Live Magazine SA Issue 10: Elections Special by LivityAfrica

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CONTENTS

Regulars

02 Ed’s note 03 Contributors 04 Loves and Loathes: Big City Life 04 Dummies Guide to Protesting 05 News and Views: Is Protesting

Effective? 06 Must Grabs: Urban Soldiers 08 Day in the Life of a Political Activist 09 Mzansi Diamonds: Just Desserts 12 Live Challenge: My Class Act

Features

13 Being a Kaffir in 2014 14 Photo Essay: No to anything Less than a Toilet 19 Love Thy Neighbour 20 Lowering the Grade 22 Cover Story: How DA EFF to COPE? 28 Heading to the Promised Land 30 Fashion: let’s get it poppin’ 34 Better Safe than Sorry 36 The Real First Ladies

38 Homeboy Phenomenon

LifeStyle 39 Sports: What’s In a Name? 40 Hustlers Handbook 42 Live Sounds: I can Live Without my Radio 44 Live Jabs: Predictions for Political Animals 47 Reads & Movies: The Struggle Continues

Regulars Regulars||Ed’s LiveNote Challenge

ED’S NOTE

CONTRI

Words Sabelo Mkhabela Design Shihaam Allie | Photos Ashleigh Swartz

olitics, voting, politicians…sigh! Knowing my attitude towards such, when I was appointed Editor-in-Chief, my mentor Lee had a sit down with me to ask how I would handle so much political content. I had made a declaration to everyone that I had never voted and wasn’t planning to. Why? Because I felt voting never made a difference at all. Sounds familiar? The question that remained was: so what are you doing about that? Are you going to just sit and let things be? Can’t you at least spoil your ballot? Whatever, just get your voice heard! During the three months we worked on this issue, I was exposed to a lot of politics: the launch of our #VIP (Voting is Power) Campaign, and (of course) the content in this, our Elections Issue. I had to get over myself and listen to political experts, my mentors as well as my awesome team. The biggest lesson I learnt was that being an active citizen means more than just voting. It takes more than just supporting a party. As a young person there’s so much you can do (check Youth Roles p38, The Real First Ladies p36, Day in the Life of a Political Activist p8). Through reading and trying to be hands-on with all the content (like I had to), I learnt about the different political parties we have in the country and what they stand for (How DA

2 Spring2O14 2O13 00Autumn

EFF to COPE? p22, Predictions for Political Animals p46). I engaged intimately with the challenges we’re facing as a 20-year-old democracy: the repercussions of our oppressive history (Heading to the Promised Land p13); remnants of that oppression like the controversial K-word, which we stripped down, addressed in today’s context and tried to neutralise with humour (Being a Kafﬁr in 2014 p13); the deteriorating quality of education (Lowering the Grade p20); problems of tribalism (Homeboy Phenomenon p19); and the lack of proper sanitation for our people (No to anything Less than a Toilet p14).

Editor-in-Chief

Writers

Sabelo Mkhabela (24)

Nomsa Motale (20)

@SabzaPassword

@Nomsa_Moon

Deputy Editors Rofhiwa Maneta (23)

@RofhiwaManeta Shani Rhoda (23) @Shanil302

Sinazo Mkoko (22)

@Snazzy_Mkoko

Robyn Frost (24) @frosttheradioDJ Lethabo Bogatsu (25)

@CallMeAfrika

Art Director

Designers and Illustrators

Stacey Okkers (23)

Shihaam Allie (24)

@staceyokkers

@shihaamAllie

Digital Editors Mandy Mbekeni (21)

@Simply_Mandz Nasifa Sulaiman (20)

@nasifasulaiman

Kabelo Seshibe (22) @KCSeshibe

Chief Subeditor & Writer

Zizo Ntuku (25) @zamasangoz

All this wouldn’t have been possible without a team and mentors who made sure I was on my toes and on top of my game. And of course every person we interviewed is highly appreciated. We hope this issue will be an eye-opener and start to erode apathy towards the – as I’ve come to acknowledge – pivotal subject of politics. As clichéd as it may sound, the future of this country lies in our hands. But you already know that, don’t you?

Photo Editors & Photographers

Just remember to vote smart. See you at the ballots.

Fashion Editor & Writer

Lisa Gabriel (21)

@Lisa_Gabriel(CT) Thabiso Molatlhwa (24)

@Ric3hard (JHB)

Social Media Editors & Writers Cherri-Lee Rhode (20)

@CherriThePrude (CT) Aluwani Ratshiungo (23)

@Miss_Ratshi (JHB)

Mateboho Terry Sithole(20)

@Tee_Sithole

Stylist & Writer Andrea Chothia (22)

@Andreablanche91

Phumlani Mtabe (23)

Photographers Ashleigh Swartz (20)

@A_S_P_studios Masixole Feni(26)

Live SA YouTube Mendile Mpunzi (25) @Mmpunzi Phila Msimang (22) @PhilaMsimang Tracey Southgate (20) @TraceySouthgate Danyal Zaal (21) @DanyalZaal Onele Liwani (21) @Onele_L Abongile Tukulula (23)

Mentors

Senior Editorial: Lee Middleton Editorial (JHB & CT): Busisiwe Ntintili, Greg Nicolson & Elsibe McGuffog Digital & Social Media: Linda Nkosi Photography: Ed Suter, Andy Mkosi & Siyabonga Mkhasibe Design: Hannah Williams YouTube: Tamara MacLachlan & Bulelani Mvoto Fashion: Shallom Johnson Political Mentor: Zwelethu Jolobe

BUTORS

LiveContributors Challenge

Ashleigh Swartz

Danyal Zaal

Onele Liwani

MEET SOME OF OUR FIRST-TIME CONTRIBUTORS: Shihaam Allie (24) CPT

Shihaam is a graphic designer from Cape Town. She graduated with a Diploma in Multimedia Design from CityVarsity: School of Media and Creative Arts. Her internship at LIVE is her ﬁrst encounter within the media industry and she hopes it will be the gateway to many more.

Phila Msimang (22) CPT

Phila is a Graphic Design Student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and is originally from Durban. He enjoys drawing, reading, going out with friends and last but not least designing. Besides working at LIVE as a videographer, he is also a photographer and video editor part-time. His shortterm goals are exhibiting in the Design Indaba and completing his National Diploma in Graphic Design. He would like to work in Sweden for a couple of years and come back to start his own design company. Phila really loves his family.

Kabelo Seshibe (22) JHB

Kabelo is a crazy, sexy cool girl from the city of Johannesburg. A writer and photographer, she’s currently studying media practices, photography and video production. She is completely obsessed with media and fashion. “The LIVE experience has been fulﬁlling and thrilling – my ﬁrst foot in the industry and I absolutely loved working with a team: multiple brains are better that one. I surely got a taste of what my life is going to be like in the media industry with the photo shoots and deadlines. LIVE has uplifted me to continue innovating and sharing stories.”

Special Thanks to:

Mokena Makeka; Zahira Asmal; Cape Town Creative Academy; Greer Valley; Francios Jonker; Janan Scholze; Daniel Charny; Khahliso Tjobolo; Tumelo Mothotoane; Shaka Sisulu; Kagiso Lediga; DJ Fresh; Khadija Patel; Sydelle Willow Smith; Charlie Shoe-

maker; Andrea Shaw; Levinia Jones & Tom Porter from British Council; Barry Mouton; Nahima Ahmed; Sizwe Nzima of Iyeza Express; Lulama Mali; All at The Loop nightclub; Nonhlanhla Chanza; Charles Webster; Ikamva Youth; Cecil Lyons & Mapi Mhlangu from eNCA; Andrea De Falussy at City of Cape Town Utility Services; Nothemba Ncoliwe at Silver Solutions; Mama’ Pheteni; Natalie Stoop ETV; Chris Saunders; FADA Gallery; Andrea Shaw; GoPro; Vuyo Mafafo; Career Planet; New Chapter Foundation; Sithembele & Team; Marikana Crew; CANSA; Milena Marin from The Open Knowledge Foundation School of Data; Jason Norwood-Young & Adi Eyal from Code 4 SA; Kyle Findley; Ory Okolloh & all at the Omidyar Network; Janet Jobson, Piliswa Ncwabe & all at DG Murray Trust; Nelisa & all the Activators; Obenewa & all at Steve Biko Foundation; Elizma Nolte & Google SA; Ian Parsons; Rowan, Jolene & the Makhulu crew; Red Bull SA and Red Bull HQ Austria; Ian Calvert; Gavin’s mum, dad & grade 3 geography teacher. Publisher: Gavin Weale Business Director: Claire Conroy Youth Development Producer: Shallom Johnson (CT) Account Manager: Sid Sidwaba (JHB) PR & Marketing Manager: Beth O’Connor (JHB) Account Executive: Polly Sekwala (JHB) Sales & Marketing Executive and Distribution Manager: Papi Mirelli Ofﬁce Manager: Veronica Shumane (CT) VIP Campaign Manager: Lindsay Breytenbach VIP Campaign Digital Content Manager: Lee Moleﬁ VIP Campaign Junior Social Media Manager: Thapelo Mosiuoa Marketing Interns: Mandilakhe Nompehle (CT), Hannah Bevan-Wooley (CT), Mpho Lehlongwa (JHB)

For advertising enquiries

please call (021) 480 0400 or email papi@livityafrica.com www.livity.co.uk www.livemag.co.za

ABOUT LIVE LIVE is a media platform for the youth, by the youth. YOU–yes you–could get your work published, just like all the names you’ll spot as you page through this copy. LIVE’s three-month unpaid internships offer experience in the publishing and media industries, preparation for the real working environment, all under professional mentorship. With teams based in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, whether you’re a writer, photographer or graphic designer, video editor or stylist, you’ll find your niche. If you’re between the ages of 18 & 25 and have a passion for the media industry (don’t panic, no experience required): Apply now! We also accept submissions from across the nation. So whether you want to contribute one story or apply to join our team, go to livemag.co.za/contributenow and show us what you’re made of!

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Regulars | Loves & Loathes/ Dummies Guide

DUMMIES GUIDE TO

Loves

Loathes LIVE takes a trip to the big city and presses rewind at the entrance!

Words Shani Rhoda Design Shihaam Allie Photos Ashleigh Swartz

LOVES: A show of sorts

LOATHES: Trapped in traffic From crazy drivers to inconsiderate passengers to unbearable smells, taxis remain the source of many near-death experiences. And with so many cars being occupied by a whopping one person, it’s no wonder the roads are so congested. Manage to make it through the road rage and blaring hooting? Great! Your next challenge: sharing parking with three other vehicles.

Take an hour; occupy a public space; aimlessly watch different worlds pass by. From a rushing fitness freak to an artsy explorer absorbing the inspiration revolving around her, people-watching is a show not to be missed.

Sardine-life You know that saying “there’s plenty of fish in the sea”? I’m pretty sure it’s referring to city life. Picture waking up and opening the blinds to your unique view… of your neighbour eating cereal.

Adoration for exploration Take a trip to Greece or India without getting on a plane. Big cities provide endless culinary options that can transport you around the world, no matter where you are. With little room to be imprisoned in our comfort zones, the city subtly lures us into the unknown, where new experiences are a must.

PROTESTING

Words & Photos Kabelo Seshibe Design Shihaam Allie

Ever felt like picking up a brick and smashing something? Though some people think protesters throwing bricks are just hooligans posing for the camera, the issues behind the bricks are no joke. LIVE gives some pointers on how to express your discontent while still remaining a lawabiding citizen.

Holler at the Metro Police Any community wanting to stage a protest must submit an application to its municipality’s Metro Police Head Department. Describing the terms, reason and time you are protesting; the application takes 14 days to be processed. This allows the municipality to allocate routes for marchers to use, and the right number of marshals to monitor the crowds. But be warned: word on the street is that the police can delay responding to applications. So apply early, and don’t let your frustrations get to you. You will have your day.

Close your nose, open your eyes Urine-scented streets constantly force us to practise our breathing-skills while dodging litter islands that prohibit smooth sailing.

Connecting communities Dance off the week’s stress to the latest tunes at an unpretentious rooftop party overlooking the endless ocean of city lights. Is the guestlist in your hometown all too familiar? The city is sure to expand your social circles.

Building brilliance From restored renaissance churches to ubermodern skyscrapers, diverse worlds become one with historical moments punctuating the spiral of architectural development.

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Drenched in discontent Considered a form of job creation, crime becomes a lifestyle that no city-dweller escapes. With businessmen driving luxury cars over bridges “housing” people sleeping on cardboard beds, it’s no surprise that cities are plagued with dissatisfied citizens railing against government’s failings by parading with placards.

Meet with your clique Hook up with your committee members one to two months prior to the protest. Use those meetings to check out the issues affecting the community (e.g., how many houses need electricity?). Meetings are usually held on a weekly basis by committees within most communities, so don’t sleep on it. Attend to get the real 411. Eat your way around the city livemag.co.za/cityfood

News & Views

NEWS& VIEWS Party vs. Party There’s always some hot head trying to stir things up at a protest, so don’t let yourself get in between Mr Macho and his political rivals. Rather stick with your clique, and take care which beret you wear.

Listen to the POPO This may be the only time to click with the cops. Most protesters say that demonstrations end up in turmoil because of miscommunication and confusion. Stuff like exactly which route you were authorised to use. Your protest will be a victory if you listen to and follow orders to keep activities safe and sound. Avoid harm to yourselves, and steer clear from bad press.

When angry protesters end up destroying fellow citizens’ meagre belongings, we have to ask, what purpose is being served? Words Sabelo Mkhabela & Mateboho Sithole | Photos Ashleigh Swartz | Design Shihaam Allie From burning car tyres (and sometimes even people) to leaving buckets full of human waste on parliament’s doorstep, South Africans have a rich history of expressing their frustrations with government through protest. The zenith of such protests was during the last days of apartheid. Twenty years later, in a democratic South Africa, people are still unhappy. To deploy the tired adage: history seems to be repeating itself. Our natural response is to take to the streets to toyi-toyi. In many

instances, we destroy the very property – houses, sanitation etc. – we’re upset about not having. What purpose does this kind of destruction serve when one of the fundamental issues is legitimate frustration and anger over lack of service delivery? Is protest still the only or best way we can communicate with our government? LIVE’s Mateboho Terry Sithole took to the streets to ﬁnd out if the youth think our methods of protesting actually achieve the desired results.

Luzuko Sikuphela (22) Student No, I do not see it as a solution. Most of the times the people who are protesting end up losing without recognising it. For example, at Tshwane University, the students did not get what they wanted, instead they did not get their degrees on time. What a waste of time.

Maxine Jung (18) Student Yes, if it’s done in a right way. I believe if it’s violent, the protesters are becoming what they are protesting against.

Samuel Sithole (24) Dancer [It’s] the only voice [the] government takes note of, so yes, protests are effective.

The root of all protests Lack of service delivery and heavy crime are the things that piss people off the most. People never just take out frustrations for nothing. Bear in mind that no issue will be solved immediately following one protest. It is wise to keep on consulting with your fellow protesters. Be consistent in how you continue demonstrating, and don’t stop until leaders respond and matters are resolved. We live in a democratic society, so keep your protests peaceful and let voters make change.

Lloyd Jacob (24) Self-employed Yes, protesting is effective. It draws the public’s and the government’s attention, and it can change the public’s perspective.

Lorna Gebengana (20) Salesperson It depends whether the protest’s for a good cause or not; but I feel if it’s for politics it’s useless, because [politicians] never give the people what they want.

How to protest: livemag.co.za/riotgriot

Regulars | Must Grabs

URBAN SOLDIERS

Joburg: the city of gold, grind and hustle. Camouflage possesses the authority and style to match the aspirations of our urban soldiers, living in the heart of the city.

Model 1: Mademoiselle Salome camouflage skirt @Mademoiselle Salome R240; Moonchild black top @Moonchild R200; RBA Cap @Mii & Ms Jones R200 Model 2: Mademoiselle Camouflage dress @Mademoiselle Salome R250; RBA Cap @Mii & Ms Jones R200 Shoes (All modelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own)

Words Kabelo Seshibe | Photos Thabiso Molatlhwa | Stylist Kabelo Seshibe & Spleef | Make-up Artist Busisiwe Vilakazi Design Shihaam Allie

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Above

Model 1: 2BOP half camo vest @Dip St Store R310; Leather skirt (model’s own) Model 2: Best camo T-shirt @Dip St Store R440; Rebelle Rogue SA camo pants @Rebelle Rogue SA R250 Model 3: Rebelle Rogue SA camo jacket @Rebelle Rogue SA R200; Moonchild top @Moonchild R150 Shoes (All models’ own)

Left

Model 1: Dashiki @Stylagang R100; 2BOP half camo-cap @Dip St Store R350 Model 2: Dashiki @Stylagang R100; Mishka bag @Dip St Store R480; Mishka death cap @Dip St Store R480 Model 3: Dashiki @Stylagang R100; RBA cap @Mii & Ms Jones Store R200 Shoes (all models’ own)

Behind the scenes of the shoot livemag.co.za/bae

Regulars | Day In The Life

Words Sinazo Mkoko | Photos Masixole Feni | Design Stacey Okkers

Political Activist It’s 8am on a Sunday and I’m in a taxi on my way to Khayelitsha to meet Nkwame Ncedile. When I call to confirm that I’m on my way, he tells me that perhaps we should meet at 2pm. I’m about to phone my photographer about the change when he calls me, saying he's with Nkwame at the train station. Say what? I start to wonder if political activists actually follow day-to-day schedules. Some activists might have diaries but Nkwame is not one of them. Having joined the Cape Youth Congress in 1985, Nkwame, now in his 40s, started his political activism through protests and solidarity campaigns such as rent-boycotts. Currently head of Enkangala Kwantu Embo organisation, he now focuses his energy on township youth, with a mission to educate them towards self-realisation, self-reliance and self-love. I finally find the activist at the Khayelitsha train station. Wearing a red golf-tee, white pants and black sandals, the tall dark-skinned Nkwame politely greets me. About to offer my handshake, I hear the famous Nokia ringtone, and next thing I know he's on his phone and then suggesting we go to Gugulethu. On the train, he asks if I watched this week’s Cutting Edge. I nod, vividly recalling the programme about gangster rivals, the Vatos

What’s the typical day of a political activist like? Sinazo Mkoko hits the streets to find out.

and Vuras, killing each other in Khayelitsha. “Were you not scared of coming here for an interview?” he asks, smiling. I admit that I was (I even left my phone at home, bringing an old one). The conversation is interrupted by our arrival at Heideveld, Gugulethu. The station is fairly empty. The smell isn’t pleasant. I ask Nkwame what are they doing as activists to stop the gangsterism in Cape Town townships. “How can gangsterism be stopped when people are starving and unemployed?” he shoots back, raising his voice so that even the Metrorail security guards take note. Nkwame indicates a garbage heap just outside the station. “What’s so hard for government to hire people to clean this filthy place?” he asks. Before I can answer, he cuts me off with another question: “Who lives in such a filthy place and [can] claim that he’s free?” I’m saved from answering by the arrival of another train and Nkwame’s cadre. Time to head back to Khayelitsha.

When we finally arrive at a shack used as the hall in Kuyasa, we're welcomed by a group of about 20 young people. “The hope and vision I have for my community is a well-informed youth, people who take charge and participate in the happenings around them,” says 18-year-old Siphelele from Makhaza, who was raised by a single mom. Others introduce themselves, each sharing his or her hope for the community. I notice that they all have a copy of Steve Biko’s I Write What I Like. Nkwame explains that it’s their bible, and they’re reviewing it today. “All in all the black man has become a shell, a shadow of man, completely defeated, drowning in his own misery, a slave, an ox bearing the yoke of oppression with sheepish timidity…” reads Nkwame from the book. The youngsters listen attentively. It’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop. He then turns to me. “I’m one angry man. I’m angry at the government and the poverty our people live in. I’ve come to the point of understanding these gangsters: they’re hungry, they need jobs and the government is not doing anything about that.” It’s 5pm and my photographer and I exchange looks. His camera is not insured, and transport is scarce on Sundays. Siphelele walks us to the train station. We bid farewells, and I say a little prayer, asking God to protect the young man and thanking Him for people like Nkwame, people who put other people’s needs before their own. The path there may not be the fastest or most direct, but I'm grateful there are people like Nkwame willing to wind their way to find it.

“I’m an activist, I don’t take taxis”

It’s 38ºC in Harare, Khayelitsha. Nkwame tells us that we’re going to meet youngsters in Kuyasa. Knowing the distance between Harare and Kuyasa, I sit on a stone by the main road to wait for a taxi. “Get up, young journalist,” Nkwame

Voting Is Power youtube.com/livemagsa

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says, laughing at my facial expression, and carrying on walking. “I’m an activist, I don’t take taxis.” The young man who joined us in Gugulethu introduces himself as Lelethu Godongwana. Wearing shades, a white-tee and sneakers, the 20-something informs me that he's learned a lot from Nkwame. Passing a Somalian spaza shop, Nkwame suggests that we get a cold drink. While there, a short chubby lady joins us, introducing herself as Mateboho. To my surprise, Nkwame also buys a loaf of brown bread and everyone sits down to eat.

What roles do activists play in our communities livemag.co.za/actnow

Regulars | Mzansi Diamonds

JUST DESSERTS Cape Town

Address: 68 Kloof Street Telephone: (021) 422-0909 Hours: Mon-Fri: 5pm-midnight Weekends: 6pm-2am

Words Nasifa Sulaiman | Design Shihaam Allie Photos Lisa Gabriel

Haagen Dazs This is A-grade stuff. The raspberry sorbet will drown your tastebuds in a pool of succulently sweet berry heaven. Though R27 a scoop is a bit pricey, you deserve a quality treat like this every once in a while (especially after that gruelling Econ test).

Asoka Looking to get “chocolate wasted”? Consider this a formal invitation. Asoka’s chocolate eruption that is a Lindt brownie served with vanilla ice-cream and fresh strawberries will satisfy your most intense chocolate craving. While the dessert menu is small, it’s impressive; and everything is under R50. Candles, scatter cushions in shades of red and orange and an uncommon centre piece – a tree – creates an atmosphere of Asian glam. Combining their enticing desserts with the stylish setting, Asoka is all sweet serenity.

In need of a break from the bitterness of politics? LIVE assembled our fave sweet spots in a city near you.

Johannesburg Decadent Donuts

Address: Shop 12, The High Street Melrose Arch, Sandton Telephone: (011) 684-1334 Hours: Open daily 7am-9pm or later (call to check)

Fans of fried dough, listen up! Whether you prefer yours smothered in chocolate or sprinkled with cinnamon, these donuts are cheap, easy to eat, and most importantly – as the name suggests – decadent. The perfect treat after a day of shopping or on a chilly wet afternoon to ease the blues. Address: Cresta Shopping Centre Cresta Randburg Telephone: (011) 476-6152 Hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm

Durban Kashmir Restaurant

Kloof Street House Three words: Diverse, majestic and sophisticated. With a beautiful garden, comfy couches and fresh flowers, this house will make you feel right at home. Featuring desserts from lemon meringue pie to a peanut butter ice-cream sundae, their menu caters for even your finickiest friend. Our favourite? The vanilla-infused cheesecake with berry compote and whipped cream. The tart juicy texture of the berry compote complements the creaminess of the cheesecake beautifully. Kloof Street’s desserts will tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Address: 30 Kloof Street Telephone: (021) 423-4413 Hours: Mon-Sat: Noon-late

Chocolat et Gateaux The desserts are just as fancy as the name suggests, and the changing daily menu of delicious, lip-smacking cakes means you never know what you’ll get. If you feel like spoiling yourself and a special friend, Chocolat et Gateaux is definitely the place. Catering for the sophisticated palate, the menu includes treats like red velvet pancakes with poached pears and cream. Delicious, right? All for under R40!

Ever heard of vermicelli served with ice-cream or a Bombay krush? Me neither. Think skinny spaghetti infused with sugar and warm spices (the vermicelli), or a milky fruity icy drink, refreshing on the palate (the krush). With shades of browns and reds contrasting with the sea, sand and palms outside, those keen on indulging in Durban traditional delicacies for less than R30 should head straight to this Indian delight. Address: 11 McCausland, Crescent Beverly Hills Centre, Umhlanga Rocks Telephone: (031) 561-7486 Hours: Mon-Sun: 11am-3:30pm & 5pm-11pm

Address: Shop 1, Honeydew Village Shopping Centre, Roodepoort Telephone: (011) 675-5944 Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm

Would you eat this for dessert? livemag.co.za/sweetstuff

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Regulars | Live Challenge I followed Ms O’Brian into the class, keeping space for an escape route. Runaway Bride would finally have a sequel, I thought. A range of bright grade-eleven faces met my eyes. I probably looked shy or constipated. With shaking hands, I placed my books on the table. “Good morning,” I finally said, introducing myself to the sounds of whistles. I grabbed a koki to keep my hands busy, hoping no one would notice the twitch. Turning to the shiny whiteboard, I wrote “Invictus” in large professional letters. “Anyone know this poem?” Silence. My challenge was official. I thought I’d switch tack. “Who likes to read?” “No one!” they shouted. Great. Time to take charge. “Okay, you’ll read for me, thanks,” I said, pointing to one of the students. As the student read the first stanza, I planned my next move.

Words Andrea Chothia | Photos Masixole Feni | Design Stacey Okkers

My Class Act Challenge

Before I knew it 15 minutes had passed and the jitter had left my voice. I focused on making the poem’s language easy and accessible for what was now “my” class. I started to feel like a worn-out dictionary but soldiered on. As time went by and I explained what it meant to be unconquerable, I noticed students nodding their heads as though they were longing to feel that way. A miraculous sensation flooded through me as I realised I was getting through to them. At the end of the class my students asked how I got to this point of teaching at the age of 22 without a qualification. I answered truthfully, ending with the corny punchline that it boils down to the accept. ance of any challenge. “Take it literally or figuratively,” I said. Conveniently, this message related to the poem I had just taught, so I took the opportunity to repeat the poem’s words: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

We all agree that education is in dire need of improvement, but how many of us are up to the challenge of teaching? LIVE’s Andrea Chothia found out what it takes

Most people see a challenge as a learning curve; I took a very literal interpretation for the challenge put before me. Faithful readers know that each issue, a LIVE contributor is banished from her comfort-zone. My exile? Delivering a high school class. I didn’t stutter. I’ve always admired how teachers can devote themselves to bettering the minds of others. And having sat in many lectures, I’ve realised that teaching is a calling (you can tell when you’re in the presence of someone who’s been “called” vs those for whom it’s just a job). Having personally only ever been called by my mother, I was the perfect person for this challenge. Organising my challenge was frighteningly easy. Phoning the principal of the School of Hope in Mowbray, some part of me prayed she wouldn’t answer. But not only did she answer and say yes, she thought it was “a great idea not to be passed up”. There was officially no turning back. But what would I teach? All my high school subjects flew through my head. Ticking them off, I came to the conclusion of English – I am currently studying

12 Autumn 2O14

journalism and majoring in English, after all. I arranged things with English teacher Lauren O’Brien, who then asked what I specifically would like to teach. A poem – considered cliché by some, but to me totally powerful – came to mind. Ms O’Brian liked the choice, and all of a sudden a much-needed drop of excitement entered my “nervous” system.

“Yes m’am,” the students replied in a calming unison. Teaching spontaneously was a challenge, no doubt, but at the end of it all, it clicked as to why challenges should be taken.

She told me I would be going to a grade eleven class. I instantly felt punk’d, all that was missing was Ashton Kutcher

The night before the challenge I was feeling, let’s say, semi-confident. Driving there the next morning, my foot began to shake on the clutch (luckily I didn’t stall). Eventually I arrived, alive and in one piece (to my dismay), meeting my photographer Masixole, whose excitement was completely offputting. After a few minutes that felt like an hour, Ms O’Brian made her debut, walking us through the corridors with a calm authoritative glow. She told me I would be going to a grade eleven class. I instantly felt punk’d, all that was missing was Ashton Kutcher.

Feature

Words Rofhiwa Maneta | Illustration & Design | Stacey Okkers Being a kaffir in 2014 is pretty taxing. Firstly, there’s the term’s historical baggage. Also, the term is no longer racially exclusive – almost anyone can be a kaffir in 2014. Whites (still) use the term on blacks; blacks use it as a manner of address. Hell, some whites even use it to describe themselves. So, to dispel any confusion, we’ve compiled a list on what it means to be a kaffir in post-apartheid South Africa:

You pissed off a black person

You’re an unbeliever

The word “kafﬁr” is actually derived from the Arab “kafur”, which means one who conceals or hides the truth. In the African context, the word was initially used by explorers involved in the Arab slave trade when they encountered non-Muslim blacks along the Swahili coast. I’m pretty sure the conversation went something along these lines:

VOETSEK!!

Sailor: “Captain we’ve just landed in Africa. We found tons of gold there… and a couple of kafurs too. What should we do?” Captain: “We’ll take their gold.” Sailor: “No Captain. I meant what should we do about the kafurs? Should we teach them the ways of Allah?” Captain: “Nah. Chill bro. We’ll just enslave them.”

“Stop thinking like a kaffir...” You’re empowered

As if things couldn’t get any more confusing, there are also some black people calling each other kaffirs. It’s called linguistic reappropriation (that’s a mouthful right?). It’s like when black Americans started calling each other “niggers” to take the sting out of the word. Now the word is basically a synonym for “homie/brother/sister” – or other such terms of endearment. But since “nigger” is a distinct Americanism, we use “kaffir” instead. So here’s how you’d use it: Katlego: “Rof, my kaffir, where did you get your new sneakers? They’re too ill.” Rof: “Some kaffir from town hooked me up. I’ll pass you his number..”

NDIZOKUKHABA

I don’t think I need to recount the hilarity that resulted when Orlando Pirates chairman and SAFA’s vice president, Dr Irvin Khoza, used the k-word on a black journalist back in 2008. This was after the journalist asked Khoza why preparations for the 2010 World Cup were taking so long. Khoza’s reply?

“Stop thinking like a kafﬁr because you are contriving and misleading about something that is not there.” Another case of black self-hatred? Or proof that racism has more to do with power than it does with race? Who knows? Maybe the good Doctor was just having a bad day.

You’re a “wigger”

Die Antwoord’s frontman, Ninja, once said that “God made so black a mistake” when He created him, and that he’s actually “a right now black man trapped in a white man’s body”. On “Never Le Nkemise”, a song off Die Antwoord’s sophomore album, Ten$ion, he proclaims: “Ek is Ninja, die wit k*fﬁr”. If you know Ninja, you know he’s made a career out of appropriating black gangster culture. Basically, he’s a wigger (a white person who thinks enacting black stereotypes is “cool”). So you’d probably use the word like this: “Did you see Kobus’ new baggy jeans and gold chain? That kafﬁr is really trying too hard!”

You pissed off a white person SORRY BAAS

This is probably the most commonly recognised use of the term in South Africa. Remember the shitstorm that ensued last year when FHM model Jessica Leandra tweeted: “just well [sic] took on an arrogant and disrespectful kafﬁr inside Spar”? She didn’t clarify what this particular kafﬁr did, but she did insinuate that she had done society a huge service because “these are the kind of people that land up raping young girls in our country”. There you have it. Attributing rape and sexual harassment to a particular race isn’t racist at all: you’re actually doing your country a service! Ride on Jessica!

So there you have it guys. It’s tough business being a kafﬁr in 2014. But, hey, at least now you know how to use the word in different situations. God bless the rainbow nation! Celebrities who’ve dropped the k-word livemag.co.za/kbomb

Regulars | Photo Essay

NO TO ANYTHING

LESS THAN A

TOILET

Words Andrea Chothia | Photos Masixole Feni | Design Shihaam Allie

The so-called Mshengu “temporary” toilets have to be shared between countless people, making them completely unsanitary and therefore putting people at risk of contracting infections and disease. These “temporary” toilets (but now almost permanent fixtures) have proven to be unreliable: either locked or out of order. Temporary toilets grimly affect the lives of many township residents. Here they appear innocuous, lining the outskirts of Khayelitsha Site C.

14 Autumn 2O14

Regulars | Photo Essay Photo 1: Ironically the communal toilets are sometimes locked, therefore women and children have to walk long distances in order to relieve themselves. This has become increasingly dangerous as these women and children are at risk of being attacked and raped due to being solitary. Here, early morning, a young girl is forced to relieve herself just outside of Khayelitsha near the N2 highway.

2 Photo 2: According to a Commission of Enquiry that was organised by the Social Justice Coalition, due to insufficient budget the City of Cape Town couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enclose the toilets that were provided for the community. The majority of the informal settlements, being so desperate, gladly accepted open toilets. Here, a woman from Makhaza, Khyayelitsha passes an open toilet.

16 Autumn 2O14

4 Photo 3: As there are no ﬂushing toilets in some informal settlements in Cape Town, the porta potties (portable ﬂush toilets) have to be emptied and cleaned with harsh chemicals roughly three times a week. Here at Airport Industria, a worker puts on protective gear as he gets ready to empty and clean them.

Photo 4: Service Delivery protests have gradually gotten out of hand; drastic measures have been taken by the police: releasing tear gas and making arrests. Here in Harare, Khayelitsha, a student is arrested for actively participating in an illegal protest march against the DA’s 110% green initiative. The student was later released on bail. A woman passing by covers her face with her scarf to protect herself from the tear gas.

Photo 5: As people have become rightfully frustrated with the current situation, the anger has reached boiling point. Countless protests have been taking place in the hope to dismiss this plague. In Harare Khayelitsha a man, being very direct, throws faeces from a portable ﬂush toilet (PFT) on the DA’s convoy. It’s an attempt to highlight the problem and question the slogan: “This City Works for You”. A slogan that has since changed.

5 17

Regulars | Photo Essay Photo 6: In Khayelitsha Site C, the portable flush toilets are collected and cleaned three times a week. They are collected from door to door by the porta potti workers. Here they stand in the early morning out on the streets waiting for collection trucks that operate on a sporadic timetable. Highly unsanitary, they stand out in the open where people have to walk right by them.

Photo 7: In Hout Bay the community decided to build a canal in order to avoid flooding; now the canal is used as a dumping site for human faeces due to the lack of sufficient toilets and drainage systems. Passing the unbearable canal, these women have fetched clean water from one communal tap.

7 18 Autumn 2O14

Feature Words Shani Rhoda | Photos Ashleigh Swartz | Design Stacey Okkers

Love Thy Neighbour Volunteerism is becoming more popular in South Africa. Is this a blessing or a burden? One thing is certain, if it’s change you seek, it starts with you. With a political world that is quickly spiralling into a realm of epic fail, young South Africans are sitting on the sidelines, hoping our future turns out alright. But however bad things might get in politics, we as citizens also have responsibilities to create the country we desire. Voices telling us that we’re the future leaders have become a loop replaying in our heads. Perhaps we should accept our destiny and play the part. And no, becoming an active citizen does not mean you have to parade outside parliament or linger on the president’s every word or introduce your head to the red beret craze. Fidaah Edries (30) started his career as a volunteer at the Mustadafin Foundation in Cape Town while studying towards a degree in psychology at the University of the Western Cape. “The children are the future. It is our duty to ensure that each child stands a real chance at life to develop and excel; and furthermore to protect them from harm, neglect, abuse and injustice,” he says. Now the Youth and Mental Health Coordinator and Community Counsellor at the Foundation’s NGO based in Athlone, Edries works with young people aged 12 to 25. With a team of 30 dedicated staff members, a couple of daily volunteers, as well as a database of 50 potential volunteers, the Mustadafin Foundation relies heavily on the work of unpaid young people wanting to uplift their peers whose lives have been hijacked by social ills. Tutoring programmes where volunteers teach creative skills such as reading and writing impart character traits like respect, diligence, hard work, ambition and confidence. “By taking part in the offered programmes, I have learned a lot about myself,” admits Mariam Twalingca from Delft. The 17-year-old described herself as a shy, insecure person before she started attending the confidence workshops organised

by the foundation. Two years later, she has a new attitude and a solid foundation of self-confidence. Volunteers also learn that nothing is lost by sharing knowledge and skills with others. “We aim to encourage every community to take personal responsibility for their social ills and to understand that they have the power to better their conditions,” Edries explains.

Those who grow up on a cushion of security, protected from financial strain and strengthened by support structures, remain the minority Walking into a creative writing workshop, it’s in South Africa. The majority must overcome refreshing to see young people taking the lead difficult conditions, city streets vandalised by in sharing their knowledge. Knowledge, advice, substance abuse, emotional abuse and poor patience and resources: these are the ingredients education. Imagine street shared by volunteers with By teaching someone to read, kids ditching their spray peers held back by their cans to create art in write and communicate their paint poverty-stricken circumguided workshops. Imagine stances. It’s important to ideas with others, you help them that girl who says no to parnote that poverty refers not give voice to their dreams. tying every night receiving only to a lack of financial leadership training and instability, but also to the troducing her friends to a better way of life. The state of mind that can result from living in constant more young people engage in volunteerism stress, threat, violence or just lacking a basic sup- whether as volunteers or as recipients - the port network. Poverty, illiteracy and dependency more we are all uplifted. Forget about dependcan be broken, however, and individuals released ing on the government; let’s rely on ourselves from their reliance on government. By teaching for the success of our future. someone to read, write and communicate their ideas with others, you help them give voice to their dreams. Without any government funding, the Mustadafin Foundation’s programmes offer tutoring, life skills and social responsibility to young people in highrisk areas where crime and poverty are the norm. The desperation to survive can put pressure on overloaded governmental systems, breeding destructive attitudes and behaviour. When hopelessness takes over in a community, positive change becomes even more unlikely. “[These] support structures... develop a sense of empowerment, which results in independence,” Edries says.

What peeps are doing in their communities livemag.co.za/youthrole

Feature

With the decreased pass requirement, it’s possible that SA might get a higher matric pass rate, but will the quality of education improve along with it? Earlier this year, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga enthusiastically announced the 2013 matriculants’ pass rate: a 4.3% increase from 2012’s 73.9% to 78.2%. This would be an improvement if you ignore some key information. Notably, that matriculants only needed a 30% to pass matric (from the previous 40% required to pass), nevermind the shocking fact that only 30,6% out of the all who did write had grades that qualiﬁed them for university. So this begs the question: what is the point of lowering the grade on our students if a pass isn’t enough to be admitted to tertiary? And at what costs are we lowering the grade?

does that actually mean? It doesn’t necessarily mean people are doing better,” says Jack Calland, 17, of Westerford High School. A Model C school that was restricted to white children during the apartheid era,Westerford continues to enjoy the resources to produce students adequately prepared for university. Coming 9th in the Western Cape for 2013, it was one of only four schools to get a 100% Bachelor’s Pass. This means all 175 students who wrote their exams qualiﬁed for university. “[Government] are trying to ﬁx the problem in the wrong places,” observes Tanya Richards, 17, also of Westerford.

“What do we do with those who don’t get 50%?” asked Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, at a press brieﬁng on post-school opportunities for learning in Pretoria earlier this year. Defending the decision, the minister said the 30% pass requirement would help young people who otherwise would miss postschool college opportunities. “There is no dustbin where a human being goes,” he was quoted, going on to say that South Africa is becoming “dangerously elitist” if it was considering “throwing away half of our young people” who did not achieve a 50% pass, the rate required for entrance to university.

Meanwhile, a majority of public schools still face problems such as small and overcrowded class rooms, absent teachers, broken windows and sometimes even lack of stationery. Malibu High School in Blue Downs is also a public school, but comparing it with Westerford highlights how schools that fall under the same category can be so insanely different. “I have 51 students in my class. It is hard but we have to work with what we have. These kids are here to learn and we have to teach them,” says Strymar Strydom, a grade eight life sciences teacher.

The real question we should ask is why aren’t all our learners being trained to achieve a 50% pass? SA might be enjoying its historically highest pass rate, but what is the value of a huge pass rate in an education system that is among the worst in the world? Or to put it another way, our pass rate may have increased, but the quality of education our children receive has not improved along with it. “I personally feel that it’s just a way to lower the bar. If 80% of the country passes then what

20 Autumn 2O14

Afﬂuence is a deﬁnitive factor in the two-tiered South African education system. There is no doubt that we have excellent public schools, but these are mostly Model C schools that remain expensive. Pupils are from privileged backgrounds; annual school fees at these institutions are between roughly R19 000 and R26 000. Better resourced, these schools generally offer a better education than township schools can. Students from underprivileged backgrounds enrolled in bad school systems may work hard all their lives, but often still get bad grades at the end of each year. Now these bad grades actually can result in a pass, but to go where? To do what?

Matric Pass Rate

THE GRADE

73.9%

78.2%

2012

University entry

LOWERING

Words Mandy Mbekeni Photos Masixole Feni & Ashleigh Swartz Design Shihaam Allie

2013

2013 30,6% 30.6% of all who wrote matric qualified for university entry

Mr William O’Brien of Malibu High says he encourages his students to be extraordinary.

11.8%

The proportion of South Africans

aged 20 years

with

and older higher education Grade 12 students at Malibu urge other students to help their classmates where they are lacking.

Students who manage to pass but whose grades are not good enough for university have a few choices. These include going to colleges and improving their marks the following year, looking for jobs they often do not qualify for, or trying to build small businesses that have little chance of success because of the owner’s lack of funds, experience or preparedness. Unfortunately colleges have a bad reputation, and most of our youth think they haven’t achieved much if they go to a college instead of university. For those who opt to head to the workplace, they often ﬁnd that companies – which have not decreased their hiring standards to cater for the pass-rate change – are becoming increasingly cynical about the quality of the certiﬁcate.

“Pass requirements are overrated. The government should rather focus on the quality of education.” Meanwhile, those able to pass matric from township schools who do make it to university may still encounter difficulty with the workload when they get there. “I struggled to even get to varsity,” says Noxolo Pakkies (21), who passed with a bachelor’s admission from Ikamvalethu High School in Langa. “I got accepted in March 2011. When everyone was busy with tests, I had to catch up,” Noxolo explains, going on to say that she was also taking Computer Studies, which she hadn’t done in high school. “I also struggled to get groupmates for assignments and I failed first semester. Consequently, I failed my first year,” says Noxolo, who had to drop out in 2012, as her bursary wasn’t willing to pay for her studies due to the first-year failure. Our government is foolishly celebrating a pass rate that isn’t the result of a better education system, but rather is an encouragement to our youth to aim low in their studies. Is this bleak future really where we want to head?

In a global comparison

of the quality of

higher educational systems

South Africa ranked

146 out of 148

countries for 2013/2014 SOURCE: 2013 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION TECHNICAL REPORT, Stats SA, census 2011, World Economic Forum: The Global Competitiveness Reports: 2013–2014, Department of Education – National Senior Certiﬁcate Examination: Technical Report 2012

100% PASS RATE

Westerford High School

On average there is 1 teacher for every 16.9 learners

2013 NATIONAL SENIOR

CERTIFICATE RESULTS

ALL PUPILS WHO WROTE FINAL EXAMS 78.2% PASS

30.8% qualify for college diploma study

60.2% QUALIFY FOR TERIARY EDUCATION

30.6% qualify for university (bachelors) study

78.9% PASS RATE

Malibu Secondary High

On average there is 1 teacher for every 32.6 learners

National public school average is 1 teacher for every 30.6 learners

These schools made a complete turn-around livemag.co.za/grading

Cover Story

HOW DA

EFF

Can you hear it? The wedding bells of an election. Promises have been made and vows rehearsed. Your ‘x’ is the ring that means this is no one-night stand. But amidst all the drama and bullsh*t, who should you commit to? LIVE breaks it down. Words Robyn Frost | Photos Thabiso Molatlhwa & Masixole Feni | Design Shihaam Allie

COPE?

“I’m not voting because I think the ANC will always win, no matter how much I vote,” says Nkelele Mpanga (19), a student in Johannesburg. Others – young and old alike – simply can’t get excited about the options.

candidate “There is that represents my views;

political parties just take

care of rich people”

With an election around the corner, the political world has more drama than a daytime soapie. But in this case, what goes down (or who goes down) will ultimately affect the days of our lives.

Though the media have made a fuss about this election and the born frees, less than a quarter registered for this election. So why are so few participating?

“There is no candidate that represents my views; political parties just take care of rich people,” says Emile YX? (45), a hip hop artist, teacher and founder of the NGO Heal the Hood in Cape Town. Emile will be in the line on election day, but only to destroy his ballot. “[The youth] don’t want to hear you talk crap about what you will do if you’re elected. They want you to actually do it. They are tired of feeling like they are indebted to older people. The young people are actually paying for apartheid and they had nothing to do with it,” Emile adds. It can seem like nothing has changed over 20 years: the same old issues and same old promises. Worse yet, the rich still seem to get everything first. Families have been waiting years to get a house while the president’s Nkandla upgrades cost the country more than most of us will spend in a lifetime. It’s like your dad (or the head honcho at home) getting the first and biggest piece of KFC. Only in this case it’s much worse because the bucket cost R250 million, YOU actually bought it, and by the time you dig in, all that’s left is a bunch of bones. But your future can be brighter than a pile of bones. Voting is a way to ADD HOPE, and even possibly to change the menu.

Twenty-year-old Christopher is LOCing (Lying On Couch), game controller in hand. Brow PERCENTAGE OF VOTING AGE POPULATION WHO scrunched and eyes focused on the TV, REGISTERED vs WHO ACTUALLY VOTED he’s got a FIFA tournament later so needs to “practise”. Later he’ll chill with buddies in Braamfontein – thank you elections public holiday. Meanwhile in Delft, Thembalethu (23) wears the same expression. Except his focus comes from concern about the test he needs to study for. Even with the stress of college, he woke up early today and made his way to the ballots – the long lines are all part of the experience.

About 61% of eligible voters between 20 and 29 have registered to vote, and so may join Thembalethu on 7 May (however, just because someone is registered doesn’t mean they’ll vote; in the 2009 elections, only 77% of registered voters turned up on the day).

22 Autumn 2O14

1994 R : 98,46% V: 85,53%

1999 R: 71,53% V: 63,86%

2004

2009

R: 73,99% V: 56,77%

R: 73,18% V: 56,57%

Registered

2014 R: 80,68%

Voted

31.5%

of youth

aged 15-24

aren’t employed, educated or

trained

Who will reign in the election campaign? youtube.com/LiveMagSa

VOTING IS POWER

What do we need to change our story?

What makes the Thembalethu’s of the world believe their vote can affect their share of the political chicken? Like KFC’s R2 for charity, it’s change for change. Or to put it another way, if you’re tired of the KFC Colonel burger, why not head over to Burger King for a Whopper? Or go a whole other route to Kauai-smoothie land? Many of us don’t realise the power we hold, but without our R5 here and R10 there, eventually KFC shuts down. And for those of you who run in the other direction at the mention of the “p” word (the other one), everything boils down to politics: university admissions policies, the quality of our education, availability of housing and job creation. Don’t you want a say in these things?

President Jacob Zuma received a lot of criticism after he said South Africa has a “good story to tell” at the State of the Nation Address. While that story is far from its happy ending and JZee seems more like the frog than a prince, this is no fairytale. We need to take action by understanding the election process. First look at the leaders. You may be voting because you like someone who is able to mobilise a crowd. You know the ones that can get you excited. In South Africa, although we vote for a party and not a person (as they do in countries like the US), the leader definitely is part of our choice. Therefore, the Nkandla Saga or Malema’s corruption charges or Zille’s latest tweets can affect the ANC, EFF and DA. But the leader can change without warning. Remember Thabo Mbeki? One day he was the president and next… Poof! Just like that, and it didn’t matter what you thought. The party can decide without you.

Imagine you had no say. That’s how it was for the majority pre-1994. Today, as soon as you turn 18, you can add your voice to the political convo. The colour of your skin, the god you pray to, whether a pencil will stay in your hair or whether you believe aliens exist are irrelevant. And not to add to the same old guilt trip, but what was the point of the struggle if we don’t go to the polls and use the rights the anti-apartheid heroes made possible? If you think that the current government isn’t toeing the line, then now is the time to vote them out. Or if you think they’re the best deal in town, then now is the time to ensure they stay.“Voting is useful, but one must be clear of the goal,” cautions Zwelethu Jolobe, political science lecturer at UCT. By voting for the party that best represents your views, your views will then be represented in parliament, the place where the decisions that affect “the days of our lives” are made.

So first work out why you’re voting – this can help you decide who to vote for. Some follow tradition, historic reasons or family loyalty. You may vote for the ANC because you remember the days of the struggle or you might vote for the DA because your family does. If loyalty and the struggle don’t grab you, then figure out the issues that are important to you. For example, an important issue for us in this particular election is unemployment and the serious lack of work opportunities when we complete our studies. Young voters should check the employment-creation policies of the parties they’re interested in. Find out their position on things like the Youth Wage Subsidy. What are the different parties saying they’ll do? And what have they actually DONE? Do this for any of the main issues you care about. Check our links at the end of this article for good places to find information. In short, consider how much chicken you’ve gotten. Did it come with any sides? How long did you have to wait? How much did it cost? How was the service? And did it live up to the promise of being finger lickin’ good?

What does one vote really mean? It’s everywhere – we are bombarded with the message that we simply HAVE to vote. Every party is targeting the youth vote because we are a majority. But that majority means nothing if we don’t register to vote or pitch at the polls on the day. Every vote is important. Yours could be the difference between your party getting a seat in parliament or not. Saying you won’t vote because the outcome is a done deal isn’t good enough.Your party needs your vote even if they don’t get the grand prize.

After May 7th, the votes will be tallied, and seats in parliament allocated according to the percentage of votes received per party. Known as the “closed list proportional electoral system”, it’s considered an efficient system that is a true reflection of the votes cast. “It’s very fair and credible, one of the best in the world,” notes Jolobe.

How it works:

The IEC counts the votes and creates a document from each voting district, listing how many ballots are in each box, how many were spoilt and the number of votes per party. The list is verified with random members from each party as well as outsiders from accounting firms and banks (e.g., Deloitte and Touche), who all sign the document to validate its authenticity.

Getting your parliament chicken There are 400 pieces of chicken (each piece = a seat in parliament). Using the 2009 example when the ANC won 65.9 % of the vote, this is how it went down: Maths! Divide 65.9 by 100 = 0,659; and multiply by 400 (there are 400 seats in government) = 263.6, rounded up to 264 seats (more than half of the bucket). So your vote influences whether your “minority” party gets 2% or 16% of the seats in parliament, i.e., how many votes it will have in law-making and how much parliament chicken you’ll get.

And then… • Every party has a “party list”, i.e., the members they want in government. If your name is not on the list then you’re not invited to the party. • If the ANC submitted a list of 400 names in 2009, then the top 264 on that list represented the party in parliament. • The IEC runs credit, criminal and legal background checks on each person (MPs cannot have been convicted of a crime). • Once the MPs are sworn in, the first order of business for all the MPs is to elect a president. The president can be selected from any MP from any party, but obviously the candidate with the most MP support will win. That said, a coalition of “minority” parties could shake things up IF the minority parties have enough seats in parliament and can all agree on someone.

Time to to do the funky chicken So you’re registered. What happens now? Firsttimers, get ready for a long day. The process will go something like this:

Cover Story • Queue at the voting station (tip: bring snacks, something to read, go with a friend). Your ID will be scanned and your name ticked off the voters roll. • You’ll receive two looooong ballot papers with all the parties listed. One for Provincial (who runs the province) and one for National (who runs the country). • Make your way to a cubicle where you can secretly mark your ‘x’. Be sure to do this within the block next to your chosen party. Do not make any other marks on the paper unless you want it considered a spoilt ballot WHICH WON’T COUNT. • Fold your ballots and put them in the boxes provided. • An ink line will be drawn on your thumb to ensure you don’t vote again – wear it with pride.

The Race is on… Political parties can do things differently to bring about change, but will they? That is the real question. They are at the starting line, but we decide the outcome of this race. It’s all about which parties show the best signs of going the distance. The race has begun but is far from over. Your relationship with the party only begins at the polls. This is no one-night stand – don’t just make your mark and stick it in the box and walk away for the next five years. Democracy is a two-way street. It’s a relationship. Hold government accountable. How? Join Live’s VIP campaign or another platform to make yourself heard. Whether you’re a Christopher or a Thembalethu, the game controller is in your hands. Will you use your power or spend the day LOC? People queued for hours when Burger King opened, now it’s your turn to brave the queues for much more than the latest fast food craze. Will you? We hope so. GET INFORMED & INVOLVED: livemag.co.za/vip www.southafricavotes2014.co.za www.activateleadership.co.za Download the NEWS24 election app for political news as it happen: www.news24.com/Elections

DATA SOURCES: International IDEA Voter Turnout Database; Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), SA Reconciliation Barometer Survey: 2013 Report

24 Autumn 2O14

49.8%

of registered voters are

under the age

of 40

55.5%

would consider

41.4% believe it’s

better not to vote

than to change parties

INTERVIEW A

A quick Q and A with our cover star, comedian, Kageso Lediga. Find out who he will be voting for (or not) in the upcoming election. Words Rofhiwa Maneta & Joburg editorial team Photos Thabiso Molatlhwa

If you had to choose a comedian to be president, who would you choose?

If you could host a dinner for ﬁve, which politicians would you invite and why?

I’d never choose a comedian to be president because they’re self-serving idiots (laughs).

Well, ﬁrst I’d invite Gwede Mantashe because he seems like a funny guy. I’d invite Julius Malema and Kenny Kunene too because they’re entertaining. Who else? I think it would be good to have a woman in the mix so I’d invite Lindiwe Mazibuko. I think it would also be interesting to see her in the company of Gwede, Julius and Kenny. And… let me see. I’d invite Trevor Manuel as well – just to add a bit of an old-school feel.

“why. why did you build such a big house? Why did you bone all those girlfriends? Why, why, why!”

If you could ask one politician a particular question, what would you ask and who would you ask? I’d ask Jacob Zuma “why”. Why did you build such a big house? Why did you bone all those girlfriends? Why, why, why!

Do you think political satire (such as LNN) is an effective tool for informing people and shaping their views? Yeah, deﬁnitely. People – especially young people – don’t really interact with the news. So with shows like LNN, they have a way to interact with political news and have it presented in a way they can understand.

What will Parliament look like after the upcoming elections?

It’s going to look a bit like a circus. I mean you’ll have guys like Julius Malema there. But, I think the variety of candidates makes the whole electoral process more democratic. So I think it’ll look cool

LIVE chats to Siv Ngesi to map it out livemag.co.za/102

Cover Story

CONSTITUTION Think you’re above the law? Let’s take a look at our beloved Constitution… Words Sinazo Mkoko The Constitution is a document consisting of a preamble and 14 chapters, with 243 sections. The preamble is an introductory statement. Good citizens know it off by heart. Do you? Don’t feel bad. Just know that the most important part states: “We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to: • Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights;

• Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; • Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and • Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.” Ever listened to a radio talk-show host interviewing a politician who is quoting chapters and sections of the constitution, and you’re like, “What?” It’s a bit confusing hey? I mean try this: which chapter and section in the constitution states that YOU have a right to vote in elections for any legislative body established in terms of the constitution and to do so in secret? See what I mean? (It’s Ch2, Section 19, by the way). The Constitution is the supreme law of South Africa. It is the legal foundation for the existence of the Republic, setting out the rights and responsibilities of the country’s citizens and deﬁning the structure of government. The most signiﬁcant thing to know: no one is above it (and yes, that includes our politicians and president). This beautiful document exists for three main purposes:

26 Autumn 2O14

1To make clear the relation-

ship between the state and the citizen. Contained in the Bill of Rights are South African citizens’ most important rights, conveniently listed in one place to help protect them against infringement (or violation) by the state.

2To provide authoritative

rules for the senior organs of state. That is, the executive branch (president, cabinet and government); the legislative branch (parliament, i.e. the national assembly and the national council of provinces); and the judiciary branch (Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of appeal and the High Courts).

Given all this, I must say I was astonished when in January of this year our president urged South Africans to register to vote for the ruling party so that they could get a twothirds majority in parliament in order to make “certain changes that couldn’t be changed with a small majority”. Well, unfortunately the president didn’t explain what changes exactly, but, could this be something in their minds? I mean to make some changes in the Constitution? In any case, thanks to the Constitution we all have the right to complain about this (and anything else) as much as we like. Love it!

3 To ensure a society based

on the rule of law, where the law limits the government and protects the rights of citizens.

...unfortunately

the president

didn’t explain what changes

exactly...

That’s some great stuff there, right? I actually can’t adequately explain the importance of the Constitution. It’s something you’ve gotta read to feel. I know we’re all busy, but if you only do one thing after reading this article, please do yourself a favour and read Chapter 2 (the Bill of Rights). Meanwhile guys, know that our Constitution is revered across the world, so much so that the Honourable Ruth Bader Ginsburg (an American Supreme Court Judge) said in 2012 that if she were drafting a Constitution, she would look at our very own. Yes, OURS!

Check what’s gone down in the last 5 years livemag.co.za/102

Election posters are not the city’s way to scare away izinyoka. Believe it or not, they are there to attract voters. LIVE analyses. Words Cherri-Lee Rhode | Photos Masixole Feni

DA: “Together for jobs”

AGANG SA: “Enough is enough”

ANC: “Step up for your hustle”

I didn’t know The DA was a recruitment agency. In their manifesto, they promised to create 6 million job opportunities. The DA understands that people are in desperate need for jobs and they are playing into that vulnerability. However, this campaign looks as if it is aimed at tannies from Matrone’s retirement home. I’m getting that Matrone Vonkel Vrou vibe from Helen. We all know The DA is a multi-racial, pro-female, girl-power (yay) political party, now they can add pensioners to their target audience as well.

Agang’s logo reminds me of the Google Chrome logo. The colours and the design are almost identical. But the simplistic design and use of white space is very neat and modern. Normally when you think of election posters it’s all primary colours, so I’m pleased that Agang didn’t make use of red and yellow to make their logo “pop” like a Shoprite pamphlet. The catch phrase “Enough is Enough” isn’t very original though; I’ve seen it on too many protest posters.

This poster is aimed at the youth and that’s a good start. It even includes the words “step up” and “hustle” – two words you wouldn’t normally associate with elections. The fact that a young black guy is wearing a hoodie on this particular poster, attached with the word hustle, nogal, makes it stereotypical. I’m wondering if whoever came up with this idea is still stuck in the early 2000s when movies such as 8 mile and You’ve Got Served were trending (except that term didn’t exist yet). “Step up for your hustle” sounds more like an invitation to a 90s rap battle than a call to vote.

The DA gets points for having a cause behind the campaign, but none for creativity. If the audience is middle-aged women, then they’re spot on with this poster. Thus, as a young person, this poster doesn’t make me excited to vote DA.

Rating: 5/10

I do love the fact that Agang is creating awareness on social media – they have a Facebook page, you can follow them on Twitter, and they have a Mxit account. I know what you’re thinking, “People are still using Mxit?”! But good job, Agang. Great way to interact with your supporters. So join Mxit today and add Agang SA, they will probably be your only Mxit contact.

Rating: 4/10

Rating: 5/10 27

Feature

Heading To The Promised Land “The ANC is playing it for the vote. There’s no commitment...”

Words Rofhiwa Maneta | Design Phumlani Mtabe | Photos Ashleigh Swartz

This February, government passed a new bill that urges farmers to use land productively or risk losing it. What sort of implications will this have for land reform in South Africa? LIVE investigates. Apartheid f**ked black people over. A little over a century ago, the white nationalist government signed the Natives Land Act of 1913 into law, giving themselves the right to control black people’s ability to purchase land. The land allocated to blacks – later called the “homelands” under apartheid – amounted to a meagre 13% of the country. Besides the emotional baggage that comes with being removed from the place of your birth, the economic consequences of having what is arguably the most valuable thing a person can own stolen can’t be overstated. Justice dictates that some kind of land reform occur in SA. But what is our country’s policy and how is it working?

28 Autumn 2O14

To put it bluntly, land reform in South Africa has been a total train smash. When the ANC was voted into power in ’94, they promised to redistribute 30% of agricultural land to black South Africans by 2014. As it stands, only 7% of that land has been redistributed. There’s also the small problem that 50% of the land government has bought for restitution still hasn’t been transferred to the intended beneﬁciaries. The government’s been scrambling to get things ﬁxed and this February, it passed the Restitution of Land Claims Amendment Bill. Extending the deadlines for land claims to 2019, the bill also contains a controversial “use-it-or-lose-it” clause, which means those who claim land must prove they can use that land productively.

So how will what I like to call the “farm-it-or-f**koff” policy affect land reform? First off, it has dire implications for small-scale farmers, but will leave commercial farmers unscathed.Take Gift Mafuleka as an example. Often mentioned as one of the government’s biggest land reform successes, Mafuleka (32) established the successful farming company, “Mphiwe Siyalima”, after the government leased agricultural land for him. His primary business is maize produc-

tion and he employs 27 people – 12 of whom are full-time. Add that to the fact that in 2011 he won the Toyota New Harvest of the Year Award and you’ve got the makings of a very successful man. “I’ve always wanted to be a farmer,” says Mafuleka, with a timidity that betrays his achievements. “I used to be a crop manager for McCain, then I found out they were selling a particular farm. I approached the government, who bought the land and leased it to me,” adds Mafuleka, who holds a B.Tech Degree in Crop Production from Tshwane University of Technology. As admirable as Gift’s achievements are, I can’t help but wonder what sort of class agenda the government has on land reform. The Restitution Bill is ideal for guys like Gift – educated and equipped with sufﬁcient means of production. For example, he actually studied farming, plus he has additional funding from a mining company called SamQuarz. It’s hard to imagine how the “use-it-or-lose-it” policy will affect him. But what about rural South Africans who have a desire to work the land, and nothing else? Generations of land dispossession has left them landless and void of practical agricultural Voting is power: youtube.com/livemagsa

SOURCES:

2012/2013 Annual Report, Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, Dept of Rural Development and Land Reform: Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform 2013 Budget Speech: Land Reform And White Ownership Of Agricultural Land In South Africa, The Journal of the Helen Suzman Foundation Issue 70 October 2013.

PROGRESS ON LAND REFORM Blue area represents total area of South Africa: 122 million hectares

Government land

Land suitable for crops

14%

12%

Former homelands 13% Land transferred (land redistribution) 3.4% Equivalent land area of monetary compensation (land redistribution) 1.6% Estimated private agricultural land sales from whites to blacks since 1994. 1.6% Land transferred (land restitution) 1.2% Land transfers in progress (land restitution) 1.2%

knowledge. They don’t have the “business plans” and the “strategic partners” the Bill demands. Where does that leave them? “The notion that small-scale farmers can’t own land is despicable,” begins Professor Ben Cousins, a professor at the University of Western Cape and founder of the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies. “It’s funny because that was the justiﬁcation used for the Natives Land Act in 1913. Government has opted for a ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ policy, but production was never the problem,” he says, underlining the fact that most redistributed farms don’t produce because the government doesn’t provide adequate support. “They’re providing the wrong remedy for the problem,” Cousins adds.

So how will what I like to call the “farm-it-or-f**koff” policy affect land reform? He has a point. Land reform experts have cited government’s lack of support for farmers they have redistributed land to as a huge problem. In 2010, Minister of Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti famously stated that “more than 90% of redistributed land is no longer productive”. The government should be focusing on providing resources and training to make sure redistributed land is used properly. Instead, as part of the

Restitution Bill, the government has given itself the additional task of allowing people to make new land claims until 2019. What about rather supporting the existing claims ﬁrst? “How is the government going to deliver? There’s been lots of rhetoric, but the delivery’s been pathetic. The ANC is playing it for the vote. There’s no commitment,” Cousins states. It’s the government’s responsibility to redistribute land in a timely manner; but they also must ensure they keep the agricultural sector intact, properly supporting the people they bring into the Land Reform programme while doing so. So what is the way forward? “Farming is a skill of expertise, so farms must be given to the right people. There must also be more focus on commercial farming instead of small-scale farming,” declares successful commercial farmer Mafuleka. Professor Cousins disagrees. “There’s been very weak political leadership on the issue of land.The government must increase the budget for land reform. They also need to get better ministers. There’s besen very weak political leadership on land reform,” he concludes. There’s no doubt that land reform is a vital part of addressing the economic inequalities that apartheid created. But consider the irony in the fact that the Bill intended to make restitution for the Natives Land Act is also marginalising poor blacks in new ways. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The diagram above represents the area of land that has been redistributed compared to the total land area of South Africa.

SINCE 1995

77 334

CLAIMS HAVE BEEN SETTLED.

Of these claims

92%

money

of people chose to receive

instead of land. To date just over

R6.5 billion has been paid out to claimants.

There are

3 346

outstanding claims from the 1998 cut-off date. The government is reopening the claims process for further claims.

Fashion

Celebrate your freedom to dance the night away!

Dolly drop stitch raglan @Cotton On R399 Grey skirt @Cotton On R199 Black boots @Cotton On R399 Kenya exposed seam pullover @Cotton On R399 Mc dress @Cloak & Dagger R300 Tassel edge scarf @Cotton On R119 Surface to air heels @Cotton On R299

30 Autumn 2O14

90s acid daisy polka denim shirt @Cotton On R299 Silverspoon red skirt @Sitting Pretty R450 Miu Miu shoes @Afraid of Mice R1 950 Necklace leaf ant gold @Zuri R240 Wrap red bracelet @Zuri R180 Open ring double gold @Zuri R130 Solid Bracelet @Zuri R200

Fashion Regulars | Live Challenge

Alyssa polka spot crop top @Cotton On R179 Shorts @Cloak & Dagger R300 Open bead white necklace @Zuri R150 Miu Miu shoes @Afraid of Mice R1 950

Destiny strappy woven dress @Cotton On R249 Camila sandals @ER Collection R2 450 Jinger Jack belt @Sitting Pretty R250

Velvet crop top @Cloak & Dagger R180 Coated ankle zip jeans @Cotton On R499 Black and gold Leticia stiletto @ER Collection R2 500 Necklace thong state black @Zuri R250 Solid bracelet @Zuri R200

32 Autumn 2O14

Stylist Mateboho Sithole | Assistant Stylist Andrea Chothia | Photos Lisa Gabriel Photo assistants Ashleigh Swartz, Masixole Feni | Design Stacey Okkers | Makeup Phumza Sonto

Regulars | Live Challenge

Mc dress @Cloak & Dagger R300 Surface to air heels @Afraid of Mice R1 950

Dolly drop stitch raglan @Cotton On R399 Coated ankle zip jeans @Cotton On R499 Black and gold heel @ER Collection R2 500 Bracelet @Zuri R180 90s acid daisy polka denim shirt @Cotton On R299 Silverspoon red skirt @Sitting Pretty R450 Miu Miu shoes @Afraid of Mice R1 950 Necklace leaf ant gold @Zuri R240 Solid Bracelet @Zuri R200

00 Spring 2O13

Models: (left to right) Emilie Outlaws Model Agency Kharine Outlaws Model Agency Anke Faith Model Management Behind the scenes youtube.com/livemagsa

Feature

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Contraception is a lot like your political vote. It’s your choice and responsibility. LIVE gives you a party of options, so you can make an informed decision.

Words Lethabo Afrika Bogatsu | Illustration & Design Stacey Okkers

Contraception or birth control is as old as Adam and Eve and that forbidden fruit. But most people remain uninformed. Contraceptives aren’t one size fits all. To find the one to suit your needs, personality and wallet, LIVE gives you the 411 on staying safe and baby-free. There are numerous birth control options, and the government recently introduced another – free in all public clinics! “It gives women freedom to control their own lives,” said Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. Finally an example of political action we can support! Plus a useful reminder to all you sexually active individuals, who think politics has nothing to do with you, that reproductive rights – your right to choose what happens to your body – are politically determined. And speaking of rights, we’d like to remind all our readers that it takes two to tango. “The time of men pulling up their pants and walking away is long gone,” notes Dr Zoe, a recent graduate from Wits Medical School who works at clinics in disadvantaged areas around Joburg. Male apathy towards birth control just fuels the high rate of unintended pregnancies and the baby-mama/daddy dramas of our times. So fellas, step up and read on.

1.The“Natural”Old-School Way:

We can’t really call these “contraception”, but they’ve been used since the beginning of procreation.

Coitus interruptus: The guy pulls out before coming or ejaculating. Neither a wise nor effective method with a 22% failure rate. Why? Lack of control in the heat of the moment. It also requires a high level of trust.

Rating: 2/10

Abstinence/Celibacy: Sometimes it’s best to just keep that zipper closed. Abstinence is the only 100% effective form of birth control. No side effects (besides frustration), saves you from unwanted pregnancy and STDs, and gives you time to reflect on other things (goals/aspirations, school, work, love) without the distraction of sex (or a wailing baby). ‘Cause ain’t nobody got time for that right now.

Rating: 9/10

Oral Contraceptive (aka, The Pill)

There are a few types, but they’re all pretty simple to use. Pop a pill every day, either morning or night. But the pill requires very strict usage. Good if you’re the girl who’s always on time, but not so great for the girl who wakes up after hitting the snooze button seven times and forgets to brush her teeth (no judgment). Used correctly, the pill works well, with a 9% failure rate. It also can help with acne, period cramps and even depression for some. But not all.

Rating: 6/10

34 Autumn 2O14

2.Hormonal Contraceptives Likely the most trusted method, hormones are released into the system, stopping the ovaries from dropping an egg each month, and thickening the cervical mucus so sperm struggle to pass through. Most hormonal contraceptives share similar side-effects, including irregular bleeding/spotting between periods, breast tenderness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. They can also mess with your emotions, make you fat and kill your sex drive (great contraception!). If you’re a smoker or suffer from obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, the risks increase, so think twice and consult the doc.

The Implant

The method recently introduced to our public health system, the transdermal implant is a small hormone-releasing “matchstick” implanted below the skin of your arm. Good for three years, it can be removed anytime. Effectiveness? An impressive failure rate of only 0.05% in countries where it’s been monitored. Though it’s still early days, we give the health department a round of applause.

Rating: N/A as we haven’t used it yet

Injectable Contraception (aka, The Injection/Shot)

The shot is like the pill, but instead of being swallowed it’s injected every one to three months. Popular because of convenience and a failure rate of only 6%, it has the same sideeffects as other hormone-based methods, and the added pitfall of regular pricks.

Rating: 8/10

3.Barriers (aka, Stopping The Sperm)

Condoms

With 2.5 billion condoms manufactured in SA yearly, this is the most popular option. Why? Protection (babies and STDs). Affordability (free to R85.00 for a pack of three). Availability (at your local clinic, nearest supermarket, spaza shop, petrol station and almost every public toilet on campus!). Unfortunately they only work in the moment you’re actually having sex, so if you don’t have one around, bad luck. Said to numb the “skin on skin” sensation, it’s a small price to pay for your safety. Female condoms allow women freedom from relying on the guy to be responsible, but are tricky to insert and make a weird squeaky sound. Failure rates: 18% for male condoms and 21% for female condoms.

Rating: male condom 7/10 female condom 5/10

Diaphragm

A shallow, dome-shaped silicone cup with a flexible rim inserted into the vagina to block sperm from travelling up the uterus. Used with spermicide, its failure rate is 12%. It can be uncomfortable, but is economical (lasts up to two years).

In the heat of the moment things happen: He forgets to pull out, the condom breaks, or worse…

Rating: 7/10

IUD

If you’re not keen on the gynae, this maybe isn’t for you. The IUD is a T-shaped plastic or copper device inserted into the vagina through the cervix like a tampon. Dr Zoe champions the IUD as the best form of contraception created. The IUD has a 0.2-0.8% failure rate and lasts for up to 12 years. However, it can cause abdominal pains during sex, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches or fatigue, and unusual vaginal discharge/bleeding.

Rating: 8/10

Cervical Caps (FemCap) and Birth Control Sponge

A silicone cap or sponge inserted into the vagina along with spermicide before sexual intercourse, blocking and killing the sperm. Failure rate? About 9% for the cap and 12-24% for the sponge. They can be carried in your pocket or purse and inserted six hours ahead, so you can focus on The Act rather than fumbling with tricky insertion. The cap is reusable (after a rinse and dry), and neither affect your moods. The downside? They can cause irritation during and after sex, or worse, pop out of place in the middle if he’s a bit of a mandingo or you like it rough and flexy. Not recommended for women who have recently had an abortion, miscarriage or childbirth.

Rating: 7/10

4.When All Else Fails… Here at LIVE we’re realistic. In the heat of the moment things happen: He “forgets” to pull out, the condom breaks, or worse, you wake up with a hangover and can’t remember if you used anything at all. There are still some options.

The Morning After Pill

This “emergency contraception” can prevent pregnancy up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. But the sooner you take it the better – chances of pregnancy increase by 85% after 72 hours. The tablets can be purchased at a pharmacy, but you’ll have to explain yourself. Side-effects include headaches, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a change to your menstrual cycle. We DO NOT recommend going around having unprotected sex relying on this “method”. Also note: the morning-after pill does not protect you from HIV or other STDs. Don’t make a habit of it.

Feature

THE

REAL FIRST LADIES

Leaders are required to affect change. Are ﬁrst ladies in SA leaders, and should citizens expect more from them than just spending our tax money?

Words Aluwani Ratshiungo | Photos Thabiso Molatlhwa & Lisa Gabriel | Design Shihaam Allie

first lady: noun: 1) The wife or hostess of the chief executive of a country or other head of state. 2) The leading woman in a particular activity or profession. Merriam Webster Dictionary First ladies in many countries are figures of interest and power, using their “influence” for the advancement of personal political agendas. South Africa has four first ladies, but we as citizens barely acknowledge them and it’s questionable what they actually do. Is this reflective of the place of women in our country? Regardless of what we make of our first ladies, there are women at a grassroots level doing amazing things for our country. Take Simamkele Dlakavu, a 22-year-old from a small town in the Eastern Cape who founded Sakha Ulutsha Lwethu, a project that increases opportunities for youth in rural EC to further their studies after high school. “I believe in active citizenship, therefore it is my role to try to uplift communities, as it is for any citizen of this country,” says Simamkele proudly. Neliswa Fente agrees that regardless of who we are, we all have a role to play. “If the government has a plan, that’s awesome. I don’t think it’s their responsibility to take care of young people. If we see ourselves as leaders of today, then we can do anything we want,” she says. A 28-year-old Jozi girl, born in Tembisa and raised in Alex, Neliswa founded an organisation called SpringAGE with her friend, Raelene Rorke. SpringAGE works with companies that want to take SA forward, helping them to connect with young people. For example, if SAB wants to know how to curb underage drinking, SpringAGE will call out youth from different areas to brainstorm ideas. There’s a common misconception that one needs to be an Oprah to make a difference. But active citizenship is as simple as coming up with an idea, finding a venue, making posters and spreading the word. This is exactly how Tracy Engelbrecht started Young Mom Support, which helps teens who find themselves in the difficult situation of falling pregnant. “I was lucky to have good family support, as a pregnant teen. Many are not so fortunate. I was tired of hearing stories of girls kicked out of school and home; of babies dumped by desperate mothers with nowhere

36 Autumn 2O14

to turn to and of people casually denigrating teen parents as irresponsible failures,” says the 35-year-old single mom of two on why she started Young Mom Support. The organisation supports pregnant and parenting teens and advocates for better treatment of young parents and to end the stigma against them in the wider community. Phindile Dhlamini is another inspiring woman taking charge of finding solutions. Feeling like her corporate work wasn’t helping people’s lives, this 30-year-old proud Sowetan established Gracefully Consulting (GC), a solutionfinding organisation that works with social challenges common to communities in SA. Their programmes include helping students with bursaries and career choices; conducting “emotional wellness workshops” for women in difficult environments; collecting sanitary pads for underprivileged young girls; and providing platform for emerging artists to share their talents. All of these young women are proof that you don’t need to wait for government or be involved in politics to make a difference. But what about our first ladies? What do these women make of their role? “If a first lady wishes to become politically and/or socially involved then of course she must do that. It should not be required of her to do so, just because she is married to the president,”says Tracy. Neliswa says we should consider the role of women in our society, and the fact that our first ladies are from a different generation. “No one is involving them in the conversation; they are seen, not heard,” she adds. Simamkele offers another perspective: “I wouldn’t want to be a first lady. I would want to be president! If I was, I would champion the structural challenges faced by women, especially black women, because in empowering them you are empowering the whole society.” These four young women may not be married to the president, but in my opinion, they are SA’s real first ladies.

Phindile Dhlamini

Tracy Engelbrecht

“I wouldn’t want to be a ﬁrst lady. I would want to be president!”

Simamkele Dlakavu

Neliswa Fente

Just over

16out of

volunteers every 25 are

WOMEN

ARE YOU

WOMAN ENOUGH ? Words: Nasifa Sulaiman

Who remembers the dubious yellow dress Thandile Sunduza (Arts and Culture portfolio chairman) wore to this year’s State of the Nation Address? The image, carved into our collective consciousness, made for (some admittedly humorous) entertainment, but is this really what we want to waste our time on? Why are we still letting female politicians’ dresses and hairstyles overshadow their politics and policies? LIVE takes this opportunity to examine and celebrate women’s inroads and achievements in politics.

“Why are we still letting female politicians’ dresses and hairstyles overshadow their politics and policies?” • Women hold 13 out of 34 seats in SA’s Parliament (or 44%); South Africa is ranked 8th globally for female representation in Parliament. • Representation of women in our national assembly has increased to 45%. • 5 out of 9 provinces are led by women. • 44% female labour force participation. Although these stats seem like cause for optimism, can we be hopeful of a female president any time soon? According to Professor of Political Science at the University of Stellenbosch, Amanda Gouws, the ruling party is not ready for a female president, and neither are the people voting the ruling party into power. Why? We’re still living in a patriarchal society. Let’s consider the unfortunately conceived “Ministry for Women, Children and People with Disabilities” created under President Zuma. What I can’t wrap my head around is the fact that women are clumped together with children and people with disabilities. No offence to either of those categories, but what message does this send? Anyway, last year Minister for this questionable Ministry, Lulu Xingwana, stated that South Africa has given women countless opportunities to make sure they strive in any ﬁeld of choice. But with South Africa ranked 90th in the Gender Equality Index, I beg to differ. This, like many of South Africa’s other problems, is just brushed under the carpet by the government.

Meanwhile, around the continent, other African women (and men) show us what equality actually means. • Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, elected President of Liberia in 2006 • Joyce Banda, elected as President of Malawi in 2012 • Monique Oshan Bellepeau, elected as President of Mauritius in 2012 • Joyce Mujuru, appointed as Vice President of Zimbabwe since 2004 • Catherine Samba-Panza, appointed as interim president for Central African Republic in 2014, tasked with ending months of bloodshed and guiding the war-torn nation to a national election. • Cisse Mariam Kaidama Sidibe, appointed Prime Minister of Mali in 2011. • Phumzile Mlambo Nguka, South Africa’s first female deputy president (appointed in 2005) appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of women in 2013. For centuries women were confined to small spaces (aka, home) busting their bones, fulfilling household duties. Well that has changed, and these statistics are testament to that. What I tell myself?: “Be who you want to be, if you want to be the next Jacob Zuma (not really, just the President part), then by all means, do whatever you can to make that happen.”

21%

79%

21%

SA businesses surveyed

for 2013

have no women

at all in senior positions

On the bright side...

32% of SA

organisations indicated

intentions to hire more women

60% of

businesses said they would support a quota

SOURCES: The 2013 Grant Thornton International Business Report on women in business, Stats SA: Gender Statistics in South Africa 2011, Stats SA Volunteer Activities Survey 2010, COMMISSION FOR EMPLOYMENT EQUITY 2012 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

system

Feature

Homeboy Phenomenon We’re a 20-year-old democratic country, why on earth are we still talking about tribalism? Words Sinazo Mkoko | Reporting Thabiso Molatlhwa | Photos Lisa Gabriel | Design Stacey Okkers “I don’t like Xhosa people because they’re gold diggers and very selfish,” says 23-yearold Lindani Mkhize* from KZN. Well, we can’t lie and say we’ve never heard this kind of stereotyping before. We’ve written, talked and preached about racism in Mzansi, but how can we defeat racism if we can’t even be a onelove nation when it comes to tribalism?

presidential candidate Mamphele Ramphela also mentioned it in her Heritage Day address last year, and UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said the ANC is now a KZN party. So this tendency of favouring your homeboys is not a new thing. But post-1994, shouldn’t we all be homies? What is this unity in diversity all about if we’re still on this page?

Tribalism is a state of being organised in tribes. For example, if you’re Tswana in South Africa, Northwest is your homeland and that’s where most of “your people” are; if you’re Zulu, KwaZulu-Natal is your homeland (duh!), and everyone from there is your homeboy and you look out for them. Tribal allegiances aren’t only experienced by ordinary people like you and me, but can also be observed in high profile people like our leaders. Yup, politicians take the “homeboy phenomenon” quite seriously.

From the politics of power, to the powers of attraction, tribalism rears its head in our personal lives as well. Now based in Cape Town, Xhosa-speaking Nikiwe Ndlovu (25) met her “prince-charming” while studying in the Mother City. Her now-fiancé Thabang is Pedispeaking from Limpopo. To cut the long story short, the couple now has a three-year-old baby boy. “By dating him, I got exposed to his culture, which is totally different to mine,” chuckles Nikiwe, eyes sparkling as she recalls the experience. She goes on to say that she has learned a lot from him and his culture, and she is proud to say she can understand Pedi. Nikiwe has visited her fiancé’s home a couple of times, and Thabang has – WAIT! For this one – paid the lobola already (maybe at this point in time THAT is what we should be talking about, not tribalism!). The family welcomed her with open arms even though she spoke a different language. “Sometimes I could understand

Former president Thabo Mbeki would back me on this one. NOT because he’s Xhosa like me, but because it’s something he’s familiar with. While delivering a lecture at UNISA earlier this year, Mbeki raised concerns about this trend, noting the existence of a “homeboy phenomenon” in the ruling party for the past 102 years. “When a minister comes from a certain region, so will the officials in that department,” Mbeki noted. One-hundred and two years, you ask? According to Mbeki the ruling party has been trying to bury this fiend since it formed in 1912. And he is not the only person who has raised such concerns. Former *clears throat* DA-AGANG

what they were saying but couldn’t respond in Pedi, so to make things easier for me, we spoke English,” she explains. However, Nikiwe admits that the journey has not been easy. She says that even though the family accepted her, the community saw things differently. While in a taxi going to town with her brother-in-law, she received a call from her mother and spoke her mother-tongue with her. “Everyone in the taxi turned to look at me, and after the call one guy made a remark about how Xhosas are gold diggers. He even went further to say that Xhosas would never pass even a 10c on the road to pick it up,” she says, looking wretched.

From the politics of power, to the powers of attraction, tribalism rears its head

Mzansi why? Why are we doing this to ourselves? Why can’t we all just be homies? Where do we draw the line? How do we draw it? Why are we turning a blind eye, pretending this is neither happening nor affecting us? I’m a social networks addict and I won’t lie: it irks the heck out of me to see people dissing each other’s tribes online. Look, I’m not saying we must love each other (seemingly that’s too huge a task), but come on now! Can’t we just try? What would we have to lose? *Name changed to protect identity

Would you date someone from another tribe? livemag.co.za/tribalism

38 Autumn 2O14

LifeStyle|Sports

Words Zizo Ntuku | Design Phumlani Mtabe | Photos Masixole Feni

Earlier this year SAFA president Danny Jordan announced the possibility of changing our national soccer team’s name. Zizo Ntuku asks: what’s in a name? In 2011 the South African Football Association (SAFA) paid Stanton Woodrush R5 million for all rights to use the name “Bafana Bafana” – an Nguni expression meaning “the boys”. Although the national soccer team had used the name since 1992 when South Africa was readmitted to international football, Stanton Woodrush registered it as his own in 1993. Earlier this year, after Bafana Bafana lost 3-1 in the 2014 African Nations Championship against Nigeria, SAFA announced that it was seriously considering a name change for “the boys”. This came after Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula lashed out, calling them a “bunch of losers”. A comment that maybe could fly in the locker room (sometimes tough love is what we all need), it never should have been uttered on national television. We can’t deny that Bafana Bafana is losing a lot and failing to qualify for anything, but the minister throwing insults all day long is not going to improve how the team plays. With SAFA, Mbalula must try new avenues to fix the problem. Meanwhile, the name-change is not a new proposal. In 2007, former President Thabo Mbeki argued (unsuccessfully) that the name was inappropriate for a national team and the hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, lacking the appropriate respect or symbolism. Mbeki’s proposal was supported by Bafana Bafana coach, Jomo Sono, while others had mixed feelings. In any case, it didn’t happen, as SAFA had to investigate the cost and risks. A name change means rebranding, which costs a lot of money that could rather be used to develop and produce better players. So why do it now? A name identifies you; it is what differentiates each one of us and is a confirmation of our existence. It does not however determine your future, how people see you or how you perform in life. The same applies to a team name. However, the mess around Bafana Bafana’s name seems a clear indication that people have lost faith in our national soccer team. Between 1996 and 1998 the boys performed impressively, hosting and winning the Africa Cup of Nations and becoming a force to be reckoned with on

the African continent. Their downfall began after the 1998 World Cup, when Clive Barker was ﬁred after Bafana Bafana ﬁnished bottom of Group B. Jomo Sono was appointed in a caretaker role in 1998, was called back in 2002, and again in 2003 to coach Bafana Bafana. After 2002 SAFA started switching and changing coaches at even greater pace, and the national team has had 23 coaches since 1992, including current coach Gordon Igesund. With a lack of coaching consistency and proof over the years that changing coaches isn’t working, this behaviour is a clear indication that SAFA is not dealing with the problem of Bafana Bafana’s poor performance at its roots.

“If PSL would go to the townships and rural areas scouting talent, I’m sure they would get talented players who are hungry for success and will wear the national coloUrs with pride” Soccer coach from Worcester, Western Cape, Chris Schneider (48) says. “In the 90s we had good players, people who took pride in our country and held our ﬂag high, but the soccer players we have now are only in sports for money, not for the love of the game. If Premier Soccer League (PSL) would go to the townships and rural areas scouting talent, I’m sure they would get talented players who are hungry for success and will wear the national colours with pride – not what is happening at the moment.” A national team represents the nation as a whole. National players are not only showing off their skills, but (should be) playing for love of their country. Bafana Bafana players should wear our national colours with pride and conﬁdence, making citizens proudly rally behind them. But this doesn’t seem to be the case. “Bafana Bafana is a disappointment to the nation,” says Northlink College marketing student, Tshepo Mohloali (23). He reckons that the changing of coaches also affects the team’s performance. “A coach should be given enough time to prove himself.”

Not everyone agrees that the coaching is the problem though. “The problem does not lie with the coach, it is our players’ lack of skills or pride in our country. I think we should develop the national team at an entry level, and stop putting the same people on the national squad,” says University of Cape Town student, Mpho Tlou (23). He refers to the need to invest in young people in sport at an early level. If we groomed and shaped promising young athletes from townships and rural areas, imagine the kinds of players they would turn out to be. Perhaps the question of wearing the national colours with pride and passion would disappear. Blessed with beautiful landscapes, the most liberal constitution in the world and a diverse culture, we South Africans should be proud of our country and what we have. Do we really lack the generosity and spirit to support our national team when they need us? We must deal with our problems and engage with our communities at large to revive the image of our national soccer team, and in the process, ﬁnd our way back to being a nation whose strength and courage through hard times can shock the world.

BAFANA BAFANA? Join the conversation. Tweet your thoughts @livemagSA #BafanaBafana

Advertorial | Brought to you by British Council Connect ZA

Interested in the world of design? Don’t hustle hard, hustle smart! If you’ve ever considered a career as a designer, now is the time! With Cape Town as the 2014 World Design Capital, the industry is hotter than ever. LIVE has compiled the 411 on how to design your own ladder to success. Read on!

Words Shani Rhoda, Sabelo Mkhabela, Nasifa Sulaiman | Design Phumlani Mtabe | Photos Masixole Feni

Daniel Charny – Founder of Fixperts With an interest in the processes that lie behind good design, Charny founded Fixperts: a social project that turns creative skills into social change by illustrating how everyday problems can be solved in a few simple steps. Have an idea for how to keep those pigeons away from your window by building a garden birdhouse? Record your process and upload to Fixperts’ open-knowledge platform so others can check your techniques. That simple. danielcharny.com, ﬁxperts.org/ (also on Facebook) vimeo.com/user16345187

Jana Scholze – Curator of Contemporary Furniture and Product Design Entering the world of design through the back door, Scholze got her start by trolling museum exhibitions and coming up with ways to improve them. Today she is the curator at the world’s largest decorative arts and design museums – The Victoria and Albert Museum in London – where she curates (or manages the process of creating) exhibitions.

DESIGN IS...

CAN DESIGN CHANGE THE WORLD?

“A process, not a product. Is it an example of something or is it a principle? That’s where design comes in – it’s both.” [DC] “Observing something then reﬂecting on it and thinking of ways to improve [it].” [JS] “The bringing together of arts practice, colour, philosophy, poetry and social engagement. It is the act of selling something or communicating something, not just an abstract idea.” [TB]

4O Summer 2O14

www.vam.ac.uk/b/vam-author/jana-scholze

“The point is not to change the world through design, but to become a part of it.” [DC] “It depends what you think of it. For example, the iPhone has created a dramatic, unimaginable contribution to design, which affects the community and stimulates thought.” [JS] “As a fundamental practice it can’t change the world, [but] innovation of thinking can, and design can help with that.” [TB]

Tegan Bristow – A MAZE Indie Games and Digital Arts Festival & Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Art Graduating from Rhodes University with a painting degree, Bristow studied multimedia and computer-generated arts at UNISA, then acquired a Masters in Interactive Arts at the Wits School of Arts. This media artist and researcher at Joburg’s 2013 A Maze Festival (for the past seven years) has also taught postgraduate interactive digital media at Wits. Twitter: @teganBristow davidkrutprojects.com/artists/tegan-bristow

ADVICE TO ASPIRING DESIGNERS “The role of design is to create conversation, so you need to think in other peoples’ shoes.” [DC] “Design is a huge industry – ﬁnd your niche. Agency is important but you need to take responsibility and write your own brief for what you need to do.” [JS] “Learn how to do some basic programming – design, animations, games and interactive applications all need programming.” [TB]

Ideas in your head trying to escape? Escort them to some of the best tertiary-ed institutions, where they can start their descent into the real world of design. JOBURG University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Game Design (Undergrad and Honours), 3D Animation & Interactive Media (Postgrad) www.wits.ac.za – Visit the School of Arts/ Digital Arts University of Johannesburg (UJ): Diplomas and degrees in architecture; Visual Art; and Design (Interior, Fashion, Graphic, Industrial and Jewellery) www.uj.ac.za – Visit the Faculty of Art/Design and Architecture (FADA)

THE YOUNG CREATIVE ENTREPENEURS (YCE) AWARDS: The YCE Awards cultivate unique, innovative and creative entrepreneurs who are bringing change to their respective cultural industries. From digital publishing to live music to broadcast, the awards are here to give props to the top of the crop from around the world. YCE winners are not just brilliant creatives, but also are entrepreneurs displaying business acumen. The best candidates have marketing and branding strategy skills, and can position their business in the who’s who of the industry network. YOUNG CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR: FASHION/ DESIGN AWARD 2014 OPEN TO SA!

THE END OF THE RAINBOW?

Fashionistas and designers take note! This year’s YCE Award for Fashion/Design is open to South Africans. If you’re a local creative entrepreneur (aged 18-35) specialising in fashion and/or design with a business that stands out from the pack, keep reading: This is an opportunity for South African designers running their own businesses in fashion or design. You must be managing your own production line, with a product out on the market. Use interesting and diverse material for your products. Use different or innovative business models for developing products. Collaborate with other entrepreneurs, and create products that engage with social and cultural issues.

Can design save the world? Creative Hustles @ youtube.com/livemagsa

00 Spring

Tour London's fashion and design sector in September 2014 (dates TBC), during London Fashion and London Design Week! Receive exclusive access and insight to the dynamic UK industry. Network with industry insiders, gaining a wide range of business contacts to help with future endeavors. APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BETWEEN 2 and 30 JUNE 2014! For more info on this and two other exciting YCE awards – culture and broadcast – that are still open for application, see: www.connectza.tumblr.com Facebook : www.facebook.com/ZAConnect Twitter: @Connect_ZA

connectza.tumblr.com facebook.com/ZAConnect twitter.com/Connect_ZA

Cape Town The Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA) in Woodstock: BA Degree in Communication Design, Interaction Design, or Audiovisual Studies www.ctca.co.za National Vega: School of Brand Leadership (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town): Various short courses, diplomas, certiﬁcates & degrees www.vegaschool.com

CONNECT ZA

The BC’s Connect ZA programme focuses on connecting and nurturing young creative talent from the UK and SA through various platforms for creative entrepreneurs to grow and showcase their ideas. The Creative Hustles series is one of these. Aimed at advising young creatives in different ﬁelds, the Hustles are networking events with industry professionals, taking place every other month in Cape Town and Joburg. Check livemag.co.za for more info. CHECK LIVE’S HUSTLE HANDBOOK ONLINE AT: livemag.co.za/creativehustles for creative career advice and information about our free events where young people can engage with established creative industry professionals and arts practitioners.

LifeStyle | Live Sounds

I Can Live Without My Radio

Words Sabelo Mkhabela | Photos Lisa Gabriel | Design Stacey Okkers

42 Autum 2O14

You know you're tuned into commercial radio when booty-shaking pop and hip hop comes out of your speakers. But is that all there is to contemporary music? My mother and elder siblings do not consider the music I listen to as music. Apart from the fact that, to them, rapping is “talking and saying you are singing”, they find it devoid of substance. The incessant cussing and shameless sexualisation that typifies youth music (hip hop, R&B, house, kwaito etc.), doesn’t make it easier to defend my musical taste. What my elders (and insufferable music purists) fail to understand is that even in this music, there is substance. No, really. There is. It might be obscure, but in the underground scene, music with substance is alive and kicking. You may have to search harder these days to find it, but one of the upsides of our times is our friend the internet. “There are a lot of musicians who make music that reflects what's going on in society but, without wishing to sound like a conspiracy theorist, overtly political music [Immortal Technique, Zubz, Goddesa, come to mind] does not go down well with commercial radio programmers,” says Pioneer Unit record label owner, Damian “Dplanet” Stephens. Radio and TV play it safe by using tried and tested formulae – they go with what sells. The nature of their business doesn’t allow them to give favours to alternative indie artists and risk losing listenership and thus clients. “Radio makes its money from advertising. Advertisers don't want their messages to be associated with anything controversial or challenging,” explains Dplanet. He continues, “It's not a coincidence that a lot of music you hear on the radio reflects a hardcore consumerist agenda.” So my family (and the average citizen) are victims of TV and radio marketing agendas. As a result, the likes of Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, JR and Jack Parow with their sex-fraught and hedonistic content are the staple of everyday

radio. “I have nothing against musicians who make party music, we need that in society,” comments Dplanet. I agree, there’s nothing wrong with light-hearted music (I go gaga over some Drake and AKA), but what about music that reﬂects other moods? “It would be nice if there was more balance and radio played a wider variety of music, but I can't see that happening any time soon. It's silly to blame the artists though. It's the nature of the industry that is to blame for that lack of musical diversity,” explains Dplanet. So how does a conscious musician break through? They have to get their music directly to their fans themselves. The internet has made that a less bafﬂing effort. Tumi, Zubz, Driemanskap, Ill Skillz, Thandiswa Mazwai, Lebo Mashile, etc. have managed to thrive and tour overseas without any essential support from mainstream media. “We can now maximise the online platform to reach a market directly and create such a buzz that radio will literally chase you for the material,” Joburg-based, Kimberley-born conscious rapper, ProVerb says. Not having to conform to mainstream media’s formats has granted musicians more freedom to be experimental with their art. But that model remains more theoretical than practical in South Africa, largely because of exorbitant bandwidth rates. This in turn means the older generation (like my mother and siblings) don’t get to hear contemporary music with substance, hence their judgements are based purely on what radio is playing. In short, radio ain’t phat!

you hear on the radio – may be diluted to fit radio and TV formats (often through the use of digital synthesisers and 808s). And there are artists – Kendrick Lamar and Reason come to mind – who have struck a balance between radio-friendliness and lyrical potency, which according to Reason is no small feat and requires true musical talent. “Making good music is a conscious rapper’s best tool. This, though, often requires an artist to navigate from just being a rapper to being a musician,” Reason explains. And finally, let’s not overlook the reality that conscious music can be sonically boring too. Dignified lyrics don’t excuse sloppy or boring instrumentation. Bad music is bad music. The big question I have is why did radio once play the likes of Tupac, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube and Miriam Makeba? “It's hard to say whether people's taste has been manipulated, or whether it's just progressed naturally. The industry is certainly more skewed towards party music these days, but party music was always there. We also have to look at South Africa specifically. I have heard many times that people have ‘struggle fatigue’ – they don't want to hear about the harsh realities of life anymore – they just want to enjoy their freedom and party,” Dplanet says.

“It's not a coincidence that a lot of music you hear on the radio reﬂects a hardcore consumerist agenda"

My point is that contemporary music is not all bad. Lyrical and conscious music still exists across all contemporary genres – hip hop, kwaito, pop, etc. Some of it – especially what

Check out more conscious contemporary musicians livemag.co.za/radio

Maybe after 20 years of democracy we are celebrating our freedom through the music we choose to listen to and make. After all, music is made by people and reﬂects their thoughts, feelings, desires and ambitions. Not excluding myself, but today’s society is hedonistic – we just want to turn up and escape our harsh realities. Maybe that’s why even the conscious music that gets played has to take the “happy” route sonically.

LifeStyle | Live Jabs

PREDICTIONS

FOR POLITICAL

ANIMALS

After an entire magazine full of political blah blah blah, it’s finally time to unwind. Wanting to predict who will be upgrading from a bakkie to a merc? LIVE’s astrological-combos just might help. Words Andrea Chothia | Design & Illustration Shihaam Allie

ANC: Founded 8 January 1912 Chinese Zodiac Pig, Western Horoscope Capricorn You are ﬁnding it crucial to come up with new and innovative ideas in the workplace to push your expiry date out. Your high status could be seen as hard work or simply luck. Either way, care should be taken, as new parties are on the trot. Pig, you are strong and courageous, so do not feel threatened. Goat, change is never easy for you, so if it’s evolution you’re after, we suggest you start at home (those, um, reading skills). And don’t take your health for granted, after all you’re not as young as you once were.

DA: Founded 24 January 2000 Chinese Zodiac Dragon, Western Horoscope Cancer All eyes are on you, and you’re feeling intense pressure at the moment. However, the dragon’s intelligence, confidence and natural leadership qualities will demolish any strain, and in no time you’ll step into your fire-breathing water warrior self. A recent partnership you thought was a prosperous alliance may have complicated matters, turning your fire into steam; but you still have cards to play. Resist straying off your path in Cancerian crab-like fashion.

The workplace is fast becoming a place of competition, and you are eager to be recognised and taken seriously. Take advantage as all eyes will be watching (that includes God’s, which, no doubt, you already know). Sagittarians are known for their love of truth, so stay true to who you are, as this quality is rare in your ﬁeld. The rooster is known for its top drawer organisation skills: use these talents to get ahead of the opposition. However, keep your cockadoodles to a minimum: no one trusts a cocky archer.

ACDP: Founded 9 Dec 1993 Chinese Zodiac Rooster, Western Horoscope Sagittarius

44 Autumn 2O14

FFP: Founded 1 March 1994 Chinese Zodiac Dog, Western Horoscope Pisces Dear dog, you tend to get paranoid and worried, however try to stay as collected as possible in the upcoming autumn months. Being a Pisces, you are highly adaptable but please don’t adapt to that paranoia. Stop focussing all your energy on counting votes that are not adding up. Don’t sweat the small stuff as your distinctive doggy paddle and gills will keep you jolly in the hot water. Your open-mindedness and intelligence can bring about new ideas that will lead to action.

COPE: Founded 16 December 2008 Chinese Zodiac Rat, Western Horoscope Sagittarius New activities and goals will keep you crazy busy in the upcoming months, but hardworking and focussed rat has the skills to “cope”. However, beware of over-ambition and biting off more cheese than you can chew, rat. Your combo – rat and Sagittarius – is quite paradoxical, as the archer can be quite laid back, ordering cocktails while the rat is gnawing through rope. Use your differences to your advantage, though, and avoid shooting yourself with that arrow.

EFF: Founded 17 August 2013; Chinese Zodiac Snake, Western Horoscope Leo The combination of the snake and the lion is interesting. Both are ferocious, with Leo’s brawn and quick wit contrasting with snake’s creativity. Together yours can be an untouchable alliance. Your signs are also quite opposite though, so proceed with caution: that kind of power can be dangerous if harvested with bad intentions. Beware that your lion’s tail does not become the snake that bit you. As your popularity grows, so does your schedule; ﬁnd time to eat and pray. Leo, your sense of fashion and showmanship is becoming a big priority. Be careful of being all mane and no brain.

Known for your sensitive and laidback nature, rabbit also possess remarkable artistic qualities. But dear rabbit, be careful that your attention span doesn’t result in you being compared to a goldﬁsh! Stick to your projects and never leave them halfway: this will prove that you deserve your position of authority. Your sun in Aries creates an interesting paradox, as the ram is naturally feisty, cheeky and intensely smart. Be shrewd, ram, and use that x-factor only you have to attract the mass appeal you seek.

IFP: Founded 21 March 1975; Chinese Zodiac Rabbit, Western Horoscope Aries

Normally cool and calm, you’ve been lashing out lately, ox. Is it perhaps your Libran idealism or just the stress of the time? The positive is that ox is realistic and logical, therefore when you do explode, you’ll soon make amends where needed. Your Libran creativity will take over this month whether you want it to or not. Welcome it in, because you’re going to need it. Avoid inner conﬂict by ﬁnding your Libran balance.

UDM: Founded 22 September 1997 Chinese Zodiac Ox, Western Horoscope Libra

Voting is power: youtube.com/LiveMagSa

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Books & Movies

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES The revolution will NOT be televised… it’ll probably be hidden between the pages of a book or maybe up on the big screen. LIVE’s picks for revolutionary books and films. Words | (BOOKS)Colleen Balchin, Lethabo Bogatsu, Rofhiwa Maneta (MOVIES) Kabelo Seshibe | Design Phumlani Mtabe| Photos sourced Set in late 1960s Nigeria, Half of a Yellow Sun tells the intertwining stories of Ugwu, a young village boy who works for radical university professor, Odengibo, and his refined lover Olanna. As civil war erupts between Biafra and Nigeria, these three lives are thrown together in a whirlwind of pain, disappointment, promise and hope. They’re forced to make sacrifices and choices in order to achieve the dream of an independent Biafra. Adichie’s writing about the political, ethnic and class dynamics of Nigeria is both powerful and beautiful.[LB] Ways of Staying finds Bloom fighting to reconcile his love for South Africa against his deep resentment against the country’s rampant crime. Inspired by the hijacking and death of his cousin, Bloom examines whether to continue living in post-apartheid South Africa as a white person. He brings the book to life by narrating the account of former Wits lecturer Alan Paterson – who emigrated to the UK after his daughter’s rape – and his former editor Branko Brkic, who immigrated to South Africa from Yugoslavia, founding the successful online newspaper Daily Maverick. Insightful, heartbreaking and poignant, the book is a great examination of white identity in post-apartheid South Africa.[RM] At the end of a career of dystopian fiction, renowned author Aldous Huxley penned this utopian novel just a year before his death. Seemingly inspired by a spiritual awakening Huxley experienced after ingesting the hallucinogen mescaline (documented in his famed 1954 essay “The Doors of Perception”), the fictional island community of Pala lives in a rapture set apart from the mechanisation that antagonises Huxley’s earlier work. Exploring the possibility of a truly free nation, the novel begins to loosen the cords of oppression that modern society knots around the mind. Between topless women and psychedelic trips, the real question that Huxley forces is how our traumatised psychologies impact our societies, and what our leaders could be doing to intervene.[CB]

HALF OF A YELLOW SUN Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Alfred A. Knopf 448 pp 2006 RATING:

WAYS OF STAYING Kevin Bloom Pan MacMillan 240 pp 2010 RATING:

THE ISLAND

Aldous Huxley Harper Perennial Modern Classic 384 pp 1962 RATING:

Based on the books by journalist Donald Woods, this film explores the conditions that led to the banning of the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM) through following a reflective time in Steve Biko’s life and politics. Urging Africans to decolonise and emancipate their minds through acts of self-actualisation, self-assurance and self-worth, the movement was a turning point for many black South Africans. The film tells the story of Biko as a hero of a distraught nation faced with violence, death and inequality. Reflecting South Africa’s history through the eyes of a visionary, this good film will help many find their revolution state of mind.[KS] A compelling biopic about rogue South African photojournalists Kevin Carter, Ken Oosterbroek, Greg Marinovich and Joao Silva, this film reflects on the terror that tore a nation apart, and the psychological trauma suffered by the photographers who documented it. Fondly known as “the Bang Bang Club”, this group of radical photographers played a key role in telling the stories of the horrific factional wars playing out as South Africa was on the verge of liberation. The film also shows how progressive media played a significant role in informing the world of our plight by showcasing the political challenges of our country’s turmoil. A definite must-see.[KS] In 1976, over 750 schoolchildren were killed, over 10 000 were arrested and many more were tortured and assaulted in protests against the oppression of being forced to use Afrikaans as the medium of instruction at school. Through the story of its young title heroine, Sarafina the story is told of these fallen youth. Exploring her aspirations of freeing herself into a life beyond Soweto and reflecting the terror she and her peers faced while in school under the apartheid regime, this film’s reflection of the revolution sparked by the young people of the time is inspirational. This film resonates strongly and I loved it.[KS]

CRY FREEDOM (1987) 13 LVP, 154 min RATING:

THE BANG BANG CLUB (2010) 16 LV, 129 min RATING:

SARAFINA (1992) 13 LVP, 97 min RATING:

See the trailers: livemag.co.za/moviemoves

47 Autumn 2O14