Upstart - Grocott`s Mail
Transcription
Upstart - Grocott`s Mail
1 UPSTART 11 November 2008 The paper for youth by youth Tuesday 11 November 2008 Vol. 1 No. 3 Pictured above are members of the various Upstart Newspaper Clubs at Grahamstown schools Nelson Mandela on his teacher Benjamin Mahlasela (pg 4 & 5) Tips for exam stress (pg 8) What is Capoeira? (pg 11) 2 UPSTART 11 November 2008 I t’s that time of the year again when learners all over South Africa have their noses to the grindstone and are immersed in their exams. Upstart wishes all its readers well over this period. We also hope that the exam tips on page 8, written by the Mary Waters Upstart club members will be useful to you. We have had a very exciting time putting together this edition of Upstart and we were elated to make contact with the family of Benjamin Mahlasela. The Mahlasela family were very happy to hear of the work that Upstart was doing in researching the life of their ancestor and are thinking of ways in which they can contribute to the development of Grahamstown’s learners. We at Upstart want to issue a challenge to other schools who are also named after prominent people to do the same sort of research as the Benjamin Mahlasela learners have done, and are thinking about publishing these histories in a booklet to inspire our current learners and teachers and principals. On page 11 we start the first in our series of looking at careers. We hope that this series will give learners a better idea of the world of work, and help them to make more informed choices when they have to make their subject choices. Our learners had lots of fun when they attended the chemistry workshop at TEM Mrwetyana High School and interviewed the visitor from Bristol. You can read the interview on page 11. We also attended the Khanya Maths and Science prizegiving and would like to encourage all Grahamstown learners to join the club which restarts on the second Saturday of February next year at the Albany Museum. Upstart club members were intrigued to hear about the sport Capoeira and went on to the internet to find out more about this fascinating martial art. This was the first time that some of our learners used the internet, but they took to it like ducks to water and are raring to use the Internet in their future articles for Upstart. We welcome Nompumezo Makinana our new intern at Upstart. After completing her schooling at Nombulelo High School, Nompumezo studied at Rhodes University and graduated last year with a degree in journalism and sociology. Nompumezo will be working with Upstart for the next year thanks to funding from the Mapp Seta. This is our third and last edition for 2008. We would like to hear your views so that we can plan for next year. Please complete the survey on page 3 and either drop it off at the Grocott’s office or if you are at school, give it to one of the members of the Upstart newspaper club at your school. Our cover page features the photographs of most of the Upstart club members and as you can see they are a very happy and friendly lot! We have had a lot of discussion about membership of Upstart and as our current Grade 9 members want to continue working on Upstart next year, we have decided to extend membership to Grade 10s as well. So if you would like to join Upstart next year, please complete the form on page 3 and we will contact you at the beginning of the school term next year. We at Upstart would like to wish you a happy holiday and look forward to communicating with all of you next year! Letters Send your comments and letters to Grocott’s Mail office, 40 High Street, Grahamstown or email to [email protected] Stop playing games and make plans They say there is no joy without mountains to be crossed. This means there is nothing that comes easily. It is worrying to see how young people think everything is simple. They are no longer interested in their books, instead they engage in useless activities. They never think of their future. My advice is to shape your life and live according to your plan. Remember, we only live once and time lost will never be recovered. B y : Sibusiso K la a s Grade 8 Nombule lo High S cho o l Maths and science is fun My name is Sanele Ntshingana, a fellow of Nathaniel Nyaluza High School. I am involved in many extra-mural activities at school. I am a member of the Upstart newspaper club and I am involved in the Khanya Maths and Science Club. I started there in 2006. There are students from different schools involved in the club such as Archie Mbolekwa, Nathaniel Nyaluza, Ntaba Maria, Nombulelo and George Dickerson. We attend maths classes from 9 to10 in the morning and then from 10 to 11 we attend science classes. We learn a lot from the Maths and Science Club. For example, in mid-year we go to the Rhodes University chemistry and computer labs. There we learn how to mix chemicals and learn new computer programs, which help to improve our skills. In August or September we usually go to game reserves to observe nature and animals. At the end of the year before we write exams there is a prize-giving and we receive certificates. There are different certificates- merit, excellence and attendance certificates. The Khanya Maths and Science Club is a very good club and it can help you very much. You can go far if you join this club and the teachers there are very inspiring. B y : Sanele Ntshingana Nathanie l N ya lu za H ig h S cho o l Lwando Manyonta Nathaniel Nyaluza High School Nomnikelo Melani Kutliso Daniels High School 3 UPSTART 11 November 2008 Uitruil student besoek Hoërskool PJ Olivier Annelien Vos het Hoërskool PJ Olivier die afgelope ses maande besoek as ʼn uitruilstudent vanaf Holland. Vir ses maandevolgende jaar sal sy `n student wees by Kingswood College. Sy kry elke drie maande `n nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse familie. Sy het altesaam vier families in Suid-Afrika en gaan weer in Januarie `n nuwe familie kry. Aangesien die leerders van die Hoërskool P.J Olivier met eksamen gaan begin, het Annelien reeds op 27 Oktober vertrek na Kaapstad. Sy en die ander uitruilstudente gaan deur die hele Suid-Afrika toer. Ons het `n onderhoud met haar gevoer en hier is wat sy vir ons gesê het: Volle naam: Annnelien Anna-Elisabeth Jantina Vos Geboorteplek: Meppel, Holland Hoekom het jy besliut om SuidAfrika te besoek? Ek wou nog altyd Suid-Afrika toe gekom het. Ek het die VSA oorweeg maar het daarteen besluit omdat ek iets nuuts wou probeer. Ek is klaar met my skoolloopbaan en wou baie graag `n oorbuggingsjaar doen. UPSTART READERS SURVEY We would like to improve the content of Upstart. Please tell us what you think of Upstart by completing the form below and returning it to us at the Grocott’s Mail office, 40 High Street, Grahamstown. 1. Personal information Age group: 7-12 13–18 19-25 Sex: Female Male Which area do you live in? What languages do you speak? 26-40 41+ 2. If you go to school: Which grade are you in? What are your favourite subjects? What is your dream career? Tell us about your family: 3. If you are not at school: Do you have children? If yes, how many? Are you employed? If yes, in what industry? Hou jy van Suid-Afrika sover? Dit is BAIE anders as Holland, maar ek geniet dit verskriklik baie en die mense is ook baie anders hier as daar. 4. How many editions of Upstart have you read? 1 2 3 Is daar enige verskil tussen Suid-Afrika en Holland? ALLES verskil, veral die skoolsisteem; Hier sien ek dat P.J Olivier baie reëls het en in my skool is daar nie so baie streng reëls nie. Die verhouding tussen die mense is ook baie verskillend asook die lewensomstandighede. 5. Where did you get your copy of Upstart? In Grocotts In the library At school Through parents/siblings Other Hoe verskil mense van Holland as dié in Suid-Afrika? In Holland is die mense se lewens meer gejaagd as enige iets anders. Hulle is net bekommerd oor hulle werk, geld en ekonomie. Hulle het baie min tyd vir familie en vriende. Voor jy na Suid-Afrika toe gekom het, wat was die prentjie in jou kop oor hoe Suid-Afrika sou lyk? Ek het gedink daar is baie grondpaaie en baie meer berge. Ek het ook gedink die somer is BAIE warm maar dis eintlik nes Holland. Ek het nie gedink dit is so modern nie, dis baie “BRITISH”. Gaan jou ouers SA toe kom? JA, hulle kom kuier in Maart vir twee weke, want ek word dan 18. Wat was die beste ding wat jy nog hier ervaar het? My besoek aan die wildreservaat en die kamp saam met die ander uitruilstudente. Ek dink die ding wat die aangrypendste was, was toe ek na die minderbevoorregte skole toe was. Sal jy ooit SA toe wil trek? Nee, ek hou nie so baie van die armoede hier nie. Ek sal skuldig voel om in `n warm huis te bly terwyl daar mense buite is wat honger en koud is. Ek sal graag in Griekeland, Spanje of Italië wil bly. 6. Tell us what you like about Upstart 7. Is there anything you dislike about Upstart? 8. How do you think we can improve Upstart? 9. What would you like to see more of in Upstart? Photographs Art Poetry Puzzles and games Opinions about social issues Interviews with interesting people Other Will you be in Grade 8, 9 or 10 in 2009? If you want to be part of Upstart complete the form below and send it to us or hand it to a member of the Upstart team at your school. Hoe is die lewe in Holland? Daar doen jy wat jy wil, net wanneer jy wil. Dit is ook baie veiliger, want die misdaad is nie so hoog soos hier nie. Dit is baie duur om daar te bly. Die onderwys is briljant. In SA is daar baie kulture en gelowe,waar ons in Holland nie so iets het nie. Igama/Name/Naam Wat is jou planne vir die volgende 6 maande wat voorlê? Ek het `n projek wat ek in die minderbevoorregte skole gaan doen. Ek gaan vir die volgende maand net in SA toer saam met die ander uitruilstudente. Igama Lesikolo/School/Skool Deur Portia Moemedi Hoërskool PJ Olivier Inombolo Yemfonomfono/Telephone/Telefoon Iminyaka/Age/Ouderdom Ibanga/Grade/Graade Idilesi Yakho/Address/Adres 4 UPSTART 11 November 2008 “I admired Mr Mahlasela...” says B enjamin Ezra Nuttall Mahlasela lived through both World Wars. He was born in 1897 and lived to experience many political developments affecting South Africa. From 1948 he was to experience the apartheid regime which made life very difficult for black people. Upstart spoke to Mr. Sidney Zotwana and Councillor Ben Dlukulu to get a sense of the man Mr. Mahlasela was and how he reacted to the conditions of his time. We also made contact with the Mahlasela family who gave us invaluable information and supplied photographs from the family album. We would like to extend our grateful thanks to Joy Mahlasela (daughter) who lives in Sweden, Vuyokazi Matsam (granddaughter) who lives in Pretoria and Lindinxiwa Mahlasela (grandson) who lives in Cape Town for their assistance in compiling this story. The Mahlasela family lived at number 7a Osmond Terrace. Mr. and Mrs. Mahlasela met when they were very young. He was a primary school teacher and she was the daughter of the newly arrived Methodist pastor (Rev S J Mvambo) at Mpukane village, Ngqamakhwe in the then Transkei. They later met at Fort Malan, Idutywa where they were engaged and got married in 1929. They had two sons and a daughter, Gabula, Thandi and Joy. Mr. Mahlasela was a member of the Shaw Memorial Methodist Church where he was a lay priest. He liked preaching in English, whenever he had the opportunity. According to Councillor Ben Dlukulu, he preached at the same level he taught. Some even said that he did not embody the holy spirit. Mr. Mahlasela had a passion for languages, he loved the English language and believed that it was one of the ways in which he attracted learners. He also did not appreciate the misuse of the Xhosa language, to the point where he would correct anyone who spoke the language incorrectly. He enjoyed being in the company of young people as he strongly believed that young people could learn a lot from old people’s experience and the old could benefit from the youngsters’ energy. Mr. Zotwana remembered that Mr. Mahlasela used to play tennis while he was still in high school at the Healdtown Missionary Institution. He also loved reading and writing in his spare time. He wrote a number of books some of which were about J.J.R. Jolobe, the pioneer of modern African poetry. He also liked traveling to his home village of Bolotwa, Idutywa in the Eastern Cape. He used to enjoy working in his garden whenever he had an opportunity on Saturdays. Benjamin Mahlasela loved his wife Linda, his family and relatives. This was displayed in the way he hosted family gatherings. He was regarded as a role model by friends and family. About 20 nieces and nephews were sent to Grahamstown to study under his leadership at Nathaniel Nyaluza High School. He had a remarkable skill of reconnecting relatives from all walks of life and had a high regard for his heritage. Mr. Mahlasela followed in the footsteps of Professor Z.K. Matthews and Dr. Charlotte Maxeke who were the first black people to attain degrees, when he attained his BA Degree at the then new Fort Hare College. When he became Timeline Benjamin Mahlasela is born 1897 The Native Land Act is passed 1913 World War 1 begins. South Africa supports Britain 1914 World War 1 ends. It is a time of “great unrest” in South Africa 1918 Benjamin Mahlasela obtains BA Degree from Fort Hare University 1927 Mr and Mrs Mahlasela marry 1929 the principal of the now Nathaniel Nyaluza High School, he was the first black man to be accorded this honour. He started the school in 1938 and remained its principal until his retirement in 1957. Mr. Mahlasela was also involved in Grahamstown local affairs like the local Advisory board with other local people like Mr. Dlepu, Mr. Nkosinkulu and Mr. Foley. In political organisations like the African National Congress (ANC) he worked mostly underground in an advisory capacity. On many an evening people like the late Mr. Vuma Nkosinkulu and others would come to his house for discussions. At one time the local workers tried to form a trade union with the late Mr. Coko as one of the prime movers in this. Mr. Mahlasela was asked to act as an advisor and meetings were often held at his home. One of Benjamin Mahlasela’s former pupils is South Africa’ s first democratic President “ Tata “ Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela whom he taught at Clarkebury Institute. An extract from his book :Long walk to freedom Mr Mandela quotes “ another African teacher with a bachelor of arts degree was Ben Mahlasela .We admired him not only because of his academic achievement, but because he was not intimidated by Reverend Harris ( Principal). Even the white faculty behaved in a servile manner to Reverend Harris, but Mr Mahlasela would walk into the reverend’s office without fear, and sometimes would even fail to remove his hat! He met the reverend on equal terms, disagreeing with him where others simply assented. Though I respected Reverend Harris, I admired the fact that Mr Mahlasela would not be cowed by him. In those days, a black man with a BA was expected to scrape before a white man with a primary school education. No matter how high a black man advanced, he was still considered inferior to the lowest white man.”. (Pg 32-33) Because he worked for the government, Mr. Mahlasela could not openly take part in any of the protests against the government. For example, during the Defiance Campaign of 1952, civil servants were asked only to support the ANC financially instead of directly taking part in the campaign. Teachers at the time did however use teaching as a means of rebelling against the government as they had the knowledge to pass on the history of where black people came from and the struggles they were facing. It was in 1953 that the Bantu Education Act was passed. Black teachers privately deplored this act which was designed to produce blacks who would know their place in apartheid South Africa. It was up to the teachers’ association CATA (Cape African Teachers’ Association) to fight against the government and to give the teachers a voice. Therefore, whatever Mr. Mahlasela felt about Bantu Education he could not say openly. Mr. Mahlasela was seemingly not an openly political person, however, his wife on the other hand was a founding member of Zenzele. Zenzele was a women’s alliance which kept the pulse of the struggle against apartheid pumping. Often when she had to attend meetings out of town, Mr. Mahlasela would accompany her. Both his sons, Gabula and Thandi were very active in the ANC. Gabula Benjamin Mahlasela teaches Nelson Mandela at Clarkebury Institute 1934 Benjamin Mahlasela appointed principal of Nathaniel Nyaluza High School 1938 The Second World War begins 1938 Second World War ends 1945 Nationalist Party comes into power. Apartheid begins. The ANC launches the Defiance campaign 1948 1952 5 UPSTART 11 November 2008 Nelson Mandela left the country in 1963 and went into exile after serving a spell of 90 day´s detention and Thandi in 1980 after harassment by the special branch, whilst teaching in East London. Both sons died in exile, Gabula in Sweden in 1978 and Thandi in Tanzania where he taught at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) in 1985. Their ashes were brought home and buried next to their parents at the ancestral home in Bolotwa. The only daughter Joy left South Africa in 1953 after matriculating at Healdtown Institution to study nursing in England. She was only 18 years old when she left the country and ended up qualifying as a Psychologist. She started her own family and moved to Sweden where she still resides. Mr. Mahlasela died on the 5th December 1975 at his farewell party at Rhodes University where he had been a lecturer in isiXhosa since 1941. Mr. Zotwana who was the person who informed Mrs. Mahlasela of the death said she remained unbelievably calm. He was buried in the rural ancestral home Bolotwa, Idutywa. He is survived by his only daughter Joy who is a retired psychologist in Sweden but is still involved in a number of social reform interventions for organisations like Save the Children and the United Nations Refugees Council. He is also survived by a total of 5 grandchildren, 3 (from Joy) namely Linda, Mandisa and Tabo, (residing in Sweden) and 2 (from Thandi, Vuyokazi and Zolisa who both live and work in Gauteng and 7 great-grandchildren . The family home is still at Osmond Terrace and not burnt down (as reported in the previous Upstart edition) but is however let out to tenants. The Mahlasela descendants still visit the home in Grahamstown whenever time permits or when Joy comes to South Africa with her family and have fond memories of Grahamstown and the legacy left by their father and grandfather. As Vuyokazi recalls “I had the advantage of having him as a “Father “ instead of Grandpa as we affectionately called him. I spent the first 12 years of my life staying with them, literally raised by him, when my father was forced to leave his teaching post in Grahamstown to what was called “Ciskei” those days, due to his political activities. He was very strict and firm but extremely loving and fair. He had a very dry sense of humour and made me believe that I could attain anything in life. It is that belief that created the resilience and perseverance capabilities I possess today. He shaped me into what I am and sincerely believe if it was not for the values, beliefs and principles he instilled in me I would not be what or who I am today. Strangely The Bantu Education Act is passed. Daughter Joy leaves the country to study abroad. 1953 Benjamin Mahlasela retires as principal of Nathaniel Nyaluza High School 1957 The ANC and the PAC are banned 1960 Son Gabula goes into exile 1963 enough I find a lot of comfort in doing what he used to do when we were kids, visiting the rural ancestral home at Bolotwa where all their remains are buried. I have just returned from a week’s holiday with my kids (September). This has become an annual ritual for all of us including Aunty Joy’s family. I bet this being one of his teachings “Going back to basics”. He truly was a remarkable man. Before the Bantu Education Act was passed in 1953 most black South Africans were educated at schools established by missionaries in rural parts of the country. The most famous mission schools in the Eastern Cape were Lovedale College, Healdtown Mission School, and Clarkebury Institute. Healdtown Mission School was established by the Methodist Church near Fort Beaufort in the last phase of the wars of dispossession in 1855. Healdtown attracted learners from all over the country and some of South Africa’s most prominent leaders attended the school. These include Govan Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe and Walter Sisulu. Nelson Mandela attended Clarkebury Institute for two years from 1934 where he was taught by Benjamin Mahlasela. Mandela then went on to continue his schooling at Healdtown before starting his studies at the University of Fort Hare. Dr. AB Xuma, the seventh president of the African National Congress, also studied at Clarkebury and then went to the United States of America where he studied to become a doctor. Lovedale College was opened in 1842 and ZK Matthews, the first black South African to receive a degree, studied at Lovedale from 1916. Sources: Bulelwa Mbekisa, Pamella Adams, Sinethemba Makeba, Sibusiso Mbonde, Khayakazi Kasper, Phumeza Qomfo all learners from Benjamin Mahlasela Secondary School interviewed Mr. Sidney Zotwana and Councillor Ben Dlukulu. Nompumezo Makinana helped them to write up the interviews and Louise Vale taught them how to construct a timeline. Shireen Badat contacted the Mahlasela family in Pretoria, Cape Town and Sweden and received additional information for this story as well as family photographs. Information was also obtained from: www.sahistory.org.za www.healdtown.com Chris Hani District Municipality Liberation Heritage Route published by Institute of Social and Economic Research Benjamin Mahlasela dies at his farewell party June 16, Soweto uprising Son Gabula dies in Sweden Son Thandi goes into exile 1975 1976 1978 1980 Son Thandi dies in Tanzania Nelson Mandela is released after 27 years in prison First Democratic elections and apartheid ends Benjamin Mahlasela High School is founded 1985 1990 1994 1996 6 UPSTART 11 November 2008 Photographs: WHAT DO YOU sic spel mu ing the go y jo n e la u Nc d Noxolo Brothers. lo Booi an of Ossher t n o fr in Nomaphe d performe Archie Mbolekwa learners Andiswa Mthwisha, Siphokazi Botile, Vuyokazi Selani, Xolelwa Platjie outside the Albany Museum Mrs Joyce Sewry and Matshawe Tukulula of the Rhodes Chemistry Department give Sanele Ntshingana of Nathaniel Nyaluza High School an award The Upstart team of pho All the learners who received awards from the Khanya Maths and Science Club Sibusiso Klaas of Nomb ulelo High School receiv es an award at the Khanya Maths an d Science Club Sibulele Timba and Khanya Mv money for SANTA to h 7 UPSTART 11 November 2008 U DO ON SATURDAY ? Thobela Msiba, S iphosa enjoyin khe Msiba and g a mea l at Hun Emihle Makhub gry Lion alo obs Liezel and Steven Jac morning shopping spend their Saturday rie shopping for dolls Fou Tiffany Trompetter and Josian otographers vula of Victoria Girls’ High School collecting help sick people with TB and AIDS ...and some of us just end up walking the dog. .Jacobus van Jaarsveld on his way to visit friends 8 UPSTART 11 November 2008 I sleep to keep the stress away. Sleeping refreshes me and when I wake up I read my books. Sleeping gives me energy. Xolela Fatyi Grade 9 Nathaniel Nyaluza High School I do feel some stress over exams, but it is not that bad. There is enough time in between exams to focus on your books and to play. There is also enough time after writing an exam in the morning to study. Lwando Manyonta Grade 9 Nathaniel Nyaluza High School I am not stressed because I know that I read everything and am properly prepared. Planning before the exams helps me not to be stressed. Anathi Jama Grade 8 Nathaniel Nyaluza High School Are you stressed about the upcoming exams and what do you do to cope with the stress? I don’t feel stressed by exams because I put my friends away and take my books out before exams. I don’t have time for exams. I run at 6 in the morning during the exams as the exercise gives me energy and helps me cope with the exams. Sanele Ntshingana Grade 9 Nathaniel Nyaluza High School I am stressed because books are not my thing. When I’m at home I am so lazy and I prefer being with my friends. When I’m writing the exam I think I know everything, but then I get too excited and give the wrong answers. Mawande Tyatya Grade 9 Nathaniel Nyaluza High School Tips for coping with exams • You have to be able to think in the exams because if you can’t think, you can’t read the questions properly. • Before you start writing, read all the instructions carefully. • Study well before the time. • Relax your mind. • Sleep for 8 or more hours. • Eat one or more balanced meal before studying. • Drink lots of water. • Study to understand. • Summarise your work. • When writing the exam take your time and do not rush. • Take a walk before studying and after. How to organise your time during the exam I am stressed because there is too much to read. Dumisane July Grade 9 Nathaniel Nyaluza High School • The first bit of time you should give yourself is for reading through the whole paper. • Don’t spend more than ten minutes skimming over the paper. • Plan how you will use your time in the exam. • Then work out how many questions you must answer and how much time you need. • Look for how many marks each question is worth so that when you answer you know how much you should write and how many marks you will get. By Aphiwe Bongo, Babalwa Nquru, Zelda Matika and Thulile Baki Mary Waters High School 9 UPSTART 11 November 2008 I believe we’ve come to condone corruption and have accepted it as the norm, that it is something that will always be there. We’ve forgotten our core values and respect. Delia Makabeni Victoria Girls’ High School Yes, if we as a nation continue letting things slide we will be investing in crime. Zikhona Gqamana Victoria Girls’ High School Have we as South Africans accepted crime? Yha! It’s normal to most of us, but when compared with other countries it’s revolting how many of our South Africans are committing crime. Amy von Witt Victoria Girls’ High School Yes, because we have not put a fine line for criminals to know that whatever they do has consequences. Liyabona Luthuli Victoria Girls’ High School By now the question is rhetorical. If our country can turn a blind eye to Zuma’s criminal offences, well then we have done more than accept crime. Tando Mdleleni Victoria Girls’ High School I clusion n o ... nC Never! Zahra Daffala Victoria Girls’ High School The sad truth to the question above is “Yes indeed, we have accepted crime.” Some of us consider it to be the norm. Not so long ago I asked a friend how she felt about the crime in South Africa and her simple reply was “criminals need to make a living.” Which is a sad case of ignorance. If we as South Africans continue to display this kind of attitude towards crime we will end up losing everything we stand for, which is honesty; liberty; peace and justice, which we have already partially lost. The African National Congress which I now personally call African National Criminals, have lost their dignity by allowing a criminal to lead them. So where does South Africa stand with crime, when the man who leads our nation has a number of criminal charges against him, which are still to be proven? Naledi Boltina Victoria Girls’ High School 10 UPSTART 11 November 2008 Poetry When I wish When roses grow in heaven When years pass and generations go by When seasons change That means that things change Some of them change in good ways And some of them in bad ways In all the days and years that go Youth is still the future Youth is still the rose that Blossoms so well Youth is still the rose with thorns To protect itself Youth, we are roses I wish I could stay longer I wish I could be more encouraging I wish I could be there Why do I wish? By Thulile Baki Grade 8e Mary Waters High School Walk away What are good friends like? What are good friends like? Are they sweet and polite? Or are they always just trying to pick a fight? Are they always there when you need them? Or do they just pretend to care? Do they love you as much as you love them? Do they treat you like their sibling? Do they always leave you hanging? Or do they take you down from the ceiling? I sure have some good friends And there are only three words to describe them Beautiful, Unique and Special (BUS) I even have them on my speed dial Take these words into mind And you’ll sure know how to spot one If you already have friends such as these You’re sure a lucky one By Gcobisa Mjele Mary Waters High School So that I could be happy Be encouraging Be self-caring Be helpful Because I’m worth it. By Malibongwe Booi Grade 9B T.E.M. Mrwetyana High School In the back of my mind my mind tells me it’s the truth. In the bottom of my heart my heart tells me it’s all a lie, I should have faith. In the movement of my hand my hand tells me I must smack her. In the movement of my mouth my mouth tells me I must curse. In the movement of my eyes my eyes tell me I must destroy. In the movement of my legs my legs tell me I must walk away. In my final decision I listen to my heart and legs and walk away with a smile It’s not worth it! By Audrey Hoeane Grade 9 Victoria Girls’ High School Once upon a time there was JOKES ugabe, dela, Robert M an M n so el N e. On ere was on an aeroplan One upon a tiabmoe Mthbe d a school boy an ki d an in the about to crash as Mark Fish, Th w e an pl e th e and heard that o Mbeki took on ab Th . their way they es ut ch ra Mark e only 4 pa uth Africa”. Then So x fi plane there wer to ve ha me I have to esident and I e game without said “I am the pr th se lo ill w a ic the plane. Afr rachutes left in pa Fish said “South o tw ly on e er ” and he there w bwe I have to go ba take one”. Then im Z in e m e the ey need dela said, we ar an M e. Mugabe said “Th an pl e ok the mped out th left, Mugabe to es ut ch took one and ju ra pa o plane. use there are tw ashed with the cr e clever ones beca ab ug M e or ef school bag. Ther a boy who was very Nando’s and he sm hungry. He was wal elt the chicken and king past he fainted. A lady ca in town started look me and the people ing to find out wha t was going on. The please give him an lady said “can you orange?” The boy sto od up and said “If I wanted an orange I would have fainted in front of Fruit an d Veg.” Teenage Relationships: A girl’s perspective Xenophobia I’m worried about foreigners. Some, they come from poor countries. Some, they don’t have food to eat. Some, they don’t even have parents. Some, they don’t have families to support them It’s about xenophobia. Some, they have to leave their homes to come to South Africa Without food, money or shelters I’m worried about foreigners. How can we bully our brothers and sisters? How can we burn our brothers and sisters? It’s about xenophobia. How can we put them aside from us? How can we destroy their shops? Why do we hate them? I’m worried about foreigners. By Anathi Jama Grade 8a Nathaniel Nyaluza High School In today’s world things are different to when our parents and older siblings were growing up. However, they tend to think that we are still living in the 10th century. They need to realise that this is the 21st century and things are done differently. Teenagers now feel that they are ready to date at an earlier age and have what is called a teenage relationship, where they just kiss. Some have boyfriends just for the fun of it. Our elders tend to think that having a boyfriend means that you are having sex, which is not always the case. If you are in a teenage relationship be careful and don’t be obsessed with your boyfriend. You should not spend all your time with him. Boys sometimes take advantage of us girls when we show them that we love them more than we should. There are also boys who like to think that they are more important than girls and that they should have more than one girlfriend. If you find that your boyfriend is one of them, just let him be and walk away. Teenagers today tend to do things without thinking, unlike our parents’ generation. So if you are in a relationship, think about the following things: 1. You must not do things that you don’t want to do just because you want to impress your boyfriend. 2. You must not have sex at an early stage and if you are not ready to. 3. Having sex with your boyfriend does not prove your love, so don’t do it for those reasons. 4. If you say no, stand your ground and show that you mean NO. 5. If you have sex, always use a condom. 6. Don’t rely too much on your boyfriend, surround yourself with other friends. 7. Don’t have a boyfriend just because your friend has one. 8. Don’t tell your boyfriend all your secrets because if you have a fight he might tell other people about your secrets. 9. Don’t fall into the “sugar daddy” trap (someone older who will buy you things). 10. Don’t date lots of boys, you must only have one boyfriend. By Sibusiso Klaas; Jabu Ncanywa; Sandiswa Kalipha; Nomathamsanqa Mnyamana; Zikhona Galela and Thandeka Gungu Nombulelo High School 11 UPSTART 11 November 2008 Profile In the first of our series looking at careers that people choose, Upstart club members interviewed Sabelo Jola, the graphic designer who created Upstart. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Mdantsane in East London. Dr. Preeti Kaur (middle) with Rhodes University Chemistry students at T.E.M. Mrwetyana High School. Rhodes University’s Chemistry Outreach Programme teamed up with Bristol ChemLabs and held a workshop at TEM Mrewtyana Secondary School. Sibusiso Booi, an Upstart newspaper club member at TEM Mrwetyana interviewed one of the visitors. What is your name? Preeti Kaur What is your job title? PhD student Where do you come from? Bristol How and why did you get into your profession? I went to university and did chemistry projects. I liked the projects and I decided to stay on to do a PhD. The University of Bristol offers students the opportunity to teach chemistry to school children and this programme is called Outreach. We have come to South Africa to do outreach with the school. To become a scientist what courses did you take and how long did you have to study? I did chemistry at university for four years and did my PhD for four years. What motivates you to get up in the morning? I enjoy chemistry because it is very diverse and I enjoy teaching chemistry and I enjoy making kids excited about science. How do you spend your free time? I do a lot of teaching in my spare time. I also like sport like badminton and Capoeira, a Brazilian mixture of martial arts and dancing. What is the best and the worst thing about being a scientist? The best thing about being a scientist is that you are always learning new things. The worst is that people think you are a nerd. Tell us about your trip to South Africa? Why did you come to the country and why Grahamstown? We are here for two weeks, first week with secondary and then primary schools. The reason for the visit is to excite learners about chemistry. Is this your first trip to the country? And how has it been? It is my first visit to Africa but my parents were born in Africa, Uganda and Tanzania. The trip has been very relaxed and friendly. What do you wish to achieve with this workshop? We want to show learners that science is fun and that science is found in everyday life. What has been the highlight of your visit so far? My favourite part has been going to the townships because the children are very enthusiastic and excited. By Sibusiso Booi T.E.M.Mrwetyana High School What is your profession? I am a graphic designer. Which school did you go to? I went to Selborne College in East London. What do you love about Grahamstown? The people are friendly. What do you hate about it? It’s too small. Where did you study? At the time I studied it was called P.E Technikon, but is now called Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. How many years did you have to study to become a graphic designer? Three years. Why did you want to become a graphic designer? I was artistic and I’m passionate about designing. Sabelo Jola What subjects do you have to do in order to become a designer? I did art at school and enjoyed it, so I wanted to carry on in that field. What do you want to achieve in five years time? I want to see myself as a creative director of a big company. What are the challenges of being a graphic designer? Working under pressure is one of the challenges of being a graphic designer. Which season do you like and why? Summer because I get to wear shorts. If you could come back as a cartoon character who would you be? Scooby-doo. Gcobisa Mjele Sinethemba Hempe Xolisa Kopo Manyono Dabaza Mary Waters High School Upstart newspaper club members were intrigued when they heard about Capoeira and went onto the internet to discover what this sport was all about. C apoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that ritualizes movement from martial arts, games and dance. Some people believe that it was first created and developed by slaves who were brought to Brazil from African countries. They used it as a way to practice their martial arts moves while making it appear to be a game or dance. Slave-masters forbade any kind of martial art and Capoeira became forbidden. Those who were caught practicing it were severely punished. However, Capoeira is now a growing sport and there are many Capoeira schools all over the world. In Capoeira, participants form a circle and take turns in either playing musical instruments, singing or ritually sparring in pairs in the centre of the circle. It is a game of skill and is not about injuring the opponent. Capoeira primarily attacks with kicks, sweeps and head strikes. Music is an important element of Capoeira: A fight/dance created by African Slaves in Brazil as a form of self-defence involves kicks, sweeps & head strokes. It’s now a popular sport all over the World. Capoeira as it sets the speed and the style of the game in the circle. The music is composed of instruments and song. The songs are about a number of different subjects such as history, life and love. By Jabulani Faltein, Malibongwe Booi and Anele Tyini T.E.M. Mrwetyana High School 12 UPSTART 11 November 2008 Art page T he Grahamstown Art Project is a community engagement initiative run by the Rhodes University Fine Art Department. Fourth-year and Masters-level students in the Fine Art Department offered art classes to learners from Archie Mbolekwa High School. Thanks to the support of the Johan Carinus Art Centre, classes took place in a well equipped environment in which the learners are able to experiment with mediums ranging from drawing (charcoal and pastel), to watercolour painting, photography, clay and plaster face masks. Their work was exhibited at the Department of Fine Arts and offered the Archie Mbolekwa learners an opportunity to showcase work produced during the project. Archie Mbolekwa learners work on their art at the Johan Carinus Art Centre