Upstart - Grocott`s Mail

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