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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM HUMAN RIGHTS FOR WOMEN, HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM HUMAN RIGHTS FOR WOMEN, HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL sadminIt' s the ninth anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The theme this year is "Human Rights for Women - Human Rights for All." It tells us that if we abuse women, we also abuse human rights.
Over the past years, the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign has been asking people to say NO to violence against women and children. It aims to make people aware of the harmful effects of violence on women and children, and on society as a whole.
During this time, there have also been ongoing support programmes to remind people for 365 days of the year to act against violence and abuse. These programmes are part of a National Action Plan which includes all government departments and other partners.
Human rights
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is an international campaign, which was started by the United Nations. It is held every year between 25 November (International Day Against Violence Against Women) and 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The two dates were chosen to link violence against women and human rights, because such violence is also a violation of human rights.
Aims
The aims of the 2008 campaign include:
- making people more aware of the harmful effects of violence against women and children;
- encouraging abusers to change their behaviour to non-violence;
- reaching out to women and children who are victims of abuse, especially in rural areas;
- highlighting the stories of survivors of violence.
Rural areas
In South Africa, this year's campaign will continue to focus on rural areas. It will encourage men and boys to be part of the campaign by making others aware of the message of no violence.
During 2006 and 2007, the Farm Workers Awareness Programme was started in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. It focused on women and children living and working on farms.
As part of the programme, community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations helped to spread the message.
Last year's campaign also included the Million Men's March, which was aimed at creating greater awareness among men and boys.
White ribbon
All of us can make a difference. Let us support the campaign by wearing the white ribbon during the 16-days period. Let us also act against abuse by blowing the whistle on abusers and let us help victims by encouraging them to seek help.
- Mbulelo Baloyi
2010 WORLD CUP TICKETS ARE AFFORDABLE, SO DON'T MISS OUT
2010 WORLD CUP TICKETS ARE AFFORDABLE, SO DON'T MISS OUT sadmin
The large amounts of money that government has spent on stadiums and other infrastructure for the 2010 World Cup, is paying off for all South Africans. To thank us for our contributions, we will get tickets at a reduced price.
Exchange rate
World Cup tickets are usually sold in American dollars to people from all over the world. This means when the tickets become available, the price is worked out in terms of what the rand is worth compared to the dollar. For example, if the dollar rises to twenty rands to one rand, tickets will be very expensive. But this will not apply to South Africans. For us, the tickets will be sold at a fixed exchange rate of R7 to one dollar. Even if the value of the dollar rises, South Africans are protected by the fixed rate of R7 to the dollar. This means we will be able to buy tickets for R140. It will give every South African a chance to be part of this great event.
However, tickets for the opening match will be set at R500.
Nation builders
In addition, about 120 000 tickets will be set aside to be given to "nation-builders". They will include people who are involved in building stadiums and roads for the World Cup.
Start saving
From the middle of January next year, about 2 million tickets for all 64 World Cup matches will be made available for sale to the general public.
The festive season is around the corner and many people will be getting end-of-year bonuses. If you are one of the lucky ones who will get a bonus and you want to attend some of the matches, why not set aside a bit of your bonus money to buy tickets.
But even if you don't get a bonus, you can start saving some money now for your tickets.
The World Cup is the biggest soccer event in the world. For the first time ever it will be held on African soil. So don't miss out on being part of history.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
Advice: HIV and Aids - Rather be safe than sorry
Advice: HIV and Aids - Rather be safe than sorry sadmin
HIV AND AIDS - RATHER BE SAFE THAN SORRY
World Aids Day takes place on 1 December. Since it also marks the beginning of the holiday season, people are encouraged to practice safe sex during this time.
The festive period is a time when many people relax and drink too much alcohol. One of the major effects of alcohol is that it affects your ability to make the right decisions. This often leads to unprotected sex.
Young People
In South Africa about 5,54 million people were living with HIV and Aids in 2005. Of this number 18,8 per cent are people between the ages of 15 and 49. There is a sharp rise in the infection rate in the 25 to 29 age group.
Major causes of the infection rate rise in youth is unprotected sex, many different sexual partners, alcohol and drug abuse and infection with other sexually transmitted diseases.
National Strategic Plan
Through the National Strategic Plan for HIV and Aids, government has set a target of reducing the number of new infections by at least 50 per cent by 2011.
The plan also aims to reduce the effects of HIV and Aids on individuals, families, communities and society. This will be done by making it easier for everyone who lives with HIV and Aids to get treatment, care and support.
The key messages of the plan is prevention; treatment, care and support; human and legal rights; and monitoring and research.
The National Strategic Plan for HIV and Aids does not only involve government, but is a partnership between com-munities, religious groups, people living with HIV and Aids, voluntary groups and every South African.
Winning the battle
Studies show that government campaigns that focus on prevention through responsible behaviour are slowly beginning to help win the battle against the disease. The number of pregnant women who are HIV positive is going down. In the 15 to 19 year age group HIV has dropped from 13,7 per cent in 2006 to 12,9 per cent in 2007. There was also a drop in the 25 to 29 year age group from 38,7 per cent in 2006 to 37,9 per cent in 2007. So far, about 450 000 people are getting antiretroviral treatment.
Rather be safe
So, to reduce the number of HIV and Aids infections, government is calling on all South Africans to be responsible and practice safe sex at all times. This means using condoms and being faithful to one partner, or to abstain.
But whatever you do during this holiday period, do it responsibly and safely. Rather be safe than sorry - acting responsibly will prevent regrets later in the year.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
E-mail us on: vukuzenzele@gcis.gov.za
The Department of Health will advise you.
ELECTIONS USE YOUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO VOTE
ELECTIONS USE YOUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO VOTE sadmin
General elections are held every five years. It is the only opportunity given to us as South African citizens to vote for the political parties and leaders of our choice.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is a body that government has charged with running the elections.
Voter registration
South Africans who are not registered as voters and missed the voter registration campaign earlier this month, can do so during the voter registration drive in February 2009. You can also use this period to make changes to your personal details or residential addresses.
If you are not sure whether you are registered, it is easy to find out whether your name is on the voter's roll. Just SMS your ID number to 32810.
The IEC has found that younger people are less interested in voting. For this reason, there is a plan to run campaigns at universities and colleges, as well as in communities, to encourage the youth to register as voters before the elections.
Who qualifies?
To qualify as a registered voter, you must:
- be a South African citizen;
- be 16 years or older to register, but you may only vote when you are 18;
- have a South African green bar-coded identity document (ID) or a Temporary Identity Certificate;
- give a physical address where you stay.
Why should I vote?
In a general election, you will have the chance to exercise your democratic right by voting for the political parties and party candidates of your choice. They will represent you in the National Assembly as Members of Parliament (MP).
These MPs then elect the president of the country. In turn, the president of the country appoints his or her cabinet ministers, mainly from among the MPs.
You will also be voting for a political party and party candidates of your choice for leadership positions in provincial governments. They are called Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs).
The MPLs elect the premier of the province. The premier, in turn, appoints Members of the Executive Council (MECs) from among the members of the provincial legislature.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
FIGHTING CRIME BE EXTRA CAREFUL OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON
FIGHTING CRIME BE EXTRA CAREFUL OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON sadmin
The festive season is here and a lot of people are looking forward to the celebrations. It is the time when friends and relatives get together and have fun. Many people also leave their homes to go on holiday. Unfortunately, during this time there is a rise in burglaries at homes and businesses.
Members of the police will continue to give up their own holidays to serve and protect South Africans. The South African Police Service (SAPS) will carry out crime prevention operations in all provinces. But they ask you, as a member of the community, to be patient and co-operate when you get to police roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints.
Prevention of crime should be a joint effort between the police and the community. So, please be extra careful to ensure your own safety. Taking the following simple steps can help to prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.
Safety at home
- Know the emergency numbers like the police and ambulance.
- Never leave keys in gates, doors or cars.
- If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
- When nearing your house ensure that it is safe to enter and that you have not been followed.
- Know your neighbours and build a relationship of trust and support.
- Never leave children alone. Always keep money in a safe place.
- Don't buy stolen goods. This motivates criminals to even steal more goods.
If your house has been broken into
- Contact your nearest police station immediately.
- Wait until fingerprints and statements have been taken before touching anything.
- Unless it is absolutely necessary don't allow anyone to enter the house or touch anything before the police have investigated the scene.
- Keep a list of the make, model and serial numbers of electrical appliances for investigation purposes.
If you go on holiday
- Make sure that the doors and windows of your house are properly locked.
- Ask a trusted family member or relative to check your house every second day while you are away.
- Plan your route beforehand so that you don't get lost in remote or unsafe areas.
- Be careful before you stop people to ask for directions.
- Leave early so that you arrive at your destination before dark.
- Don't hitchhike.
- Do not carry large sums of money with you.
- Always be aware of what is going on around you.
- Capt Tshifhiwa Tshikhudo, SAPS
FUN PAGE BE SAFE THIS SUMMER...
FUN PAGE BE SAFE THIS SUMMER... sadmin
Summertime means taking a break and doing fun things like swimming in the sea, rivers or dams. It's good to have fun, but you must also keep safe.
Road safety
- Always obey traffic signs.
- When you get to a traffic light, the red light means stop, the yellow light means caution, the green light means go. When you get to a stop sign, look, listen and look again before you go.
- Never overload your car when you go on holiday, it can cause accidents.
- Stick to the speed limit
Swimming
It's fun to swim in the sea, but it can be dangerous. Always make sure children can be seen. Try to stay close to a life guard and never swim alone. Veld fires
Veld fires can cause a lot of damage to property and can lead to death. Never throw away a burning match or cigarette and always put out fires before leaving.
FUNZA LUSHAKA HELPING YOU TAKE UP THE TEACHING CHALLENGE
FUNZA LUSHAKA HELPING YOU TAKE UP THE TEACHING CHALLENGE sadmin
Do you want to become a teacher, but don't have money for further studies? There is good news for you. If you are committed to facing the challenges of a teaching career, Funza Lushaka is ready to offer you a bursary.
There is a shortage of skilled teachers in South Africa. This makes teaching a priority study field. To encourage young people to become teachers, Government will give students full-cost bursaries to study teaching. In the past bursaries covering up to 80 percent of the costs were made available.
A full-cost bursary covers almost all of a student's financial needs. This includes registration and class fees, accommodation with meals, books and learning materials, as well as monthly living expenses. In some cases, travel expenses will also be covered by the bursary.
Who qualifies?
Teaching is a challenging career. Teachers must really be committed and must love their jobs. To qualify for a Funza Lushaka (Educate the Nation) bursary, students have to:
- show that they worked hard and got good marks at school;
- show that they are trustworthy and committed to a teaching career;
- be interested in working with young people and ready to face difficult challenges;
- be willing to teach in any school to which they are appointed by their provincial education department.
Learners who are now in Grade 12 and who want to study teaching will be considered for the bursary. Students who did not complete their teaching studies, but still want to finish, may apply.
People in other jobs who want to change their careers to teaching, or unemployed people who want to become teachers, are also encouraged to apply.
Study fields
Three different study programmes will be funded. These include:
- a four-year Bachelor of Education, or
- a three- or four-year Bachelor degree in fields like Engineering, Arts, Computer Science, or Technology which will allow the student to be admitted to the one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Priority will be given to:
- Foundation Phase specialisation - Grade R to 3.
- Intermediate Phase - Grade 4 to 6 African Languages, English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology.
- Senior Phase - Grade 7 to 9 African Languages, English, Maths, Natural Sciences, Technology.
- FET - Grade 10 to 12 African Languages, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Technology, Civil Technology, Computer Applications Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, English Language, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Mechanics and Physical Sciences.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
GRANTS AND PENSIONS REACHING MORE PEOPLE
GRANTS AND PENSIONS REACHING MORE PEOPLE sadmin
Poverty and unemployment cause many families to rely on government grants for their survival. This happens especially in households where grants are the only source of income. More than one million people who faced poverty and hardship because they did not qualify for social grants in the past, can now apply. This is because the maximum income for people to qualify is now higher. For example, in the past, you only qualified to apply for the child support grant if you earned R1 100 or less per month. This has now been increased to R2 200 per month. To qualify for the care dependency grant you had to earn R4 000 or less. This has been increased to R9 400 per month. The maximum monthly income for people to qualify to apply for the old-age grant has been increased from R1 900 to R2 200 per month.
Social Assistance Amendment Act
In the past, men could only get their old age pension at the age of 65, while women qualified at the age of 60. Because this was seen as being unfair to men, government changed the law. The new Social Assistance Amendment Act came into force earlier this year. In line with this law, men can now get the old-age pension from the age of 63. The qualifying age will be lowered by one year over a period of three years until men qualify in line with women at the age of 60. This means that by 2010 both women and men will get old-age pension at the age of 60.
HOLIDAY SEASON BE SAFE ON THE ROADS
HOLIDAY SEASON BE SAFE ON THE ROADS sadmin
For many people, the end of the year is a time to relax, but it's also a time to party more, eat more and drink more. This is a South African tradition. But it is also a South African tragedy, because levels of road safety drop sharply at this time with accidents causing injury and death.
Every year, more than 10 000 people die on South Africa's roads. The majority of them are pedestrians. The death toll is usually highest during the Easter and Christmas holiday periods when the roads are busier than normal.
This is because many people go on holiday and travel to different places all over the country to visit family and friends.
Arrive Alive
- Plan your journey carefully.
- Do not start the journey when you are tired. This affects your concentration.
- When driving long distances take a break after every 200 kilometres.
- Check you vehicle for roadworthiness.
- Check the brakes, wind shield wipers, indicators, correct tyre pressure and oil and water.
- Don't take any alcohol before or during the journey. Alcohol affects your concentration.
- Stick to the speed limit. The speed limits are MAXIMUM speeds. So, if it is raining, misty or the road is crowded, lower your speed.
- Always keep a safe following distance (at least 2 seconds) from the vehicle in front of you.
- When overtaking, make sure there is no oncoming traffic, a solid white line or traffic signs that forbid overtaking.
- It is illegal to overtake at crossings, blind rises and sharp turns.
- Switch on your headlights when visibility is poor. This helps you to be visible to all other vehicles on the road.
- If you attend an end-of-year party, arrange a lift home or ask someone who has not taken alcohol to take you home.
- Mbulelo Baloyi
HOLIDAY SEASON ENJOY YOURSELF AND BE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE
HOLIDAY SEASON ENJOY YOURSELF AND BE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE sadmin
The end-of-year is a time to have fun and celebrate after a year of hard work. But it is also a time when there are more accidents, injuries and even deaths. This is often due to alcohol and drug abuse leading to irresponsible behaviour.
It is natural for people to have fun during end-of-year celebrations. But it is very important to celebrate the holiday season responsibly. Everyone should make an effort not to drink and drive, to respect other people's property, practice safe sex and say "no" to violence.
Alcohol and drugs
The World Drug Report, as well as studies by the Medical Research Council, found that almost half of South Africa's population is affected by alcohol abuse.
This means that almost half out of a population of about 46 million people abuse alcohol at some time or another. It seems that this problem gets worse and worse each year.
Risky drinking means drinking the first thing in the morning before eating, drinking to get drunk or having alcoholic drinks instead of food at meal times.
Furthermore, studies also show that about 2,2 million South Africans use dagga, cocaine, heroin, speed, LSD, hashish, ecstasy, tik and other drugs.
Dangers
Alcohol and drug abuse affects people's ability to think clearly and to make the right choices. An example is what has been happening in Hillbrow during festive celebrations. People throw large items, even household appliances out of windows. It damages property and causes injury to people in the streets.
Alcohol abuse can also lead to violent behaviour. This means people get into fights and even kill each other. In addition, it can lead to violence against women and children. It can also cause drunk parents to neglect or abandon young helpless children.
People who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs often practice unsafe sex. This can lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and Aids.
Health
Apart from accidents and violence, drug and alcohol abuse also cause health problems. This includes damage to the brain, liver, heart and immune system.
Pregnant women who drink and abuse drugs also harm their unborn children. Studies show that about 500 000 South Africans suffer from Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder. This means babies whose mothers drank a lot of alcohol during pregnancy are born with health problems. It can cause brain damage and heart problems or below average weight and height in babies.
Road accidents
Alcohol reduces a driver's ability to act and think clearly. Every year, road accidents cost our economy over R43 billion. Many of the people killed on the roads are those who are active in the economy and who support their families.
A drunk driver stands to lose a lot if arrested. The punishment for drinking and driving is a R120 000 fine or six years in prison. Because dunk driving is illegal, a drunk driver will also get a criminal record.
If you are caught, your driver's licence and your vehicle may be taken away.
Pedestrians
A shocking number of pedestrians are killed each year on South Africa's roads. Many of these people are found to be under the influence of alcohol. Pedestrians should never drink and walk on the road.
Many informal settlements are situated next to highways. Pedestrians should be extra careful when crossing busy roads. Always look, listen and look again before you cross.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
HOLIDAY SEASON HAVE FUN AND CELEBRATE, BUT TAKE EXTRA CARE
HOLIDAY SEASON HAVE FUN AND CELEBRATE, BUT TAKE EXTRA CARE sadminThe holiday season is a time for fun and celebrations. But it is also a time to be more careful than usual. This is because people go on holiday, have parties and celebrate or do other things they don't normally do during the year. It means there are more cars and more accidents on the roads, more drownings in dams and rivers, more drinking and more violence. It's good to have fun, but we must remember to do so responsibly.
JOB PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOPS LOOKING FOR A JOB
JOB PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOPS LOOKING FOR A JOB sadmin
Going for an interview is a very important step towards getting a job. But it can be a stressful experience. So how do you put your best foot forward when you are inexperienced and nervous?
There is help in the form of Job Preparedness Workshops offered by the Umsobomvu Youth Fund. Attending a workshop can boost your chances of getting that dream job. The workshops are held in all nine provinces.
What will I learn?
The workshops will teach you how to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. This includes:
- writing your curriculum vitae (CV);
- how to look for the right job;
- evaluating yourself, which means getting to know yourself and the skills you have, as well as the kind of jobs that you will be able to do successfully;
- preparing for the interview, including steps to follow before and during an interview, what to expect and how to answer tough questions;
- having a professional image, including dressing and acting professionally.
Who qualifies?
The Job Preparedness Workshops are not only open to learners who have passed their matric. Other unemployed people, including unemployed graduates, may also apply.
If you are a male, you have to be between 18 and 35 years old. Women of all ages may apply.
Database
Looking for a job can be expensive because you have to pay for postage stamps and for photocopying of certificates and CVs. To help you keep the costs of job hunting down, you can submit your CV through the Internet on the Umsobomvu youth job database.
Through the database you will be connected to job opportunities in the public and private sectors. This will help you get in touch with people who might offer you a job, or with learnerships or internship programmes.
Rural people
Disabled people in rural areas still face many problems. These include difficulty in getting skills and jobs. In addition, public transport systems in rural areas do not have facilities for disabled people.
For many of them, taxis are the only available form of public transport. The summit therefore called for suggestions to make taxis more accessible.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
KEEPING IT BRIEF
KEEPING IT BRIEF sadmin
EASTERN CAPE
The province spent R2,5 million on 5 333 bicycles, school bags and helmets for needy school children last year as part of the Shova Kalula Bicycle Project. This year, more than 2 110 bicycles have been given to poor schools. The province will buy a further 3 000 bicycles by November. The project helps learners who have no transport and have to walk long distances to school.
- BuaNews
MPUMALANGA
Taxi operators in the province attended a Taxi Summit in Sabie during October to empower them with business management skills. The main aim of the summit was to assess the taxi industry in the province as a whole. Outcomes of the summit include a programme of action for the training of taxi operators in business management, bookkeeping and customer care.
- BuaNews
LIMPOPO
School principals, teachers and pupils have been encouraged to follow in the footsteps of a Limpopo school that had a 100 per cent matric pass rate for the past 13 years. The Thulamela Municipality selected the school as "Winner of the Decade" during the 2008 Achievers' Awards in Thohoyandou. The school received a trophy and a cash prize of R5 000.
- BuaNews
NORTH WEST
An amount of R10,5 million will be set aside by the provincial government for bursaries. The bursaries will go to about 100 students who want to study courses next year that will help to address scarce skills in the province. Preference will be given to needy students who cannot afford further studies and who have proved that they work hard and get good marks.
- BuaNews
FREE STATE
The National District Hospital in Bloemfontein has been recognised by the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA). There are seven recognised hospitals in the province. They are part of the province's Five Pillars of Free State Quality Assurance, which was started in 2002.
- BuaNews
KWAZULU-NATAL
A multimillion rand tourism project is planned for the Umzimkhulu area. Phase one of the threephase project includes a tourism information centre, a museum, an Internet cafe, a craft shop, a storage facility, four shops and a restaurant. The project will boost tourism, help to create jobs,and improve infrastructure development and economic growth in Umzimkhulu.
- BuaNews
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GIVE US A PIECE OF YOUR MIND
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GIVE US A PIECE OF YOUR MIND sadmin
You CAN enrich your life
Living in South Africa can be harsh at times with the high rate of unemployment, but we can enrich our own lives. All unemployed people and students can do volunteer work to gain training and experience that will help them to get jobs. You can also read every day as it will improve your language, writing and reading skills. When you have no money, you can offer to do household work for a neighbour or relative for extra money. Do a basic computer course, visit the library; it's free to work on the computer there. You can make a success of your future; you can choose to make the best of your life.
- Meredith Goeieman, Reiger Park, Gauteng
Respect the disabled
Nobody is perfect and I think nobody is really normal. If you see how some people treat the disabled, you will be shocked. They are often treated like they don't exist or like animals. But they can make a difference and there are some things they can do even better than the able bodied people who criticise them!
- Bianca Matlou, Makgofe, Limpopo
Plight of blind students
I am concerned about the plight of blind students in nstitutions of higher learning in South Africa. They struggle to read all the material available at these institutions as there are usually no alternative formats like Braille or audio available to them. They are often expected to use the same resources as the sighted students, which puts them at a great disadvantage. Let's make an effort to provide the basic rights for every South African
- Busi Mbiyo, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
Stand up and make things happen
Time wasted is never regained. As a young person I've realised that you have to stand up for yourself and make things happen. After I passed matric, I couldn't find a job. Then I heard about volunteering and attended a course. I'm now a volunteer fire fighter and a pre-Abet adult educator. I'm proud about what I'm doing for my community. Many youth stay at home while their community needs their help. They say they can't work for free. But it's for their own benefit. Please, guys, you can do something about your own future.
- Fredah Mokgawa, Botlokwa, Limpopo
Alcohol destroys lives
Alcohol does not have respect for anyone. It can best be described as a disease that can be cured. But it is sad that people don't realise that they are suffering from this disease. Alcoholics would do anything for a drink no matter how harmful it is to them. They destroy their own lives. They neglect their physical appearance, stay out of work, are careless with money and their homes. They have no self control and engage in unsafe sex. This demon can be stopped if only they are really willing to seek help and stop it!
- Atsile Slender Mampe, Morokweng, North-West
You inspired me
The article about surviving the rise in food prices in the May edition of your magazine, inspired me to follow your advice. I planted a very beautiful vegetable garden in my yard and it is growing well. When I need vegetables like spinach and beetroot, I don't have to go to the shop, because my garden is my free of charge "vegetable shop".
- Emily Mathe, Lindley, Free State
Encouraged to wait
I live in a rural area where there's a very successful platinum mine. There is overpopulation in this area with over a million mine workers from all over South Africa, as well as from foreign countries. Teenage pregnancy, diseases, and drug and alcohol abuse are a big issue. Vuk'uzenzele encourages me to wait until I'm older to have sex, because I don't want to be irresponsible and become a teenage mom. I don't allow myself to be pressurised into having sex because Vuk'uzenzele taught me how to stand my ground and to say "no".
- Dineo Mokoena, Heidelberg, Gauteng.
Curb teen pregnancy
Through teen pregnancy, problems like poverty, HIV and Aids, and single-parent families are increasing. Why don't we introduce a chastity grant - reward young girls for being virgins and let us entice them to wait a little longer! If, for example, a girl stays a virgin from 14 to 25, she should be rewarded for not exposing herself to HIV and other social problems.
- Ndzuzo Novuka, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
Don't risk your health and your life
Teenage pregnancy is a problem, but young girls who fall pregnant still have a chance of making a life for themselves after having a baby. What scares me more than pregnancy is that when young girls fall pregnant they are also at risk of getting HIV and Aids, not to mention all the other sexually transmitted diseases that are out there. However, I don't think a lot of my peers think this way. I'm not a perfect teen and I do make mistakes, but I'm wise enough not to make mistakes that could put my health and my life in danger.
- Philadelphia Dipheko, Ganyesa, North West
MANAGING YOUR MONEY BUDGET, PLAN AND SPEND YOUR BONUS WISELY
MANAGING YOUR MONEY BUDGET, PLAN AND SPEND YOUR BONUS WISELY sadmin
At this time of year, many people will get their end-of-year bonuses or stokvel payouts. For some the word 'bonus' means a license to buy.
You may agree, because you have worked hard during the year and want to reward yourself with luxury items you couldn't afford on your monthly salary.
But before you rush off to buy fancy clothes and other unnecessary items, think again.
Expenses
The best way to spend your bonus wisely is to budget and plan for it. This will prevent you from buying things you don't really need and cannot afford.
January follows just after the holiday season and brings new expenses. Spending your money wisely means you can save some for emergencies and for necessary things like school uniforms, school fees and books.
You can also pay off some of your debt. Even if you pay only a small amount towards your debt, it will reduce some of the interest that had built up during the year.
You can also use your bonus to buy in bulk. Many shops have end-of-year specials. Look out for items that can be stored like tinned food, dried food, soap and washing powder.
Credit record
It is also wise to keep a clean credit record. If you enter into a credit agreement, read the agreement carefully before signing. If there's anything you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask for an explanation.
Always try to pay on time. If you find you cannot keep up with instalments, don't skip payments. Talk to your credit giver about your situation. Make an arrangement to pay off less over a longer period. Many credit givers are willing to help you work out a payment plan. Do not wait until you get a final demand.
New year's resolution
The end of the year is a time when people make new year's resolutions. Many decide to improve their lives. In this time of high food and fuel prices, let us decide to use our hardearned bonuses wisely and start 2009 with little or no debt at all.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
Meet South Africa"s New Cabinet
Meet South Africa"s New Cabinet sadminWe present photos of all the President, Deputy President and all the cabinet members..
ROLE MODEL BLIND AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL
ROLE MODEL BLIND AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL sadmin
Johannes Dube's promising school career came to a sudden end in August 1976 just after the Soweto riots. He became blind when police shot him above his left eye during a clash with hostel residents.
Today, Dube is the national chairperson of the African Language Services Committee at the Braille Services of Blind SA.
Sad news
Born in Soweto, Dube grew up on a farm in Mpumalanga. His family later moved to Gauteng where he went to school.
He remembers when he was shot, he felt blood dripping down his face and everything just went dark. "When I woke up I was in hospital. I spent eight months there to recover." After that, he was sent to an eye clinic. It was here that he got the sad news that would change his life forever. "I just had to accept that I was blind," he said.
Braille
Dube says he owes his life to Glynnis Hugen, a therapist at the eye clinic. She told him that his blindness did not mean the end of his life. "She started teaching me Braille and how to walk with the white stick," he said.
There were also other helpers, called mobility workers, at the clinic who helped him to adapt to life as a blind person. "It was a totally new experience for me," Dube said.
He was encouraged to learn to type in Braille, which would help him to finish high school. "But the headmaster at Naledi High School in Soweto didn't hide his doubts. He said I wouldn't cope even though I had support from my teachers and fellow learners."
"Just two months before the matric exams, he told me I couldn't write exams," Dube said. He was devastated, but he didn't give up.
Matric
Determined to finish his schooling, Dube kept on trying and passed his matric in 1983 at Letari High School in Jabulani.
He then started studying music at Unisa as he had always dreamed about becoming a musician. But at the time, facilities for blind students were poor and he couldn't complete the course.
Dube speaks more than five African languages. This helped him to get a job in 1986 as a proofreader at Blind SA.
His main job is to check whether the words on the printed Braille pages are correct and that Braille readers will easily understand the text. He proofreads Braille with the help of Joyce Radebe, who is a sighted proofreader.
A normal life
Dube lives life to the full. "Blind SA has made me what I am today", he said. "I am able to keep my three children at school and I lead a normal life like any other person. I refuse to allow my handicap to discourage me from getting what I want in life."
- Mbulelo Baloyi
SOCIAL SERVICES ADOPTION AS AN OPTION
SOCIAL SERVICES ADOPTION AS AN OPTION sadmin
Many children, for a whole variety of reasons, are left orphaned. Many parents die due to illness or accidents. In some cases parents abandon their children because they are too poor or too sick to look after them.
Whatever the reasons, more and more children are left helpless and alone, or end up in children's homes.
A loving home
Several organisations that care for orphaned children struggle to keep going due to limited funds. One way of lending a hand is by adopting a child.
If you want to adopt a child, you will have to take some important steps before the adoption will be lawful. First, you must get help from a social worker or an adoption agency.
Background
Before making a recommendation to the Commissioner of Child Welfare about your application to adopt, the social worker must look into your background and conditions at your home. This is to make sure you are able to care for the child in a loving environment.
You must be able to meet the child's basic needs like shelter, food, medical care and education.
Agreement
The social worker must also look at the child's position. For example, has the child been abandoned or abused by his or her natural parents, or have the parents died?
If the child's parents are still alive and can be found, they must agree to the adoption. A spoken agreement from the parents is not enough. It must be a written agreement and the Commissioner of Child Welfare must approve the agreement.
If the Children's Court finds the child can be adopted, an adoption order will be made out. This means you may lawfully adopt the child.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
YOUTH ARTS AND CULTURE A WAY OF LIFE
YOUTH ARTS AND CULTURE A WAY OF LIFE sadmin
The National Youth Commission (NYC), working with the Flemish Government (Belgium), continues to support the use of arts and culture among young people as a way to deal with social challenges. It gives the youth skills they can use for their own development. Four Arts and Culture centres are currently running in different provinces across the country. The centres are Ipelegeng Arts Centre in Soweto (Gauteng), Mmabana Arts Centre in ThabaNchu (Free State), Nyanga Arts Centre Western Cape) and BAT Centre in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal).
At the centres, young people participate in programmes on life skills, creative writing, drama workshops, photography, visual arts, dance and music. Activities at the centres are targeted at "out-of-school" youths, as well as those who are still in school. At the Ipelegeng Arts Centre, in particular, school-going youth benefit from activities taking place in the afternoons after school. These workshops are referred to as "drop in arts".
Activities at the four centres were started on 14 June this year in the Western Cape as part of National Youth Month.
The NYC is committed to ensuring that similar projects are started in other provinces. The NYC also promotes cooperation between the centres, civil society organisations and municipalities to ensure that the projects will continue.
YOUTH GAMES ENCOURAGING THE SPIRIT OF OUR AFRICAN FAMILY
YOUTH GAMES ENCOURAGING THE SPIRIT OF OUR AFRICAN FAMILY sadmin
"Advancing Youth through Sport for a Better Africa and World" is the theme for the 2008 Zone VI Under-20 Youth Games. The games fall under the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA). It will be held from 3 to 12 December in the North West province's Tlokwe Municipality.
One of the main aims of the Zone VI Under-20 Games is to encourage a spirit of friendship among Africans. Participating countries are South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Games will bring together about 1 600 young athletes from these countries. They will participate in athletics, basketball, boxing, football, netball, swimming, tennis and athletics for the blind.
African unity
The Games will play an important role in encouraging a spirit of friendship and unity among African countries. It will allow the young people of our continent to compete on the sports field and to socialise and learn about each other's cultures.
The Games are developmental, which means they serve to develop young sporting talent. It will serve to prepare participating athletes to be more competitive for international sporting events. This will help the region to create a pool of talented athletes who can represent the region with pride at international events like the All Africa Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games, as well as other international championship events.
Sports tourism
Hosting large sports events like the Zone VI Under-20 Games helps to grow interest in sport and to inspire the youth to participate in sport.
The Games will also boost sport tourism to the region, which will benefit local businesses.
Partnership
The hosting of the Games is a partnership between Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA), the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA) and the Tlokwe City Council, as well as the North West Government.
Hosting the games will benefit Tlokwe and the region. This is because of improved infrastructure and new equipment, as well as legacy programmes associated with the event. In addition, it will help to develop skills through the training of volunteers who will perform different tasks during the games. This, in turn, will empower them with work experience.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi
YOUTH HELPING THE YOUTH BEAT HIGH PRICES
YOUTH HELPING THE YOUTH BEAT HIGH PRICES sadmin
The days of not having enough money to buy textbooks are over if you have the South African Youth (SAY) card.
Through the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, government encourages young people to use the card as it will help them to cope with the high cost of living.
A SAY card holder can buy certain goods and services at discount prices from a number of stores around the country. The card covers goods and services like learning materials, health, entertainment and leisure, sport, transport, accommodation and financial services from some banks.
Other benefits
Apart from discounts, SAY card holders also enjoy other benefits. Umsobomvu uses the SAY card to let young people know about job opportunities that are in line with their skills through SMS, e-mail and the post.
Card holders also get information on issues like education, training, health, competitions, starting your own business, selfemployment and business loan applications. In addition, they are invited to events organised by the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.
How to apply
The SAY card is given free of charge to males between the ages of 14 and 35 years and to women of all ages.
The Umsobomvu Youth Fund has 121 offices called Youth Advisory Centres around the country. To get a SAY card, you can go to one of these centres and complete the application forms.
If you have access to the Internet you can also apply for the SAY card online at: www.youthportal.org.za.
- Muzi Mkhwanazi