, keep oven doors completely closed until food is cooked

IMPORTANCE OF GETTING AN ID

The National Youth Commission started a plan to make the youth more aware of the importance of getting an identity document (ID). 

The ID plan is done in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Education, the SABC and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). It was started in the Northern Cape, but will go to all the other provinces as well.

Schools

The drive will focus mainly on schools and will speak directly to learners from the ages of 16 years as an entry age to getting an ID. 

They will learn about the importance of getting a legal ID, the advantages of having this important document, and that it is everyone's democratic right. 

They will learn that an ID is important for studying at institutions of higher learning like colleges and universities, access to exam rooms, and applying for bursaries. They will also learn that an ID is important for things like getting a driver's licence, opening a bank account, and applying for a job.

Parents

While the message speaks to young people, it will also tell parents to help their children get an ID.

CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE
 

VENDA TRADITIONAL DRESS

Venda women and girls

The most colourful part of Venda women's clothing is the upper garment made from multi-coloured striped cloth called 'wenda. It is a length of cloth with a strip (bannda) sewn on across the top and two straps (mivhofho) of the same cloth to tie over the shoulder. 

A traditional garment which was worn only by married women, is a goat skin apron called tshirivha, covering the back and front. On special occasions, married women used to wear a ceremonial back apron made of sheepskin called gwana. Today, a similar garment is made of 'wenda cloth. Maredo, worn by young females, are narrow strips of cloth hanging between the legs over a girdle in the front and back. Bracelets and necklaces of twisted grass called vhukunda were worn by females for decoration. Young women also wore pieces of copper twisted round a string of cotton, called thuthu or shedo, round the ankles and wrists.

Venda men and boys

A loin cloth called tsindi is an important item of clothing traditionally worn by all Venda males. It is a triangular piece of soft skin covering the front, passed between the legs and tied at the back. Tsindi worn by mature men were made from the skin of a goat, klipspringer or duiker. A rope called ludede was worn around the waist. In cold weather, Venda men also wore a cloak over the shoulders called nguvha. It was usually made by young men from a complete goat's skin. The chief traditionally wore an animal skin headband and a karos or sila over his shoulders. 

Today, Venda men often wear shirts made from the traditional striped 'wenda cloth. Sometimes they wear a length of 'wenda cloth tied across one shoulder.

- Information supplied by the University of Venda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS TB?

TB is a disease that is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The germ usually attacks the lungs, but can attack any part of the body, like the kidneys, spine and brain. If you do not get proper treatment, you can die fromTB.
 

How do you know you have TB?

• If you have been coughing for two weeks or more with or without the following symptoms, you could have TB:

• sweating at night;

• weight loss;

• loss of appetite;
• tiredness.

If you suspect you have TB

Go to your local clinic immediately for a free test.

What is MDR-TB?

MDR-TB is a special form of TB that does not respond to ordinary TB treatment. It is difficult to treat and needs specialised medicine. The symptoms of MDR-TB are the same as ordinary TB and it is spread in the same way as ordinary TB.

What is the treatment for MDR-TB?

• Treatment lasts for two years.

• A person with MDR-TB stays in hospital for six months or more.

• For the first six months, injections are given every day.

• Different pills are also given and must be taken every day.
• It is important to get all the injections and take all the pills because they work together to kill the germs.
• Patients must take medicine every day for two years to be cured.

What is XDR-TB?

XDR-TB is another form of TB and it does not respond to treatment for MDR-TB. It is much more difficult to treat because there are fewer medicines that can be used to treat it. The symptoms are the same as ordinary TB and MDR-TB and it is spread in the same way.

What is the treatment for XDR-TB?

• Treatment lasts for two or more years.

• A person with XDR-TB stays in hospital for six months or more.

• For the first six months injections are given every day.

• Different pills are also given and must be taken every day.

• It is important to get all the injections and take all the pills because they work together to kill the germs.
• Patients must take medicine every day for two years to be cured.

TB and HIV and Aids

There is no link between TB and Aids. If you have TB it does not mean that you also have Aids. If you are HIV-positive and have TB, you can still get treatment for TB. If you take your medicine as you are told, your TB can be cured. If you are taking medicine for HIV and Aids, you can safely take TB medicine as well.

ECONOMIC LITERACY

WHY INTEREST RATES AFFECT US

An interest rate is the amount of money that a lender charges a borrower for a loan. The interest rate is usually given as a percentage of the total amount borrowed. 

If, for example, you borrow R100 from a lending institution they can charge ten per cent interest on the amount borrowed. Ten per cent of R100 is R10, which means you will have to pay back the R100 you borrowed plus R10 interest.

Prices increase

Government has given the South African Reserve Bank the task of making sure that inflation - which is the general increase in prices - does not go up too much. 

The Reserve Bank does this by changing the interest rates from time to time. A decision of the Reserve Bank earlier this year not to raise interest rates means that government is protecting the people from general price increases. 

Currently, if you buy goods like furniture or a car on credit, you borrow money from a bank or other financial institution at a 14,5 per cent interest rate. This means if your furniture cost R1 000, you will pay R1 000 plus R145 interest on the loan.

Reduce spending

One of the main reasons for not raising the interest rate this year, is that South Africans have been buying less on credit. Part of the reasons why the interest rates were raised more often last year, is that we bought too much on credit. 

This means we spent money that we didn't have. If we do this, we put pressure on the Reserve Bank to give other banks more money. In turn, the banks lend out more money, which leads to people spending money they don't really have. 

When this happens, the Reserve Bank is forced to act by raising the rate at which it loans money to the banks. The banks in turn raise the interest on the loans they give people.

- - Muzi Mkhwanazi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Use a fan instead of an air-conditioner; fans use less electricity