Mi ed’s note
I
IS CRUNCH TIME! s funny how the creature called ‘student’ is. The things students do and what they go through are sometimes hilarious and unbelievable. For instance most of us procrastinate a lot especially when we have an assignment due. We tend to distract ourselves from doing our work by doing irrelevant things like watching TV, playing computer games or even going out just so we can avoid the elephant in the room called our books. It is almost like it is against the law to finish an assignment early! Every student has been through the ‘night before’ saga where we type our essays literally the night before they are due. The next day we feel the same old feeling of regret and fatigue and vow never to repeat it again. Yet we never learn. A few weeks later is the same old story. Computer labs become full towards the end of the term as people would be typing the night away to meet the deadline. The art of time management is crucial to master especially at this time of the year due to exams. Learn to think ahead and plan your time carefully because the last thing you will need is to find that you have wasted precious time that you cannot recover because you were doing things that could have waited until after the exams. The next time you feel Mr Procrastination approaching when you have to study, read our exam tips article on page 3 on how other students prepare for exams. You should also draw inspiration from our cover band The Muffinz and read all about their journey to stardom on page 13 while listening to their latest album. If these two tips I gave you above do not work, then do them in reverse order or use the oldest trick in the book and just STUDY! Good luck and see you in the exam room! Mabogoshi Matlala,
EDITOR: Mabogoshi Matlala COORDINATOR & SALES MANAGER Marole Mathabatha DESIGN & LAYOUT: Skhumbuzo Mtshali
HR MANAGER Sphelele Siyabulela Mdala
MARKETING Brian Mahlangu Nowell Duze FINANCIAL MANAGER Phote Monyamane CONTIBUTORS: Inga Nani Mashudu Modau Lungelo Shezi Nhlanzeko Ntuli TO ADVERTISE marole@micampusmag.co.za 072 248 4434
SUBSCRIPTION: SEND YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS OR CELL NUMBER TO distribution@micampusmag.co.za ‘Like’ FACEBOOK Micampus magazine ‘Follow’ @micampus
MXIT micampusmagazine
‘Add’
1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-16 P.13
MiOpportunities Exam Season kicks in The do’s and the don’ts in the job application process. Mi Expression Wall Student recipes SOUTH AFRICA’S AGENTS OF CHANGE Cover Story - The Muffinz
P.3
P.7
Mi Opportunities
Securing a job or scholarship is a difficult task for some students and those wanting to study as opportunities and the availability of these are few and far between, whether looking for those offered locally or in other cities and provinces. Opportunities are only as limited as what your eye sees. These days many young people are packing their bags and heading across the shores to other countries and continents in pursuit of various scholarships and learnerships and many of these come with great packages. As we enter the last quarter of the year the season for applications to various overseas scholarships has begun and if you’re perhaps considering a few months or years in a foreign land here’s a few you could look at and how you can go about applying. 1). www.internationalscholarships.com is an online financial aid database for students from any origin. They have scoured all corners of the globe to locate awards that are designed to assist students who wish to study in another country so no matter who you are, they all have an award. Features for students include: • Free student membership • Browse and filter awards with ease • New, extended resource section • View awards in simple or extended model • Contact administrators through the site Sign up as a member and begin that search for funding.
receive a tax-free annual grant that is normally sufficient to cover the living expenses of a single student living in Oxford. The grant for living expenses in 2011-12 is GBP £13,590. Scholars on a part-time course receive a prorata amount of the full-time grant for living expenses. Part-time Master’s scholars are offered 1/3 of the full-time grant per year for two years. Part-time DPhil scholars are offered 1/6 of the full- time grant per year for six years. Selection Criteria: Selection criteria vary slightly depending on the subject area and whether applicants apply for a taught or research degree, but include: An excellent academic record is essential: A high first class honours degree or its 2). Clarendon Scholarships at University of equivalent (a GPA score of at least 3.7 if the Oxford Last updated: 18 Sep 2012 Brief descrip- mark is out of 4, noting that most successful tion: The Clarendon Fund is the University of candidates achieve a score higher than 3.7) or Oxford’s flagship scholarship scheme. The an outstanding academic record at Master’s awards are sponsored by Oxford University level is necessary (noting that an outstanding Press and are only available at the University of Master’s degree can compensate for a moderOxford for all full-time and part-time graduate ate first degree performance). Other indicators degrees. Host Institution(s): University of Oxford of high academic achievement may include in United Kingdom individual marks on student transcripts; evi dence of previous university prizes or awards; FIELDS OF STUDY: Any field of study offered at information on your overall position within University of Oxford. Number of Awards: Apyour cohort; and publications (if applicable). proximately 100 scholarships are offered every Aptitude for the proposed course of study: This year. In 2012-13, there were over 300 Clarendon may be assessed by reviewing academic referscholars at Oxford from 50 different nations. Tar- ences, the research proposal, demonstrated get group: All candidates including international evidence of aptitude for research, and the likestudents accepted to start a graduate course at lihood the scholar will contribute significantly Oxford in 2012/2013. Scholarship value/incluto their field of study. sions: All Clarendon Scholarships cover tuition and college fees in full and a generous grant for Student motivation: This is assessed through living expenses. Scholars on a full-time course evidence of the applicant’s commitment to their proposed course, evaluated by the per-
1
sonal statement and referees’ reports. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: By applying for graduate study at Oxford University, you will automatically be considered for a Clarendon Scholarship. You do not need to submit any additional documents specifically for the Clarendon Scholarships and there is no separate scholarship application form. The closing date for Graduate Admissions for 2013/2014 is 18 January 2013 (or 4 January for Medical Sciences, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations). The information that you provide with your application form for graduate study at Oxford will be used to assess your funding application. Once the application deadline has passed, you are not able to provide any additional supporting materials (unless the department you are applying to has specifically requested this in support of your application for admission to Oxford). It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Website: Official Scholarship Website: http:// www.admin. ox.ac.uk/studentfunding/ scholarship_profiles/clarendon 3).Eric Bleumink Scholarships for developing countries (Netherlands): The Eric Bleumink Fund Scholarships are usually awarded for a maximum of two years for a Master’s Degree programme and a maximum of four years for a PhD. For PhD part of the research should be conducted in the home country and part in Groningen (Netherlands) Host institution: University of Groningen Netherlands Field of study: Any masters or PhD offered at the university scholarship value/inclusions: The grant covers the tuition fees plus the costs of international travel, subsistence, books, and health insurance. It covers expenses incurred in travelling to and from the Netherlands for PhD candidates for a maximum of 4 times. Eligibility: In all cases candidates who are employed and supported by an institute or university in a developing country that has signed a co-operation agreement with the University of Groningen and who receive an income from that institution will be given preferential treatment. Candidates should: be
nationals of and have their permanent residence in one of the country’s listed, have a good command of the English language, be in good health so health insurance in the Netherlands can be arranged, be available for the whole period of the fellowship and be able to take part in the entire study programme, have no other means of financing the study in question. Further criteria for approval are: (a) academic excellence, shown by academic performance and may be confirmed by letters of recommendation from university professors; (b) contribution of candidate’s education in terms of strengthening the scientific capacity in the candidate’s home country; (c) perspectives to a long-term linkage between the home institution and the University of Groningen. Extra criteria for PhD candidates are: applicant should be employed by a research institute of university in one of the listed countries and receive an income from the home institution, application should be supported by this organization, the University of Groningen must be able to provide an academic supervisor who will be responsible for the scientific supervision of the research .Application instructions: New application rounds for the Academic Year 2013-2014 will start in October 2012. Application deadline for the scholarships is around February 2013. Applicants need to meet the deadline of the respective Master’s or PhD programmes which fall between 1 February-1 June annually. Application forms for Master’s programmes can be found on the websites or Admission Offices of the respective faculty or Graduate School. It is important to read the rules & regulations [PDF] and visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Website: Official Scholarship Website: http:// www.rug.nl/prospectiveStudents/ scholarships/ericBleumink
2
Mi Academia
ing to how nervous I am whether I’m at home, library, day or night I am able to study. I mostly prefer a quiet time at home especially at night. L: What study method do you use? F: Writing out notes repeatedly and reading them back to myself again hoping that it sticks. L: How do you relax during your study time? F: I relax by doing breathing exercises to calm myself, drink water and I eat a healthy meal in order for my brain not to feel tired and overloaded.
FORTUNATE RAMOTSOENYANE: ortunate is a 22 year old 3rd year student studying video and television production at Boston Media House and has her mind set on conquering it all. Her dream is to be a producer and producing the next top film in South Africa. In her spare time she likes DJing and watching cartoons LUNGELO: When are your exams coming up and have you started studying for them? Fortunate: I start writing in November and I always start studying a week in advance and then go over my study material a day before the actual exam. L: What study routine do you have? Do you study better at night or day and at home or the library? F: My study routine is complicated. It goes accord-
F
3
SINENTOKOZO KHANYILE Sinentokozo is an 18 year old student at Damelin College in Boksburg studying Travel and Tourism. She takes her studies very seriously and doesn’t let anything get in the way of it. She shares how she is preparing for the upcoming exams. Lungelo: Have you started preparing for your upcoming exams? Sinentokozo: My exams have already started
and I have definitely started preparing myself so that I get good marks L: What are your biggest concerns during this time? S: My biggest concern is not seeming to get everything you studied in your head and writing the next day. You think it’s the end of the world and you don’t get enough sleep, the most stressful thing is not knowing what questions will be asked in the exam. L: Do you have a certain way of studying and do you organise everything beforehand e.g. drawing up a timetable? S: I prepared a timetable so I know I study from half past seven in the evening to midnight or nine in the morning to three in the afternoon and I make sure I don’t sleep without going through my textbooks. L: What’s the best study tip you use when studying? S: I would say the tip that works for me is that I don’t study too much without taking breaks in between and I don’t go over my notes on the day that I write which helps keep my head clear. Having a hard time getting ready for those final exams? Here are a few tips that may help you through the process right up to the time you write your exam. 1. GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO STUDY. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Despite what people say, cramming all the information into your brain the night before isn’t the best way to approach an exam. Set out a timetable for your study. Write down how many exams you have and the days on which you have to sit them. Then organise your studying accordingly. You may want to give some exams more study time than others, so find a balance that you feel comfortable with. 2. . ORGANISE YOUR STUDY SPACE. Make sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes out. Have you got enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Are your computer games out of sight? Try and get rid of all distractions and then arrange your books into piles. Put your English books in one pile, your physics books in another so when it’s time to study for that exam, you’ve got everything you need in front of you. It also eliminates any possible excuses! 3. . DESIGN A FLOW CHART. This is a bit like brainstorming, but instead of coming up with new ideas, you’re writing down everything you already know about a topic. Put it in an easy to follow diagram with key points that you can easily replicate in an exam. That way, when the exam starts, you can spend five minutes preparing for your answer and thenexpand on your ideas.
4. PRACTICE ON OLD EXAM PAPERS. It’s always good to find out what kind of questions are going to be in the exam and the best way is to look through old exam papers. That will give you an idea of the layout of an exam,the number of short answers and long answers there will be and the amount of time you should be giving each section. 5. EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWERS TO OTHERS. Parents and little brothers and sisters don’t have to be annoying around exam time. Use them to your advantage. Explain an answer to a question to them. That will help you to get it clear in your head. If you find it difficult to explain, perhaps you need to do a bit more studying. But at least you won’t turn up to the exam and realise you don’t know the answer to a question! 6. ORGANISE STUDY GROUPS WITH YOUR FRIENDS. You may have questions that they have the answers to and vice versa.You’re social life doesn’t have to be nonexistent during study times. Grab a pizza and your textbooks and get studying with your mates. 7. TAKE A BREAK. Don’t force yourself to sit studying for 24 hours a day. If you’re training for a marathon you don’t try and run 24 hours a day. Develop a study routine that works for you. If you study better in the morning, then start early before taking a break at lunchtime. Do something mindless in the afternoon and then start studying again in the evening if you know you’re more productive at night. Don’t feel guilty that you’re out enjoying the sunshine instead of hunched over your textbooks. Vitamin D is important for the brain! 8. SNACK ON BRAIN FOOD. Keep away from junk food and opt for a bowl of nuts instead. They’re much better for the waistline and for the brain. You need to fuel your body while you study so make sure you eat nutritious food that has been proven to help your brain focus such as fish, nuts, yoghurt and blueberries. 9. PACK YOUR PENCIL CASE. Make sure your pens work and your pencils are sharpened. Nothing is worse for your nerves then having your pen run out of ink at the start of an exam. If you’re sitting for a maths or science exam, make sure you have all the necessary equipment you’ll need as well like rulers, compasses and calculators, 10. STOCK UP ON SWEETS AND WATER. Keeping your sugar levels up is just as important during an exam as it is during a football match. You need to stay alert and hydrate your body. If you start to feel yourself fade halfway through your exam, just pop a sweet into your mouth.
4
Mi Future
S
By: Inga Nani
outh Africa’s labour market has undergone a transformation since 1994, with an emphasis being placed on strategies that eliminate the labour inequalities of the past and improve general working conditions for all South Africans. Moreover, the current South African labour market is characterised by an oversupply of unskilled workers and a shortage of skilled ones primary because the high population growth constantly exceeds the growth in employment demands. This is further compounded by the consistent loss of jobs in the formal sector, as the country’s economy moves away from labour-intensive to capital-intensive operations. As a result, the questions most students want answered are: how does one secure a decent employment opportunity both in the private and public sector? What are the contemporary standards and attributes of the perfect candidate? Accordingly, to attempt a diagnosis of the plausible answers to these overwhelming questions perhaps we should investigate the do ’s and the don’ts in a job application process. We will go through the scope and content of a cover letter, what to include or exclude in a curriculum vitae and how to prepare for that ever daunting interview. According to the Career Update handbook of the University of the Western Cape, the country’s unemployment rate stands at about 40%, a significant increase from 36, 4% in February 2009. The increase in unemployment is ascribed to a decrease in the number of workers in the subsis-
5
tence and small-scale agricultural sectors, as well as fewer people working in the informal sector. Employment in the formal sector (including commercial agriculture) has, however, remained stable. Further, economists believe that South Africa’s economy needs to grow by at least 5% – 6% a year to absorb job seekers. Economic growth will stimulate investment and make it worthwhile for companies to employ people. Meaning, a mere degree, diploma and or even a plain matric certificate is no longer sufficient to guarantee and secure the applicant recruitment in that company or government agency from which they seek employment. Therefore, an impressive and succinct cover letter becomes imperative. According to Nazrana Parker, the co-ordinator of the Career Development Program at the University of the Western Cape, a cover letter is a vital part of the applicant’s personal marketing literature, which merits attention and consideration. It introduces the applicant together with his/her CV, and is the applicant’s first chance to make a good impression. Moreover; the applicant should aim to make it to entice the reader to take those few extra minutes to consider him/her against other applicants. An interview winning cover letter can differentiate the applicant’s CV as such the applicant must make sure that it stands out. The following are some of the pointers to aid the prospective employee in drafting a winning cover letter namely: research the organisation to learn about their business; study the job
profile; draw on your CV for key points; expand on your expertise that match the vacancy; include examples that demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm and quantified results; make clear what you have to offer that would benefit the company; include just sufficient information to encourage recruiters to want to learn more; stay away from platitudes (like hardworking, etc); and your cover letter should not exceed one page. After having compiled the cover letter and adhered to the aforementioned abets, then you can begin with your CV. A curriculum vitae (CV), provides an overview of a person’s experience and other qualifications. In some countries, a CV is typically the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants, often followed by an interview, when seeking employment. According to the Legal Education and Development (L.E.A.D) a job application handbook from the Law Society of South Africa, contrary to public perception a curriculum vitae is “not some kind of magic spell”. Moreover, the handbook emphasis that “there is one semi-tragic irony about the CV and it revolves around the fact that it throws most serious job-seekers into panic attacks”. Most students here at the University of the Western Cape agree that they fret and vex about the perfect way to present it. However, research reveals that “the average employer spends around 20 seconds looking at a CV, significantly on an unsolicited effort and sometimes as little as no time at all”. Meaning, there is a misunderstanding of what to include or omit in a CV. As such, to resolve this misconception once and for all a standard CV should include: Personal details, these must be as straightforward and relevant as possible; Education, the education part list is a list in reverse chronological order (i.e. starting with the qualification first) of all academic institutions you have attended and any qualifications acquired there. Further, if your actual grades were not all you hoped for, then you might consider listing just the subjects that you studied and the certificates you got, as opposed to
detailing any substandard grades. Employment history, if you are in your early twenties and applying for your first job, do not be overly concerned. Nazrana Parker agrees that “employment history is perhaps one of the trickiest parts and can be the source of much anguish for job applicants and perhaps even more for those with no employment history.” However, prospective employers “do not expect you to have an all-singing-and-dancing career history”. But it is worth including casual and part-time jobs in the CV. It demonstrates that “even as a student you were reliable and organised, or trusted with money etc”. As such, the applicant may also include his/her volunteering and part-time work. The concluding aspect of the document concerns referees- the inspiring and influential comments that a former landlord or pastor forwards about the applicant that have the potential to ensure the applicant the job of their dreams. However, if the applicant is just starting out in the workplace, it is perfectly acceptable to use a friendly lecturer, but should not omit to include anyone who employed him/her on a part-time basis likewise for both voluntary work and other extra-curricular activities. In parting, I conclude that after the applicant has adhered to the aforementioned abets of the do’s and don’ts in a job application process, an interview becomes an inevitable and tangible prospect to the applicant. As such, after submitting the above documents the applicant should focus his/ her mental energy to the next phase of this process- the interview. In this stage, the applicant should focus on arriving at the venue on time, get settled in, have some refreshments if they are on offer. These help the applicant to get relaxed and familiarise him/herself with the staff and also an opportunity inquire what they company expects from the job interviewing process.
6
Mi Wall
O
ur Mipoetry poet featured this month is Noluthando Nelisiwe Buthelezi a.k.a Thando ‘That Poet’. Thando as she is affectionately known is a 21 year old student at Boston Media House who hails from Protea Glen, Soweto and has been writing since 2004.
I am on my path No not a human being on a spiritual journey But a spiritual being on a human journey My youthful flesh is a mere container to an ancient soul that has lived since the dawn of creation I have travelled, karma to karma seeking what I had Discovering what I’ve known And becoming what I’ve been. Living does not even begin to define the essence of my being And in this life time, once again I dive into the sea of humanity Only too sink in deeper into my longing to belong Where am I? I ask this image reflected before me in a broken mirror of uncertainty Something about this place seems familiar Certainly I’m headed to where I came from I’ve been here before, I’ve been here I’m on my path, my quest Should you find me roaming the streets reciting a lyrical piece, fingers snapping feet tapping As I tap in, to a trance of song Stroking your eardrums with my heart’s percussion Tongue dripping the ink I use to paint words when telling colourful stories of old In a song I sing for glory, whilst dancing the dance of freedom, chanting, clapping Then suddenly I erect to a stationary motion, fall on conscious sleep, attempt to transcend to remote realms of thought Lay silent in cushions of seclusion Till I become one with creation
7
LUNGELO: WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN POETRY? Thando: The first time I entered into a poetry session, I was amazed at how attentive poets can be and how listening and being listened to can bring such to a writer. So I guess that’s what attracted me to poetry. L: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING POETRY? A: I have been writing since 2004 but only started taking my work seriously in 2009 L: IS POETRY AN EMOTIONAL RELEASE, A CREATIVE PLATFORM OR BOTH FOR YOU? T: It’s a bit of both but mainly an emotional release, an expression of my innermost feelings. L: DO YOU EVER GO THROUGH WRITER’S BLOCK? T: I had a year of writer’s block last year actually, 2011 just wasn’t my year (laughs) L: WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION? T: I’m inspired by other poets and musicians, the artists I meet and share the stage with but also I know that I owe my voice to India Arie the musician who has literally raised me. L: Who have you worked with lately and where do you usually perform? T: Recently I have shared the stage with poetry greats such as Mpho Kosi , Lee, Lakai Saadiq, SoProfound to name but a few. I perform at poetry and hip hop sessions. I get gigs every now and then and do local events, awareness campaigns and so on. L: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT POETS? T: the biggest misconception I know is that poets smoke weed to get inspired (laughs) which is only half true. L: WOULD YOU CONSIDER COLLABORATING WITH AN ARTIST TO TURN YOUR POETRY INTO SONGS? T: I have done so actually on several projects. Most of my poems have the influence of theatre and I experiment with music most of the time anyway.
8
Mi Food
There is no life more hectic, than that of a student. With all its demands, one must eat quick yet healthy food. This month we zoom into recipes that will go easy on your pocket, while keeping you fresh and healthy, enough for you to keep up with both the demands of being a student, and those of being a fun loving young person. Contrary to popular, there actually is good taste in healthy meals. Try these, you might contest
DIY KOTTA BURGER Prepare: 30 minutes SIY Kotta Burger Cook: 20 minutes Serves: 8 Ingredients For the burger 1kg lamb mince 2 onions, coarsely grated 1 garlic bulb, broken into 2 cloves and finely chopped/grated 6tbsp gatam masala Bunch of coriander, chopped (optional) 1tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve To serve 8 pitta breads 4 tomatoes, halved and sliced Half a red cabbage, shredded 1 red onion, sliced (optional) Small pot plain yoghurt
Method 1. Tip the mince into a large bowl (use a clean washing up bowl, if you don’t have anything enough) with all other burger ingredients and a good pinch of salt. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands into the mix, and squelch everything together through your fingers until completely mixed into 16 small burgers. These may now be frozen for up to 1 month or chilled up to a day ahead. 2. To cook, heat grill to the highest setting and lay the burgers in a single layer on a baking tray (you may need to do this in batches, depending on how big your tray is). Grill on the highest shelf for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked thorough. Pile burgers onto a platter and serve with all accompaniments, so everyone can construct their sandwich.
9
CHEESY BROCCOLL PASTA BAKE Prepare; 10 minutes Cook: 20 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients 280g penne 280g broccoli, cut into florets 25g butter 25g plain flour 300ml milk 1tbsp wholegrain mustard 140g mature cheddar, grated
Cheese Broccoli Pasta
Method 1. Cook the pasta, adding broccoli for the final 4-5 minutes and cooking until tender. Drain well, then heat grill. 2. Heat the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 min, then gradually add the milk, stirring well between each addition. Bring to the boil, stirring, then simmer for 2 mins before stirring in the mustard, half the cheese and seasoning. 3. Mix the pasta and broccoll into the sauce and spoon an ovenproof dish. Scatter over the remaining cheese and place under a hot grill for 3-4 mins until golden and bubbling TRY: Swiss-style macaroni cauliflower cheese Simply swap the penne for macaroni, the broccoli for cauliflower and the cheddar for Gruyere and cook as before.
10
N
atalie De Toit, Oscar Pistorius, Fikile Mlomo and Zahara are some of the people that one can call South Africa’s agents of change. Agents of change being people who refuse to be defined by anomalies, who instead choose to be trendsetters, bridge crossers and an inspiration to those that follow and surround them. Not so long ago we were celebrating the victory of Natalie Du Toit and Oscar Pistorius at the 2012 World Paralympics held in London. It was in these championship games that Oscar broke the world record and earned himself a gold medal for completing the 400 metres race on the recorded time of 46.68 seconds. in addition to this medal, he collected another gold medal and three silver medals. Natalie also raised the South African flag higher as she came home with three gold medals, and one silver. It is amazingly inspiring to know that these champions are actually physically challenged. Their championship status is defined beyond their sporting talents, but emphatically by their aggressive spirits. They are our heroes for redefining themselves as the “able” regardless of their physical state. Natalie, as many may know lost her leg in
11
a bike accident, in 2001, right when she was at the verge of a promising swimming career. This however did not stop or curb her from her swimming pursuits. She did not let this discourage nor intimidate her, particularly in achieving her goals. Oscar, with both legs amputated at 11 months has also managed to create himself an impressive sprint running career. Much credit is due to his family for raising and training their son to have a positive approach to life, regardless of the situation he had found himself in. He has proven to be a dreamer, who looked beyond his disability and removed every limitation that stood between him and his goals. These two champions have shown us that, the barriers are not in various disabilities, but in refusing to embrace mental freedom. Embracing the freedom to course change, by rearranging your attitude and approach towards life. Often times we hear of young people who are forced by unfavourable conditions, in their homes to assume the role of being adults, at a very tender age. I am talking about teenagers who have to come home, from school to plough their neighbours’ gardens, so as to make money to feed themselves and their siblings. People who on top of this have to do house chores and make sure that everyone’ homework is ready for the next day. These are young South Africans, who from a young age, are forced to live without both their parents, often because of death. We may not be able to locate them, one by one, but they are there, they are strong and they are inspiring agents of change. They take up a heavy load of what life throws at them, and heap it up to
success. In unpleasant situations, they thrive to make something of their lives, not just for themselves, but for their loved ones too. They are selfless. Fikile Mlomo, KZN’s gospel child and Zahara, Eastern Cape’s new song bird, are amongst the people who grew up under unfortunate conditions, but pulled though. These ladies are now SA’s blooming flowers. They are not just known for the music they produce, but they have shown millions of other South Africans living in unfavourable conditions, that their background does not have to be an ultimate definition of their future. They have shown that with a strong, positive fighting spirit, one can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Both these ladies were raised in unfortunate families. Fikile lost her mother at a very young age, and was raised by her grandmother. Zahara was raised in a loving, yet not so wealthy family. None of what they went through stopped them from believing in themselves, abilities and talents. They are now their families’ and SA’s pride and joy. We need more agents of change like these. People who will go beyond changing their own lives, but live to be an inspiration to others, that follow and surround them.
an agent of change, if and when they make up their mind to be one. Agents of change are forgivers. They may have been abandoned or even abused by their parents, but live a life free of bitterness. They go through the painful process of facing hurtful situations, with the desire to forgive all that needs forgiving, in attempt to move on. These are people who have been left by their fathers or mothers. They have been abused, in all forms possible. Mothers who with love raise children they conceived through rape. Fathers who would do anything for their families. Children who remain respectful toward their parents, even after confusing divorce processes. Such people make history, such people are all over our country and we need more of them. Agents of change live above anomalies. They don’t wait to be defined, they define themselves.
Agents of change are scattered all over South Africa, some are famous, some not. Either way they are equally important. Generally, a lot of South Africa’s adults who experience apartheid first hand deserve to be named agents of change as they maturely rose above the apartheid brutality. Their response to the introduction of democracy is what has laid up such privileges, opportunities and peace for generations that continue to follow. Had they responded differently or perhaps negatively we wouldn’t be where we are today. Agents of change are selfless, driven, mature, strong and are an inspiration. Agents of change are dreamers without limitations. Anyone can be
12
Mi Justice
HOW DID THE BAND COME TOGETHER? imz: Simz, Atomza and Mthae met at the UJ choir. Skabz and Simz knew each other from church. Then Keke and Atomza met at another band, we all linked up and performed for the
S 13
first time in February 2011. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BIG BREAK? Simz: Nelson Mandela Day 2011 when we performed with IHash’elihlophe. It was one of the greatest performances
of our lives. HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THE UNIQUELY AFRICAN BUT MODERN SOUND YOU HAVE? Simz: There was not a prescriptive process to what our sound should be. We just recognized each other’s talents and made sure that those elements came across in the music. It wasn’t easy, it took us a whole year to develop our sound and know it, but we are happy with it. HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO KEEP THE SOUND OF YOUR MUSIC LIVE JUST AS BRILLIANT AS WHEN IS RECORDED? Karabo: I think we did it the other way around, we started live and then went on to recording. IN THE PAST MONTH ALONE YOU HAVE BEEN ON VARIOUS TV AND RADIO STATIONS, WITH ALL THE ATTENTION YOU ARE GETTING WHAT KEEPS YOU GROUNDED?
Karabo: gravity, lol. I guess it’s about remembering what it took to get you to where you are, it took a level head. It will probably take a level head to keep us rising higher and higher and higher. MANY STUDENTS FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE IN THEIR TALENTS IN THE ARTS AND INSTEAD SACRIFICE PASSION FOR PAPER AND STAY IN SCHOOL TO STUDY WHAT THEY DON’T LOVE- WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT DO YOU HAVE FOR SUCH STUDENTS? Sfiso: life is a dynamic continuum of discovery and varsity is the perfect breeding ground for that discovery, we are still in the process of discovering ourselves. The only difference is that we decided to take a chance and try change the direction that our lives were taking. Our advice would be for students to try and figure out what they want instead of believing what they were convinced they should be. It’s a personal thing, we just hap-
14
Mi Future
15
pened to have four friends who were going through the same feelings. WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE A “PASSION OVER PAPER” ETHOS FOR STUDENTS WITH TALENTS OUTSIDE ACADEMICS? All: yes, we encourage people to do what they love. TO KEKE- TELL US THE STORY OF THE KEKELINGO? Keke: the keke lingo is keke’s African way of scarting, it comes from a special place, filled with tons of emotions, feelings and has no literal meaning. I only started singing in this manner after the passing of my mother. It was a way of grieving and connecting to the past. WHAT MESSAGE WHERE YOU HOPING TO SEND WITH THE SONG UMSEBENZI WE NDODA? Sfiso: the concept of the nuclear family is slowly dwindling away and a lot of women have to provide for their families, an action that was previously reserved for fathers. This song is basically paying homage and respect to the single mothers around the world. It had to be sung in isiZulu to fully translate what I grew up seeing-My mother doing my father’s duty. TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING BEHIND THE SONG KHUMBUL’EKHAYA? Mthae: Khumbhul’Ekhaya means missing or longing for home. I, Mthae! am from Zimbabwe. This song speaks for all the people who,
through whatever circumstance, have been displaced from their homes, but more specifically, their family. I miss home, because that is where all the fondest memories of family are. The story told in Ghetto is a truly South African one which many young South Africans relate to, what was the message you wanted to relay to people? Sfiso: It was a message to young people especially that there is a world that exists outside the social networks, there are real issues that need to be addressed by us the young ones because we’re the ones who will be left with the mess if we don’t try and fix it. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR THE MUFFINZ NOW? Sfiso: Change the world one ear at a time... We have a message that the world needs to hear. While some band members started off as students, one is still studying and others have the intention to return to academia in the near future. Rebels to academics or freedom fighters for the arts- the band encourages the youth to “do what they love and do what makes them happy”. With this passion over paper ethos The Muffinz are sure to become legends, but for now, they are just five humble gents- with an honest message the world deserves to hear.
16