Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Gender Based Violence

Recently I had the opportunity to learn more about a topic that involves so many of our people.
 A topic that people do not discuss... 
A topic where the victim gets blamed for something they did not ask for.
 This is a serious matter that affects our brothers and sisters and all of us as a community as a society and as a human race... 
We Need to get up, stand together adn work together in ending this miserable thing that is consuming our ccommunities...


 
What is GBV?
 
Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is directed against a person on the basis of gender. It constitutes a breach of the fundamental right to life, liberty, security, dignity, equality between women and men, non-discrimination and physical and mental integrity.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gender Based Violence
Are you part of the statistics
Be a part of the solution
Statistics South Africa flags sexual offences as one of the major and most extreme worrying crime in our country.
50% of all the women in South Africa will be raped in their lifetime
25% of girls are likely to be raped before the age of 16.
More than 41% of rapes reported in SA involve children under the age of 18.
Most sexual violence offences is done by someone you know
We sit back while our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters falls victim to gender based violence.
We look the other way while our neighbours are crying out for help
We judge each other based on our sexual orientation and sexual preferences
We force our views on each others because we don't agree with their choices.
We use our sexuality to opress others and get a fake sense of power.
We teach our sons and daughters that they have different gender roles to fill.
We give our men and boys power to misuse our daughters because we teach our daughters that they are the weaker sex, we teach them that men have authority. We teach our sons that they have the right to put demands on women.
We teach our daughters at a young age that it is ok for men to hurt them, because if a boy hurts you, he likes you. We tell our daughters that domestic abuse is ok, because it means he cares!!!!!!!
We tell each other that it is a disgrace to talk about sexual abuse. We condemn each other and make excuses for the abuser: She wears short skirts,so she was asking for it.... he is a moffie thats why he was molested.
WE HAVE TO STOP THIS!!!!!!!!!THIS CYCLE MUST STOP!!!!!!!!
Gender based violence is an extremely worrying reality in our community.
Do not stand back!!!!!!!!!!! Get involved
Be part of the solution
 
 

Saturday, July 16, 2016


NIEMAND VERSTAAN DIE VERLIES VAN ‘N GELIEFDE



Die venster vorm n raam rondom die mooiste prentjie wat jy nog ooit sal sien. As jy verby die chocolate bruin houtraam van die venster kyk sien jy ‘n prentjie wat lyk asof dit in sneeuwitjie se verhaal hoort. Groen bome so groen dat dit lyk asof die verf sopas aangewend is, die gras so kraakvars met doudruppels wat op die blare dans.

Die voels en bye sing ‘n duet wat menige kore skaam sal laat word. Die lug so blou en wolke so wit soos was. Die oomblik te helder vir ‘n normale man se siel.
Maar ek sien dit nie raak nie, ek hoor nie die koresang nie. Want al wat in my gedagtes omgaan is die verlange wat my hart laat brand. Die verlange wat soos n vuur uit my kleintoontjie kruip, sy pad deur my ruggraat maak en sy weg baan tot by die laaste haartjie op my kop. Ekt die nektar van ware liefde geproe, net om dit soos n mat onder my voete uitgeruk te he. ‘n Wrede ontnugtering was al wat my uit my greep van die liefde kon ruk.

Want wat anders is dit dan as jy aleen op jou wittebrood moet gaan want jou geliefde is op die oggend van jul troue morsdood gevind in sy kar.

Waneer gaan jy vrede in jou hart vind waneer jy weet jou sielsgenoot is weg,,, vir ewig en vir altyd. Jy sal hom nooit weer sien nie. Nooit weer jo hande deur sy krullerige hare trek nie. Hy sal nooit weer jou hart kan laat stop met een kyk nie. Waarheen gaan jy na jy die nektar van ware liefde geproe het. Niks in hierdie lewe sal daardie soet weer volbring nie. Niks in die wereld sal ooit weer soveel genot vir jou bring nie.
Almal is vol raad en daad, maar niemand weet hoe jy voel nie. Niemand voel die steke in jo hart waneer jy net sy gedagte kry nie, niemand voel die kol op jo maag waneer iemand sy naam se nie,niemand ken die lamgevoel in jou bene waneer jy sy soene onthou nie. En niemand ken die naargevoel op jou krop waneer hulle vir jou se jy moet jou kop hoog hou, die pyn sal weggaan nie.

Niemand verstaan dat elke asemteug wat ek neem voel soos ‘n miljoen warmnaalde wat in my longe gesteek word nie. Elke aanraking aan my vel voel soos n miljoen skerpioene wat oor my hardloop.
Niemand verstaan dat die son my vel brand soos n gloeiende kool. Niemand verstaan dat die donkerte vir my gemak inhou nie want ek kan my oe toemaak en verdwyn in ‘n wereld waar hy nogsteeds is.
Niemand besef dat elke stem wat in my oor gaan my grensloos irriteer nie want dit is nie sy stem nie en sal nooit weer sy stem wees nie.

Niemand besef dat ons liefde so diep was dat die oseaan skoon jaloers was op dit nie.


Monday, June 29, 2015

Always a lesson


In my life I have learned that you get two kinds of people in your life....

\


Now the problem that I have with that situation is that it is so difficult to determine which is which. SOmetimes someone you thought were a blessing in life comes in and swoop you off your feet and you think WOW this is the one, but then after say five years you begin to wonder if this is a blessing or just someone who is here to give you a lesson.

As a kid it is pretty easy to see who is just there as a lesson and who you can actually walk a mile with, but as we get older it gets harder to see who fit's where in your life. It is probably best to just sit back and enjoy the time you get with someone . When that person is meant to be a lesson, you will know in due time. 


I have never been someone who can see Rihanna as a role model or an ambassador for youth, but I can say that the girl has some wise moments.



Instead of considering things to be mistakes, considering them lessons.- Rihanna



That is one thing we can take from Rihanna, Instead of wondering over why you made a mistake, why you failed, why you made the wrong decision. Why not just decide that life is full of lessons and every mistake we make, every disappointment we face, every failure is just a lesson to help better our lives.


So whenever you are feeling down and out just remember life is never a failure because there is always a lesson....



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

IT IS TIME- MY BUCKET LIST

You only realise how short life is, when it has been cut short!!!!!!!!!

In the olden days, people lived till they were old and then they die, nowadays life is so uncertain, one car crash and bam you Are gone. In light of recent event, funerals of friends, burial of teens I have decided it is time....

Yes it is time for me to do my bucket list.

Does anyone remember the song.. if tomorrow never comes? 

Well if tomorrow never comes will you be ready to say goodbye to your life? will you be ready to let it go? Did you do everything you wanted to do or had to do?

Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways. – Stephen Vincent BenĂ©t

So here it goes.... I will make it happen:


1. 3 Cities on 3 continents 3 festivals visited by one girl
        - Amsterdam
        - New Orleans
 - Bangkok

2. Bungee jumping


3. Make out with a hot porn star


4. times square on New Years Eve


5. Learn how to belly dance


6 have another baby


7. ROADTRIP


8. Europe met die trein


9. Cannes Film festival

10. Grammy's, MTV Award's, ETC

Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving – Terry Pratchett

Thursday, June 20, 2013

GAUTENG- Groen Sebenza Insuction week





 After a stormy weekend filled with disastrous wind and rain I had to embark on the journey to Johannesburg and do note that my journey started in the rain from Leliefontein. Bear in mind that the road from Leliefontein is gravel road and after a weekend of pouring rain the road was just ride able, going through rivers that never existed just barely staying on the road but at last we made it to Kamieskroon where I had to catch the taxi to Cape Town. After waiting for hours I finally got in the taxi and joined Rouchet Daniels as we took on the road to Cape Town. 

After a refreshing night in CT we went to the CT offices to kill time and left with Tennille Rode and Tshepo Morokong to catch our flight to JHB. We met Nolubabalo Kwayimani and we hopped on the plane and waved goodbye to the Mother City. After landing in JHB the waiting started, first for the shuttle (that was not organized) and after catching a shuttle to the Birchwood Hotel, we still had to wait. Personally I can relate to elephants because I have a boatload of patience, but the waiting took its toll on me. We waited and we waited and we ate and we still had to wait. I don’t think I was ever that happy to see a key to a room in my life!Finally we got to our rooms, and we got to kick back take a nice bath and prepare mentally and physically for the week ahead. 




me chilling at the Birchwood sign



Day 1 started off as what I would call boring but beside the boredom of the speeches I learned a bit firstly I never knew that SANBI was in charge of all the botanical Gardens in South Africa. And I think that what SANBI stands for is very noble especially the part where they are developing human capital development. They also informed us about their various foundations including the research, taxonomy, ecosystem classification tools and mapping and many more.
After the introduction to SANBI the CEO Tanya Abraham talked to us about the Groen Sebenza Project.  The one thing she said that really struck a chord with me was: “We have the third richest biodiversity in the world, but why are there still no jobs? Why are the youth not interested in working in green jobs?”
Various people from different organizations talked and they included The Department of Environment and Nature Conservation who presented as part of the government section. Indigo was a representative from the non- governmental organization and NCC Environmental Sector represented the private sector. All these organizations presented on how they fit into the Groen Sebenza program.

me and my homie Rouchet Daniels

me and my other homie Nolubabalo Nkwayimani


After lunch one of my favorite presentations took place with the theme ‘branding and networking’. As we walked into the hall after lunch I already sensed that this was going to be something I would remember for a long time and I was not disappointed. The music filled the hall until everyone was seated and then Mr Carl Smit took to the stand and introduced himself as the branding expert of Africa. And I can surely say that I do believe him because for the whole week we still talked about him, as he said was the whole thing about branding yourself, is to get people to talk about you. What I remember most about his presentation was how full he was of himself and how self assured he was and the brute manner in which he described “if I google you and nothing comes up, then you do not exist”.
He also gave us some homework which required us to network with people whom we have not met yet and I enjoyed this so much. My facebook contacts got quite a boost.

Here me and Rouchet are posing with Curtis Hartnick whom we met there 


The next day started with a reflection session where the incubators( that’s us) got a chance to reflect on the previous day, though I think most of them did not quite understand the term ‘reflection on previous day’ as it mostly consisted of thanks toward SANBI, which was sweet I would say.
After that Ms Vivian Malema did a presentation on the Incubator Model which raised the question about the naming as incubators and in the end they agreed to start saying colleagues instead but later turned into calling the incubators eggs which was another story on its own. She also covered the topic of mentors as some of the ‘eggs’ had questions about the role of the mentors and the selection of mentors and what to do when your mentor does not support you. This led to Ms Malema saying that the mentors will be trained on mentoring as soon as possible.




After lunch we got the opportunity to divide into groups that would be kind of a mentoring session about our specific jobs, which I found very satisfying because we got a better understanding and it was easier to raise questions and join conversations in a smaller group than in the large venue with 400+ people. I especially enjoyed this because it was a great networking opportunity and I could network with people who I can actually ask for advice in the future since they are basically on the same job line as me.
After the planned events of the day was done and we got some ‘time off’ (even though we were told we were on duty the whole time we are there) the CSA group decided its time to go get some fresh air and see a different part of Joburg other than the Birchwood Hotel. So we went to reception to catch a shuttle to the mall- what an experience! Nolu went to reception to ask for a shuttle to take us, so we waited by the golf carts outside. As we were waiting for the driver who just went in to get the keys another driver came and started to drive with the car. Obviously we stopped him because we were waiting in the cold for a while now. What an attitude. But after a bit of talking he told us to ‘GET IN!’ so we got in and the highlight was when Tshepo told us to “Buckle up guys”. I was crushed by a wave of laughter and later saw my life flash before my eyes as I experienced a real ‘bumpy ride’ for the first time ever. But we made it to the mall and it was so refreshing to get out a bit.

The following day we were greeted by the group Harambe who specializes in uplifting youth and motivating them to grow and develop themselves. Again we got divided into groups and we got to discuss our self and our goals as well as challenges we might face. After this we had some reflections and an opportunity to discuss the issues we had. It was surprising that they were surprised by that fact that there were quite a few issues among the incubants and we later got to share our issues with our coordinator.
The next day we had Ms J. Mangaba, representing Old Mutual and at first I was skeptical thinking this would be a boring financial presentation, but boy was I surprised. She had quite a few jokes up her sleeves that had us all giggling and between being cute and funny she taught us to be like the big 5. Ms Mangaba was really practical about this presentation, and thought us not only the value of money, but also the mistakes we make with directing our money.

After all this, another outing to the mall was just what I needed for a good night’s rest, though after our trip to the mall none of my bags could close properly anymore.




The next day they had a gala event planned at the botanical gardens in Pretoria, so we all had to take all our luggage and be at the busses by “7:30 sharp” as the busses was going to leave at 7:30 not a minute later, but in the end it left a hour later. But that was all part of the excitement and we got an opportunity to take a few photos. So the road trip to Pretoria started and we left with me and Rouchet sharing a seat with a lot of bags. The trip there in itself was an adventure not because of the fact that I’ve never been there before but in the sense that the driver kinda sorta got lost (and by kinda sorta I mean he had to make a u turn with a bus that can fit an army in the middle of a busy road!). And if that in itself was not bad enough he had to go off the road quite a bit with more than half of the bus on the wrong side of the road. But we survived and made it to the gardens with no harm done, another story to tell my grandchildren buried firmly in my memories.

The group of eggs from CSA: at the back is Tshepo Morokong in front from left is Rouchet , myself and Nolubabalo. We have another colleague who unfortunately had to leave early and missed getting her picture taken.


After getting to the Gardens we had to move from the busses in a line to enter the gardens officially in order for the security people to count us, which brought back fond memories of high school.  After that we ‘played’ a bit of follow the leader as we all just walked from one point to another without any visible reason, just because someone said so, which for me wearing heels was not that much fun, but the sun was shining and the birds were chirping so I had no reason to complain, though some of the other were not that impressed (read really pissed).
The event itself was a bit stiff but we got the opportunity to see DJ Sbu as our MC and got to hear some inspirational stories. After that we headed to the airport and I think we were just all glad to be home. Though I think Rouchet had more fun there than the whole trip because she got to see an actor from one of her favorite soaps and walked past Jack Parow. Pity we were not presumptuous enough to take some picture to go with our memories.



In the end we all had an awesome but tiring week, one I will not forget. I am truly thankful to everyone who had a hand in getting me this opportunity!



Friday, June 14, 2013

A Day in Namaqualand

Hi Guys

I recently started working at Conservation South Africa and got the chance to meet some incredible people.

one of my colleagues recently came to Namaqualand for a Farmersday and it was amazing to see how someone else appreciate the beauty of our part of the world. I wanted to post a piece she wrote about what she experienced and how she was received.

Nolubabalo Kwayimani wrote:




 5am, In the morning the journey began to Namaqualand, spent the full 8 hours in the road , the exquisite Namaqualand kept my attention alive. I was fortunate to be driving with Tessa the Director of Communication, the first four hours was a full induction , which played a gigantic role  with regards to the understand of the CSA background,  I read a lot of material to try and understand Conservation South Africa, but she gave a clear understanding of the background and the vision. I had a note book with me, taking notes while she was taking me on the CSA journey. The first months are always the difficult one’s at a new job, trying to fit in and trying to understand and this is new venture specifically for me as I lack a background of the environmental sector, thus I always go an extra mile to actually find a way of absorbing any information that I can come across as a vital source. I understood the corridor that CSA created, the corridor from the mountains to the Sea and why and how CSA works with Farmers. CSA assists farmers to farm sustainably by providing them with incentives and education. In the same I acquired communication skills and that is where the Newsletter strategy was drafted. The last few hours I spent with Malinda, where she introduced me to Namaqualand species and history, the highlight was when I saw the different species in one areas, e.g Drosanthemum hispidum, androcymbium scabromargintum,Aloe dichotoma ,Ornithogalum secendum, Aizoon canariense and my favorite was the ihlenfeldia excavata which according to Malinda is called the baby bum. Today I know that the reptiles, plants and mammals have high endemism and birds have no endemism in Namaqualand.

Namaqualand Farmers Day
The 30th of May 2013, an exquisite day under the mountains of Namaqualand. The Farmers day in Namaqualand was a successful day, to understand the work that CSA does is amazing and to actually experience the work they do in the ground with the famers is an incredibly experience that every CSA employee should be exposed to regardless of the different roles they play within the organization .This allows every employee to understand the vision and mission of CSA at large.  To see how people gather for the same vision was an astonishing experience, The Farmers day in Namaqualand was a practical evidence of one of CSA successes and to be part of such event was a privilege that enhanced my knowledge of CSA at large.
 CSA is known for their involvement in working with Landscape specifically the 3 Biodiversity Hotpots in South Africa which one of it, is the Succulent Karoo in the Northern Cape. This is basically how the Conservation South Africa can be distinguishable, for its uniqueness with regards to the area that their work is based on. Namaqualand is full of life and the life of so many species that are adapted in a very cold weather of the Northern Cape, so many species that are endemic in the same area and to see those species was a life changing experience, the beauty of the species and how they adapt to such weather was an incredible eye opener.
There were several speakers that contributed to the success of the day.The first session was directed by Elvene and the second session was directed by Auther from CSA Northern Cape Offices. Ds. Basson and Elvene,Rufus, Arthur and Elmarisa  Introduced the CSA staff members, gave a brief overview of the different programmes that they involved in, they gave a brief overview  of the NGED Program (BRI; Climate Change Skeppies and  Eco Rangers ,Charles Schreuder  Introduced the honor guest . Travor Xivuri from SANBI gave a presentation of Emerging Weeds: Early detective Rapid Response where he spoke about Alien plants that can destroy the livestock of many farmers. Rassie Erasmus Spilhaus gave a presentation on Irrigation of olive groves Water treatment and power needs: Solar panels and lastly Pierre Albertyn (Dalmark) & Poen van der Westhuizen gave the last presentation of the day on Pest and plague control.

The highlight of the day was  when three ladies presented their work in front of everyone, the confidence they had, sharing their stories might have inspired so many people and they played a vital role in highlighting some of the work that CSA is involve in and how CSA has played a huge role into their lives, as much as CSA vision is to assist farmers to farm sustainably and conserve the environment by protecting other endangered species , Namaqualand people are developing skills in Leadership and Entrepreneur Areas as well and lastly I got  warm welcome in Namaqualand regardless of the Language barrier, Namaqualand people are friendly and I got to experience the Namaqualand food, one of my favorites was the Potjikoes. It was also a great pleasure to meet the lovely CSA team that is based in Namaqualand.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Protecting the environment for a better future.



Hey guys, I am back and today I want to talk to you about environmental issue. I was walking in Springbok  today and did a quick survey of what the youth is doing to protect the environment and I turned up with NOTHING!!!!!!

Now how do we get to the point that we don’t care about our surroundings and protecting the beautiful nature God has given us????




I know we don’t have the resources to give money to protect an endangered spesie or to do a big whoo ha to protect something, but how about the small things we can do around the house??

All it would take for you to save the world for your grandchildren is a few minutes of your time: here are a few things you can do around the house:

1. Obviously recycling is the easiest way wont you say. Recycle plastic bottles such as milk jugs, orange juice jugs, and soda bottles, recycle all cardboard including cereal boxes, any packaging, and boxes, also recycle all newspaper, scrap paper, junk mail, notebook paper, and aluminum cans.

2. Make sure you turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use.
3. Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot. Your clothes will get just as clean.
4. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy. The bulbs are a little more expensive than regular light bulbs, but they last a lot longer.
5. Install a low-flow shower head.
6. Insulate your home as best as you can.
7. Install weather stripping around all doors and windows. Cold or hot air can get in or out through any crack or space.
8. Replace old windows with energy efficient ones. You need to buy double-paned windows.
9. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, whenever possible. Not only will it be better for the environment, it will improve your health.
10. Plant trees to shade your home. You will use a lot less energy to cool your home in the Summer.
11. Water grass early in the morning.
12. Replace old toilets with new ones that use a lot less water.
13. Check and fix any water leaks.
14. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120. Or you can install a timer.
15. Keep your thermostat at 68 in Winter and 78 in Summer.
16. Use Solar power for home and water heating.
17. Join a carpool to get to work.
18. Don't wash dishes with the water running continuously.
19. Copy and print on both sides of paper.
20. Use recycled paper.

Please do your part to help save the environment. Together we can make a big difference.