Walmer , s Unemployment Woes

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OCTOBER 2013 | Edition 2
Walmer s Unemployment Woes
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By: Beatrice Kariuki and Sinethemba Tuswa (GR 10)
almer Township is ravaged by unemployment, poverty, crime, and slow service
delivery. The people of Walmer Township
are struggling each and every day. The youth are
not progressing well at school due to the bad environment that they are surrounded by in the Location.
The youth are dropping out of school slowly but
surely because of different struggles they have to
face not only in the township but at school too.
Some people are graduates and others have degrees but jobs are rare even when qualified. Walmer
is a location with talented people living within it, but
because of unemployment people are now doing
things that are ruining other people living within the
Location.
There are some development projects in Walmer,
but due to this no word about jobs is brought up.
Walmer’s Councillor often brings the topic of jobs
up but many feel that there has been little progress.
When there are fewer jobs available, this leads to
people protesting or toyitoying.
Some of the people living in Walmer keep themselves busy by helping the programmes that happen
throughout the township or at Walmer High School,
such as Masifunde Learner Development, English
Access Microscholarship Program, and ACCV
Homework Club. These are positive programmes in
the township and hopefully, these will expand in the
future, along with employment and other development opportunities.
Walmer residents hope that development projects can combat unemployment in the township.
Many Walmer residents find temporary Beatrice Kariuki and her fellow reporter, Sinethemba Tuswa, researched the effects
work in development projects, but are of unemployment in Walmer
also seeking long-term employment.
The Libraries... at It Again!
I
t has happened before. The public employees
from libraries in and around Port Elizabeth protest for different reasons. The reasons include
payment for overtime put in by the workers, as well
as a demand for an increase in their salaries.
Currently, there are protests occurring at several
libraries. Initially, the idea was for all of the workers
to take part in the protest. Some got cold feet and
decided to draw back and watch. During a Newton
Park protest, one bystander provoked protestors
by taking pictures of them. One protestor who is
an employee at this library became angry to the
extent that she cursed the other woman taking
By: Banathi Adams and Sanelisiwe Dick
photographs. This protestor declared, “You will also
benefit from this, yet all you are doing is sitting back
and watching us sweat for the respect of our rights.”
In addition, students from Walmer High School and
Theodor Herzl had planned to host a debate session at the Walmer Library on 3 September. Due to
the current situation, the debate was moved to the
Umthombo Wolwazi Library at Walmer High School.
This was a surprise to many, as the protests were
not broadcasted. “We hope that the situation comes
to an end as we need the libraries,” said Miss Gxoyiya, an English teacher and Head of Department
at Walmer High School.
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Authors Banathi Adams and Sanelisiwe Dick
are amongst those negatively affected by these
strikes.
The protests are affecting more than the students.
They are affecting everyone, from taxi drivers who
are receiving less business to teachers who need to
do further research. We do hope that the situation
comes to an end.
THANK YOU
Thank you to Masifunde Learner Development,
The United States Fulbright Program, Walmer High
School, the Umthombo Wolwazi Library, Ricochet
Publishing, and ReproHouse printing for their
support in creating this magazine and providing
learners a platform to discuss community topics.
ABOUT
Walmer’s Own Magazine is a Masifunde Learner
Development project that promotes journalism in
the Walmer Township community.
,
THIS EDITION S
CONTRIBUTORS
Editors in Chief: Lonwabo Damane and
Sanelisiwe Dick
Moderators: Racheal Chikadaya, Simone
Strobel, Kelly McNulty, Mareike Thieben
Student Journalists:Ayabonga Ntshoko,
Simbongile Skiti, Hlombekazi Breakfast,
Grace Kariuki, Juneta Calico, Beatrice Kariuki,
Thozama Mbongolo, Lonwabo Damane,
Pamela Ntante, Chuma Nangu, Sanelisiwe Dick,
Siphokazi Isake, Sinethemba Tuswa, Zimasa
Maqashalala, Onesipho Mhlontlo, Bulelwa John,
Yandisa Jim, Banathi Adams, Millicent Mhlophe,
Lesedi Moyo, Samkelo Koli
The Issue of Stolen and
Missing Textbooks
A
t times, a day of learning can seem like a
day of sorrow, with few shining moments
or goals for a brighter education. This is
the case for some students at Walmer High School,
who spend their day at school wondering what to
read. Where on Earth could their textbooks be?
These learners are left unable to gain knowledge,
as they grieve losing their power through education.
This happens at least two to three times per week.
Some students take other students’ schoolbags in
order to steal textbooks, even putting textbooks in
wrong bags for no reason without being seen. This
corrupt behaviour leaves no trust between students
and it causes students to fight. This bad behaviour
is breaking both the law and education system.
Unfortunately, it even causes students to perform
badly in their academics.
One Grade 11 student, Siphosethu Dingalubala,
spoke out about the matter concerning textbooks.
He explained as follows, “My maths textbook went
missing [in] May. When I first recognised it wasn’t
there, I was about to do my classwork. Then, I
thought I left it at home but it wasn’t there.”
He added, “I tried to check in the classroom but it
wasn’t there. I tried but soon gave up, so I decided
to let it go and just pay at once. Afterwards, I reported the matter to Miss Langa, my Maths teacher.
She said I must pay or buy the textbook that I have
lost.”
By: Thozi Mbongolo
A Walmer High School teacher, Ms. Ncete, stated,
“The problem of stolen and missing textbooks has
an impact because students don’t perform well.
They do not do their school work most of the time.”
There are also ways of addressing the issue now
in different ways. Ms. Ncete explained as follows,
“Losing a textbook is not an excuse because the
person responsible for the textbook is the student.
However, should the book be lost, the student has
to pay so that she or he can catch up with the work
he or she is missing. Also, [we should be] pressuring the student to buy the textbook, so that she or
he can be on the same level as others”.
Ms. Ncete also shares the effects of this issues on
pass rates at school, since, “This issue of stolen
and missing textbooks will have a negative impact
on student academics. As a result, the student may
fail at the end of the year.”
The issue of students stealing textbooks makes the
level of education drop down and it takes away the
good vision of the importance of education for students. The law has to be enforced and the Department of Education will have to deal with the issue
on its own.
To the students: please take good care of your textbooks. This is your education, not anyone else’s.
If you want to succeed in life, you must take good
care of what you have and not let anyone take it
away from you.
Left: When a learner’s
textbooks are stolen, this
affects their academic
progress.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Below: Walmer’s Own’s
Thozama Mbongolo reports
on the stealing of textbooks
at Walmer High School.
LIFESTYLE:
Fashion Forward by Ayabonga Ntshoko
Queen of Rap by Simbongile Skiti
Feeling the Pressure by Hlombekazi Breakfast
Healthy Habits by Grace Kariuki
Harsh Realities: Teen Pregnancy and HIV/AIDS by Juneta Calico
hard news:
Walmer’s Unemployment Woes by Beatrice Kariuki and
Sinethemba Tuswa
Marijuana in Walmer by Millicent Lucylle Mhlophe
The Libraries…at it Again! by Banathi Adams and Sanelisiwe Dick
The Issue of Stolen Textbooks by Thozama Mbongolo
New Ponds by Lonwabo Damane
EDITORIAL:
The Importance of Language by Pamela Ntante
EVENTS:
67 Minutes at Walmer High School by Thozama Mbongolo
Helping Hand by Thozama Mbongolo
The Motion Under Debate by Chuma Nangu
The Bold and the Beautiful- Miss Walmer High by Sanelisiwe Dick
Creativity Corner:
The Beautiful Thing by Siphokazi Isake
Oh, Life! by Thozama Mbongolo
Beautiful Day by Simbongile Skiti
A Troubled Soul by Zimasa Maqashalala
Women by Onesipho Mhlontlo
Women of the Nation by Zimasa Maqashalala
Why Do People Judge? by Bulelwa John
SPORT:
Young Walmer Golf Star by Yandisa Jim
Basketball at Walmer High School by Banathi Adams
,
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DISCLAIMER:
Walmer’s Own is published by Walmer High School.
Walmer’s Own is made possible through a partnership between Masifunde Learner Development, Walmer High School, Umthombo
Wolwazi Library and the United States Fulbright Program.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Walmer’s Own, the editor and publisher. While every
effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Walmer’s Own’s contents, neither the editor, the staff, the contractors nor the publisher
can be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequences arising from it. All copyright for material appearing
in the Walmer’s Own belongs to Walmer’s Own and/or the individual contributors/clients and may not be reproduced without the written
consent of the editor. E&OE.
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Marijuana in Walmer
M
By: Millicent Lucylle Mhlophe
arijuana use is an issue around the world.
While it is illegal here in South Africa and
in many other countries, it is legal in
some countries. Here in Walmer, many people who
use marijuana may be unaware that it has many
disadvantages and advantages. It is important to
understand more about this situation because it is a
serious matter in the Walmer community.
“panaceas,” meaning “cure-all.” Cannabis can assist in alleviating problems that include: multiple
sclerosis, cancer treatment, aids, glaucoma, depression, epilepsy, migraine headaches, asthma,
purities, scleroderma, severe pain, and dystonia.
DISADVANTAGES
Those who smoke marijuana suffer from such issues as memory loss and distorted perception.
They do not think properly and they cannot solve
their problems. The rate of the heart becomes high,
they become nervous, and could end up having
panic attacks. In addition, one marijuana researcher states, “THC changes the way in which sensory
information gets into and it is acted on by hippocampus. This is a component of the brain’s limbic
system and it is crucial for learning. It is shown that
the neurons in the hippocampus and the activity of
the nerve fibres are suppressed by THC.”
Marijuana is a green/brown mixture of dried shredded stems, seeds, or hemp plant. People call it by
many names such as weed, grass, or pot. There
are many more slang names for marijuana, and
these vary within each culture. Regardless of the
name it is referred to as, one’s brain changes when
one is smoking weed. This is caused by the main
chemical in it, Tetrahydrocannabinol, but the drug
also contains other harmful chemicals too. In 1988,
researchers found that the membrane had protein
receptors that contain tetrahydrocannabinol. When
it secures this, it causes the users to become high Individuals who use marijuana and who use tobacco are one in the same because they cough and
when they are using marijuana.
face such issues as phlegm and chronic bronchitis.
Nomakhaya Mtongana, a policewoman at Emat- Abnormal functioning or lung tissues may be damshakeni Station in Walmer Location stated, “Mari- aged if individuals continue smoking marijuana.
juana is a traditional herb. It cures people from The carbon monoxide that marijuana smokers
different illnesses. I think it’s illegal because peo- breathe is in some circumstances higher than the
ple use it as a drug. They smoke it. If a person is individuals who smoke tobacco.
caught with it, it is measured. A person has to have
certain [amount] of grams…if it’s more than what WHY DO PEOPLE SMOKE MARIUJANA?
it is expected, you get arrested. The people sell- One group of men who smoke this substance and
ing it may be arrested but they come out and sell it asked to be called different names shared, “We
again. Here in South Africa, the highest rated city is smoke weed for meditation and relaxation of mind.
Lusikisiki because it is planted there and it grows by It eases stress and we feel good about it.” In this
itself even in people’s gardens. If you as a person group, Mark said that if he becomes angry or some[have] a garden filled with weed and you sell it, you one makes him angry, he ignores that person and
get arrested because you [are] not supposed to sell he goes for a smoke. He states that he then feels
it. Police often burn it down but that does not help; better and forgets about that. Siyanda said that, “It
it only makes it grow wider. As police, we cannot do helps me concentrate.
anything to stop this situation because sometimes
we only get hints from the community people, who WHO INFLUENCED THEM?
come to us and tell us about a certain place which In this same group of men, some say they were
sells weed. We do arrest them but we take them influenced by their friends, since they saw their
out because it’s useless--we are fighting a losing friends smoking. Others smoke for the sake of
smoking. One said he was doing it for fun but it
battle.”
became serious. He was negatively influenced by
According to the quote above, marijuana has a his family, since they used to smoke in front of him
positive and a negative side. There are advantages and he ended up wanting to experience it too. The
first time he smoked, it made him dizzy and he has
and disadvantages of marijuana use.
been smoking for four years. Some of the parents of
these young men know that their children are smokADVANTAGES
Marijuana helps cure many illnesses and symptoms ing weed but some do not know.
such as spasticity, painful conditions especially
neurogenic pain, movement disorders, asthma, and Based on these men’s experiences and previous
glaucoma. Since it relaxes the body, its capacity for research, it is evident that marijuana use has both
health and healing are huge and have been scien- advantages and disadvantages when used in modtifically proven. While there are places where this eration. However, ultimately it is illegal and many
is recognized, some places do not recognise it or people do not use it in moderation. Marijuana plays
a big role in medication and treating some diseases
there is still a stigma against its use.
and illnesses, but it has also has negative sides efMarijuana use is energizing and makes you relax fects when you are using it. Marijuana use has a
simultaneously. Marijuana appears in almost every stigma against it in other countries, which is why it
known book of medicine written by ancient people is important to know the facts about this illegal drug
and wise men. It is graded the top medicine called that affects people in Walmer and around the world.
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Journalist Millicent Mhlophe researched the effects and stigma of marijuana use in Walmer
The Importance
of Language
By: Pamela Ntante (8E)
I
n our country today, some people judge you by
the colour of their skin and do not realise what you
are capable of in life. The importance of language
is not taken into consideration and many people may
expect you to act a certain way when they see your
skin colour. For example, I am dark brown and can
speak Xhosa very well but I am actually a coloured
person. Most people do not know that I can speak
Afrikaans. Your language is the most important key
of your life, and if you do not know your language, it
means you do not know who you are and where you
come from in the world. It is not harmful if you want to
learn other people’s languages, but keep in mind that
you do not forget your own language.
An Izizwe Projects volunteer named Boitumelo
coaches Walmer High School soccer and had an
interesting experience with languages. While his
languages should include Afrikaans and Sotho, unfortunately, he cannot speak either of them. As a Zimbabwean, his parents were political and they worked
for the ANC outside of the country. They traveled a
lot and they came to South Africa in 1995, where they
sent him to an international school. He says that he
was not aware of how his situation would affect him
until he was in high school, when he was the only
one who could not speak a language besides English. It becomes very difficult when you become older
because you have to spend a lot of time to learn it
again.
Boitumelo says that if he has a chance of learning
other languages, he would take that opportunity.
“People are very judging when it comes to your skin
colour and not knowing your language because in
SA, language forms part of your culture,” he stated.
Boitumelo advises those in similar language situations to his own, “not to take it personally, stay positive and active by learning your language.” Now we
all know that language is an important part of our
lives--let’s work hard to keep it this way.
Left: Walmer’s Own journalist Pamela Ntante understands the
importance of language: she speaks Xhosa, English, and Afrikaans. Right: Izizwe Projects volunteer Boitumelo believes
that language is an important part of our lives in South Africa.
67 minutes at Walmer High School
By: Thozama Mbongolo (GR 11)
W
walls with painted handprints, as well as their signatures and stickers. The day was filled with love, joy,
One of the Walmer High students, Pamela Ntante, smiles, and singing. This day supported what Nelspoke about the positive impact she felt from the son Mandela believed in: helping others is a good
German students. “I felt excited about this kind of way of showing humanity.
donation, because they helped us with things we
didn’t have,” said Pamela. “I’ve learned that being
The 18th of July is known as Nelson Mandela Day. a person, you are not alone in the world. Whatever
The day is celebrated worldwide as Tata’s birthday. you have, share with those in need,” she added.
On this day, students from the Netherlands and Germany spent their 67 minutes of service at Walmer After the donations, the Walmer High School stuHigh School’s library, which was decorated with bal- dents of Failing Forward went to the Gqebera Comloons. Mostly, they donated schoolbags, pencils and munity Clinic. Together with the German students,
pens to Walmer High school students. This process they spent their 67 minutes, helping to decorate and
was a moment of joy, with cameras flashing all over clean the “Chill Room” for the Failing Forward youth. Walmer High School students proudly stand with their Dutch
the room. The students fled with enthusiasm, as Each and every one of the students decorated the friends, holding their new bags and school supplies.
almer High School, as we all know, is
situated in the not so popular township of
Walmer. By now, you can imagine what
a lot of people think about it. It is dragged down and
often overlooked by others due to Walmer’s negative reputation.
they were popping and kicking the balloons.
Helping Hands
By: Thozama Mbongolo (GR 11)
E
The Motion Under Debate
By: Chuma Nangu (GR 10)
D
ebate keeps developing each and every
year here at Walmer High School and we
would like to keep it that way. The most
recent debate was held after school on the 8th of
August 2013 in the Umthombo Wolwazi Library.
The participants were divided into four groups
and their names were: The Groundbreakers, The
Chickens, The Fantastic Six, and The Explosives.
These groups were evaluated by three guest
judges, including Msikeleli Moli from Masifunde
and Mr. and Mrs. McNulty from the United States.
These judges made sure that the debate was hot
and happening, and that our debaters received
the scores they deserved.
While some thought there would be some arguments about the debate, Explosives member
Unathi Ngalo disagreed, saying, “There were no
arguments, just disagreements, and every single
group was trying to raise a point.”
Between the groups, people at times became
very emotional when debating the subjects, but
the “audience managed to calm our nerves,” said
Hlombekazi Breakfast. Of The Explosives’ members, Sanelisiwe Dick says, “It was tense at first,
but then we managed to get our acts together.”
Our school debate club will always continue
growing and allowing students to express their
opinions. For upcoming debate competitions,
check the notice board in the Umthombo Wolwazi
Library. If these debaters can do it, anyone can!
The overall winners of the debate were The Explosives and the Most Valuable Debaters were
Lonwabo Damane from the Groundbreakers and
Unathi Ngalo from The Explosives. Each of the
winners and finalists received a certificate for
their great work. “Whenever it was my turn to
speak, I [took] a deep breath and [told] myself I
can do it,” said Unathi Ngalo.
“St John’s Church is busy working on fighting poverty and orphanage issues in the community of
Walmer. The church supplies the poor with soup
and portion of bread at the Walmer soup kitchen,”
Mama Nozibele stated. She continued, “The other
thing is the church has orphanage homes around
the location and employs people from the community. [It] also sends nurses to old people around
the community in addition with food parcels.”
It is uplifting to know that St. John’s Church helps
the community of Walmer in so many ways. The
church has homes around the township for homeless children, and also provides food parcels to
the poor. Mostly, however, the church sends caregivers to homes to take care of old pensioners
who cannot walk or do anything for themselves.
The most exciting part is that one of the students
receives food parcels from the church monthly.
When describing this student, Mama Nozibele
shared, “She is the luckiest of all other children to
receive goods from the church.”
Top: Amanda Noqoli is all smiles as she volunteers at the
Gqebera Community Soup Kitchen. Below: Gqebera Community Soup Kitchen and Thozama Mbongolo had fantastic
time giving back to their community at the soup kitchen.
Amongst those assisting at the soup kitchen were
Kelly McNulty and Ashley Millhouse, the two English Teaching Assistants from the United States.
These ETA’s accompanied the students, took pictures, interviewed the workers at the soup kitchen,
and helped the St. John’s employees prepare the
food.
“St. John’s is out to fight poverty and help take
care of many lives…The Walmer residents are
putting an extra effort by operating NGO’s and
community-based projects as well as recycling
projects,” said Mama Nozibele.
St. John’s Church gives Walmer residents homes
so that they can feel safe and accepted, while
being taken care of by the nurses and homes
managers. It is clear that those at the Gqebera
Community Soup Kitchen are helping ensure that
the children and elders of Walmer have a good,
healthy life.
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W O W r itin g
W o r k s ho p S
By: Sanelisiwe Dick (GR 10)
T
he music was bumping and the people were dancing on the 31st of July
2013. It was the annual Miss Walmer
High/Mr. Personality contest held at the
Walmer High School Hall. As usual, R5 got
you in the door to see the action. As many
would say, it was off the hook!
Originally, the show was meant to be held
on the 26th of July. It was postponed due to
unforeseen circumstances. The organisers
found themselves in a tight spot when they
could not find the DJ during the last minutes.
They had no choice but to put off the show
for the day.
nglish Access Microscholarship students
from Walmer High School recently assisted
at the Gqebera Community Soup Kitchen.
Two young female students, including Amanda
Noqoli and myself, were the first to help and learn
all about giving back to the community.
On the 19th of June 2013 at 8.00 am, the two students rose with enthusiasm to help. They helped
to peel vegetables and cook. With all the preparations, the two students chatted, laughed, and
got to know those that work at the soup kitchen
through Saint John’s Church. Amongst those ladies was Mama Nozibele, who told us about the
whole project and how it operates.
The Bold
and the
Beautiful
Clockwise from top left: The
winning team, The Explosives, stand side by side the
finalists, The Groundbreakers, and the guest judges at
Walmer High School’s August
Debate Competition. • Walmer’s Own journalist, Chuma
Nangu, writes on the excitement of the August Debate
Competition at Walmer High
School. • Most Valuable Debaters Lonwabo Damane and
Unathi Ngalo battled throughout the Debate Competition…
and afterwards!
Left: Sanelisiwe Dick reports on Walmer High
School’s biggest competition, “Miss Walmer High.”
Right: Since winning Miss
Walmer High and Mr. Personality, Anele Nkume
and Zolani Madaka have
become Walmer High
School’s latest celebrities.
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So many people were disappointed by this
outcome, not to mention the contestants
themselves. Most of them had specially woven their hair for the competition. Weaves
are not allowed at the school but the teachers decided to let the participants keep their
weaves until the day of the competition.
On the rescheduled day, the contestants
shone against all odds. Tough decisions had
to be made by the judges. In the end, the victors were Anele Nkume as Miss Walmer High
and Zolani Madaka as Mr. Personality. “Since
it was not her first time on stage, I think Anele was anything but nervous,” said Banathi
Adams, who is a fellow schoolmate of the
winner. “Zolani was at home on the stage,”
according to Lulama Mpongoshe, who is the
head Umthombo Wolwazi Library Prefect.
Most would agree that the show was spectacular! After the competition, no one wanted
to go home because they were having such a
good time. When the people eventually went
home, the Izikhothane gang started spilling
Utra-mel on each other, doing what they call
“speeding” or showing off their riches. While
the show may have been postponed, it was
still a success and the crowned winners are
now celebrities around Walmer High School.
BBC Writing Workshop: BBC reporter Mario Cacciattolo facilitated a writing workshop
New Ponds
for Walmer’s Own magazine journalists, and provided tips on journalistic writing and layout.
By: Lonwabo Damane (GR 11)
W
almer residents are soon to be free from
house floods and water wastage. A Masakheni Company project entitled “Storm
Water” is behind the termination of the above issues.
It aims to have full control over the water that flows
from Victoria Road to Star Bakery in Walmer after
rainy days, and to put a stop to the house flooding,
which is one of the major challenges facing Walmer
residents.
Pupils attending Walmer Primary School are also
victims of this water disaster, as they usually find
difficulties in entering the school premises on
rainy days, due to the river that fills the school
entrance on such days. To help prevent this in the
future, the Storm Water project has introduced
new ponds that will help eliminate floods and water wastage.
As part of this project, the water flowing through
Victoria Road and 6th Avenue’s Star Bakery will be
recycled. The project’s CLO, Siphiwo Mabindisa,
stated, “Not only have we helped the community
in this manner, but we have also provided safety
glasses for Walmer High School, which is the school
neighbouring our operations. We have also employed twenty one Walmer residents and there is
a chance of permanent employment for those who
perform well.”
Mabindia’s partner, Mziyanda Moyo, elaborated, “We
will also redo the pavement at the entrance of the school
[and] the fence and we will re-plant the grass on the
school’s play ground, which was affected by our work.”
The deadline for this project was meant to be at the
end of August, but due to the unforeseen and uncontrollable weather conditions, it has been extended
to the end of September. A regular user of the road
affected by this project said that he does not mind
waiting for them to finish, as long as at the end of
the day, Walmer Township will have less families losing their homes due to house floods. “Besides, they
have opened an alternative road, so it does not affect
us as the road users much. After all, we all want our
community to be a better place,” this Walmer resident continued.
The Storm Water project has provided employment opportunities for many Walmer residents.
Learn4Life Writing Workshop:
Walmer’s Own journalists, Lonwabo Damane
and Beatrice Kariuki, facilitated a writing workshop for Masifunde’s Grade 7 Failing Forward Learners.
The Storm Water project is funded by the disaster management office, and its objective does not
only focus on inserting ponds between Victoria
Road and the Star Bakery in Walmer. Instead,
it aims to also reach Summerstrand, as this will
help increase the chances of controlling water and
avoiding furthermore damages and water wastage
around the Nelson Mandela Bay. This Storm Water project, and the new ponds that are part of it,
will create positive ripples throughout Port Elizabeth for years to come.
Above: Masakheni Company
is undertaking a project to
prevent flooding in Walmer
Township.
Left: Walmer’s Own journalist
researches the effects of the
Storm Water project on the
community.
Harsh Realities:
, OWN
S
MER
L
A
W
S T A FF
By: Juneta Calico (GR 11A)
Teenage Pregnancy and HIV
W
states, “I am sixteen years old and I have a one year
and three months old baby. I am now in school again
doing Grade 10 and for me, having sex made me feel
good about myself…It made me feel important and
wanted.” This is common for many teenagers, since
they may have low self-esteem and feel that no one
Being a teenager means being a child, as well as appreciates them for who they really are.
being able to make mistakes and learn from them. It
does not mean being tied down with the responsibility Tandy felt insecure as well, and said, “I always
of taking ARV’s or of being a mother or a father to thought that sleeping with someone older than me
would make me feel good about myself but I never
a baby.
thought of the outcomes of my actions, [such as] havWhy don’t we enjoy our teenage years? Why do we ing HIV or being infected with other diseases such as
embark on things that are meant for adults, rather gonorrhoea….Today I am living with those diseases
than things that are more suitable for our age? What and I have a young girl who wants me to be a mother
happened to abstaining from sex until marriage? As to her, and looks up to me as a role model to her.”
teenagers, we often do not think about the consequences of having unprotected sex, nor do we think Many teenagers are also forced to grow up at an early
of the risks of getting HIV/AIDS or becoming pregnant age, similar to Tandy. She continues describing her
experiences, saying, “I am not proud of the choices I
as a teenager.
made, but I am proud to say, you out there can make
What is it that leads teens to have sex, let alone un- better decisions and choices than I made.” Tandy is
protected sex? Tandy, who asked us not to use her now being treated at Dora Nginza hospital for gonorreal name, provides insights on this subject. She rhoea and her status of being HIV-positive made her
hat has happened to our world of teenagers? When did we lose our dignity and our
pride in being the future generation? We
do things only because they are being done by our
peers. Is that what we really live for today?
walmeR’S OWN OCTOBER 2013
|
pa g e 6
Student
journalist
Juneta Calico
researches the
trials facing
many teens
today.
feel isolated from other teenagers.
Based on her story, it is evident that being teenagers
today comes with big responsibilities, such as being
role models to the young upcoming generations. We
must be proud of being “Born Frees” and use our freedom in a responsible way. Being proud, showing selfrespect, and loving yourself is never a crime. Instead,
it shows how powerful you are.
Tandy understands that in order for being a better person tomorrow, you have to start doing better today by
taking responsibility for your actions.
walmeR’S OWN OCTOBER 2013
|
pa g e 7
By: Simbongile Skiti (GR 11)
N
tandokazi Skiti is well-known for her
unique style of music, which mixes soul
music with rapping. She is a role model
in her community and she is leading as an example to the youth. She is one of the few women who
can sing and rap well, and she is a hard worker
who strives for greatness. Ntandokazi says, “I am
a go-getter because I am one of those people
who does not allow anything or anyone to get in
my way.”
It is hard to believe that such an inspiring, worldly
woman like her used to live in Cofimvaba, one of
the smallest, most rural areas in Eastern Cape.
After she began singing for a choir in Cofimvaba,
she moved to Port Elizabeth in 2005 and she recorded her music for the very first time in 2007.
Later in 2008, she began mixing rapping with
singing and she continues doing so to this day.
Currently, the whole community knows her and
her upcoming album.
“Hip hop is my lover, my world, my life, my destiny, and my everything,” says Ntando. Despite
the positive aspects of hip-hop and Ntando’s
music, there can be negative parts of hip-hop as
well. A major aspect of hip-hop culture is a focus
on alcohol and violence. Ntandokazi comments
on this issue, stating, “I don’t think hip hop has
an influence [on] drugs, alcohol, and stuff. I just
think it depends on someone. If they know what
they want in life, then they won’t do drugs or even
drink alcohol.’’
Q: What made your style unique?
A: It combines international music with Kasi music (Xhosa and English).
Q: Do you have any plans for the future?
A: I am releasing my mixtape on the 20th of September and I am planning to go all over the Eastern Cape trying to sell my mixtape and push my
brand, which is “T.N@ Team Ntando (T-shirts).”
Q: What are your dreams?
A: I want to show the whole world what I can do.
Q: What made you the woman you are today?
A: Values, morals, respect, and where I come
from (my roots) made me the woman I am today.
Q: Who played a big role in your life?
A: My mother; that woman is amazing. She is my
solid rock. She is incredible [and] I can say she is
my superwoman.
Here is a sample from her upcoming mixtape. Remember to get your own copy on 20 September!
“Wave your hands right there,
I’m the queen of music
wave your hands right there,
I’m the queen of lyrics.
Lingenil’igqala, hayi
andizang’zodlala
I’m the queen of music.”
Fashion
Forward
By: Ayabonga Ntshoko (10G)
Fashion can determine who you are as an
individual in a positive and a negative way.
People might dislike the way you dress. You
never have to pay attention to any of those
negative people. Your style is your own and it
defines your personality.
Fashion trends are present in each every age
group, yet that does not mean that it suits everyone nor matches everyone`s personality.
Following fashion trends is sometimes caused
by peer pressure. Fashion is something that
gives another individual the ability to define
who you are in a positive or in a negative way.
People should not let fashion rule them; they
should rule fashion. “Do not follow fashion
trends; set them,” said Sanelisiwe Dick, who
is a fashion critic herself. Dress according
to your body shape because then, you will
rock the look. For example, if you have long
legs, then you could rock skinny jeans with a
baggy top. “You do not have to wear expensive brands to look beautiful. If you walk the
walk and talk the talk, you can rock the look!”
Sanelisiwe concluded. That is why a person
must stay true to themselves with their style
choices. Fashion truly is a passion.
Get to Know the Queen, Ntando
Q: What inspires you in music?
A: I get inspired by everything around me. The
lifestyle, Kasi life style, my background and daily
life.
Q: What can you say to the youth out there
who hide their talents?
A: Go out there and show people what you [are]
good at because God gave you that talent for a
purpose and you could be playing a good role in
someone’s life.
Simbulele Hhonzani (left) and Nomxolisi Noqoli (right)
model some of this year’s hottest fashions.
Above: The Queen of
Rap, Ntandokazi Skiti, is a
promising young talent in
Walmer Location.
Left: Author Simbongile
Skiti’s provides an exclusive look at one of Walmer’s top artists.
walmeR’S OWN OCTOBER 2013
|
pa g e 8
Student
journalist
Ayabonga
Ntshoko
details the importance
of fashion.
Feeling the Pressure
Queen
of Rap
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: Dancing but most of people don’t know that. I
used to be a choreographer back in the day.
P
eer pressure has always been a difficult
problem, particularly for teenagers. It
has both positive and negative aspects,
but whenever you raise the phrase “peer pressure,” most will assume you are talking about
the negative side of it.
Avoiding bad friends is a good way to live a normal life, since you will not get a chance to associate with friends who have bad influences on
you. Other people can ruin your reputation by
getting you into trouble, and it will be hard to go
back to your normal life.
There is a stage in many teenagers’ lives in
which they tend to go to taverns, since they want
to be in a crowded place. In these clubs, they
may behave badly. When their parents start to
give them advice or punish them, these teenagers may be rude in their responses. This negative side of peer pressure includes when teenagers tend to use drugs and alcohol. Since these
substances are dangerous, you can get hooked
on them quickly. Many teenagers experiment
with this because they want to feel special.
Still, there can be positive peer pressure. You
could overextend your extramural activities and
your schoolwork by having a study group or
having friends that will always think the best of
you. An example of this positive peer influence
is Walmer High School Grade 9 learner, Phumlani Noqegu, who attends arts on Fridays. While
these classes are facilitated by Joy Black, he also
attends art classes at Masifunde Learner Development almost every day. This is where he really
shows his talent, since Phumlani is so passionate
about the arts. Recently, his parents asked him to
go to sleep earlier, but he shared that he could not
because he wanted to draw. “Don’t sit out there
and do nothing. Everyone has a talent. You have to
stand out there and reveal your talent,” said Phumlani. As this Grade 9 learner shows, when you have
something to do after school, you avoid associating with illegal behaviour.
Sometimes, parents of teenagers with problems
may blame other people for their own child’s behaviour. In reality, everyone has a choice to say
no and do not let anyone fool you into doing something wrong. Live the life you want to live and follow your dreams. Expect the good and the bad, as
you make sure you do not miss any steps in the
path you are after. There will be critics everywhere
you go about how you act. Most people who tease
other people come from abusive families or homes
that have problems. When they start to tease others, they feel much better. You must try to understand those people. You must also stay confident
and make sure that you do not show them the
weak side of you. Look for positive forms of peer
pressure all around you!
Healthy Habits
By: Hlombekazi Breakfast (GR 10)
Phulmani Noqegu avoids negative peer
pressure by attending art classes after
school at Masifunde and Walmer High.
Walmer’s Own journalist Hlombekazi
Breakfast discusses pressures facing
teens today.
s
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By: Grace Kariuki (GR 8)
d
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Most people in Walmer Township do not worry themselves about healthy food, since they only
,
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eat what they have. What they do not know is that it is very important to have the right nutrition
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in your system. Having a healthy diet is not only about eating your veggies all the time, but it is
ic
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ill
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also about what you do each day. Exercise is also good for the body, since it helps strengthen
healthie onions, and much time a
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your muscles. People should have exercise routines for each week. This may cause the rate of
d veg
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diseases to decrease, since many people become sick when they do not get enough nutrition and
nch.
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Xhosa
exercise. If you follow the tips included, you will become a healthier person.
potato l is mostly m could be dinn ter meal,
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s. It
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• Ma
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e: This
sausag ot eat fatty/o ble soup: It is
A: It means taking care of my physical fitHealth Interview with Nomzano Faith Mafuya
n
ta
simple,
o
e
.
g
th at d
e time
y seem wing
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ness.
f
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Q: What is your favourite food?
s
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• •Hea healthy one
stew: T e and you ca ore flavour
A: Stir fry…with any type of vegetables, [for] example: Q: Do you exercise daily? Yes/no and
to
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No.
My
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Q: Are you a healthy or unhealthy person? Why?
but
bone
ith the
not often.
A: Healthy because I want to take care of my body.
meat w
.
w
te
s
to the
Q: Is being healthy a good/bad thing in your opin- Q: Do you believe that exercise helps your
ion?
A: A very good thing, because you don’t get diseases
that an unhealthy person would get.
Q: If you were asked to eat healthy food for a week,
would you accept the challenge? Why or why not?
A: Yes, because I enjoy challenges and all the oily food
in my system would vanish.
Q: Has being healthy or unhealthy ever affected
your life?
A: Yes, to both healthy and unhealthy.
Q: How would you prefer your meat, if you aren’t a
vegetarian?
A: Well done [but] not too oily; not too dry.
Q: How do you exercise? What is your routine?
A: Three times a week, I walk for 1 hour.
Q: What does exercising means to you?
body?
A: Yes. [In] my mental and physical fitness, I do
feel a change when I exercise.
Eating healthy can result in the decreasing of diseases
such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and
many more. A third of South Africans are obese, because most of them are not educated about healthy food
and others do not worry themselves about it. What they
do not know is the importance of healthy food, since it
can even save a life or get you out of hospital. Today, tell
yourself to throw away all junk food and from now on,
you will be shopping for healthy food only. You and you
yourself could make a difference in your life. Keep reading Walmer’s Own Magazine and look out for a menu on
what to eat on a daily basis in our next edition.
walmeR’S OWN OCTOBER 2013
|
pa g e 9
Right: Walmer’s Own Grace Kariuki shares
how you can be healthy each day!
Below:These two entrepreneurs sell healthy
fruit at Walmer High School each day.
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He would hide
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m to let me fight
this battle with.
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out a mother fig
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It kills me so m
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to plead.
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heart bleed,
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rved any of that
, he was only a
Too young to be
kid.
left alone,
At such a youn
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every day
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his eyes.
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every day,
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.
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The Beautiful Thing
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Th f the N
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To
walmeR’S OWN OCTOBER 2013
|
pa g e 1 0
The beautiful flo
wer that I found
in my life.
I wrote this for
you
the way you ra
ise me
the way you sh
ow me how to
respect
how to love
how to care
how to be inde
pendent as a w
oman.
You mean the
world to me
you are my hear
t beat.
I know that thin
gs happened be
tween us but
the love that I ha
ve for you
It is like gold th
at always shines
in my life
I’ve been throug
h too many thin
gs in my life
I’ve been hurt
but the suppor
t that you gave
to me
you gave me lo
ve
you gave me ha
ppiness
you gave me ca
re
I thank God that
he planted a flo
wer for me.
The most beau
tiful flower in th
is world.
?
e
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Why eople Ju
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e judgin y
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Yet our tion is in trou ther
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People dicted to dru e.
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The yo
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We can Be a rainbo tect our futur nother
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Please ing and figh a better plac
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By stop ur nation can the next gen
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So tha our future, an
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F
Walmer poet Zimasa
Maqashalala describes
a complex person.
edom,
and fre .
e
g
a
r
u
wisdom
,
your co
you for are filled with oned kingdom
k
n
a
th
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ts
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a
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na
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now ou ck---it’s like a w, there’s fre
o
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ba
t
k
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b
lo
rk
w
We no mes were da
ti
rity
When
ur integ
With yo us dignity.
ve
You ga
,
nd care
ength a in fear.
tr
s
r
u
live
for yo
longer
nk you
We tha of you we no as women
n.
s a ma
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becaus stand so pro el as strong a n.
ca
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Even th now we can
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We k
the nati
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e
ction.
e wom
To all th ived for perfe ction,
e
tr
s
e
o
r
wh
our fl
to be y neration.
g
n
ti
n
ge
Wa
young
as the
Student Journalist
Onesipho Mhlontlo
lidiscusses the inequa
we
ties women face, as
s
reflect on “Women’
ber.
Month” this Septem
!
e
f
i
h, L
O
Poet Thozama
Mbongolo describes
the beauty of life.
Walmer’s Own
poet, Bulelwa John,
te
comments on the sta
of South Africa.
Student poet Siphokazi
Isake writes about the love
and support of a mother.
.
incredible
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And enjo
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In th
walmeR’S OWN OCTOBER 2013
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pa g e 11
Sport
Young
Walmer
Golf Star
By: Yandisa Jim (GR 10)
W
Walmer High School
learners have fun
each week playing
basketball.
almer Eagles Golf Club is one of the
oldest golf clubs in the township. It was
established in 1989 in the backyard of
Walmer Township. Walmer Eagles Golf Club is a
growing sport club in the area and it is developing
young professional golfers, the majority of which
come from Walmer Township. The club uses the
facilities of Walmer Golf Club and trains the young
professional golfer, Nomafaku Quza, who plays for
the under-15 team.
Quza is a learner from Walmer High School and she
is currently completing Grade 10. She has won several tournaments, and is well-respected for her golf
skills throughout Walmer Township. When asked
what she wants to be in the next twenty years, she
replied by saying, “I want to be a lawyer and I’d like
to see myself as the best golfer in the world.”
Quza shows that you can play the sport and still pursue other dreams as well. You can begin playing for
the first time and you can wear any clothes you like.
If you want to play more seriously, you have to learn
the basic rules of the game, including terms such as
“birdie” and “par.”
Golf is a very interesting sport in which you can enjoy
yourself with friends, discuss issues, and relax your
mind. It helps you to get away from bad things, such
as drinking, doing drugs, and taking part in crime.
You may receive a lot of opportunities in golf, be successful in life, and achieve your dreams by being a
well-known golfer. If you are interested in learning
more about golf, do not hesitate to visit the Walmer
Eagles Golf Club to learn more about this sport.
Yandisa Jim highlights Walmer golf star Nomafaku Quza
a rising golf star in practices her swing each day and is
Walmer Township.
an emerging golf star.
The Fulbright Program
US Department of State
+1.202.632.3238 • fulbright@state.gov | http://us.fulbrightonline.org
Walmer’s Own
sports journalist,
Banathi Adams,
interviews Izizwe
Projects volunteer
Valentin Mose on
the importance of
basketball.
Basketball at
Walmer High School
By: Banathi Adams (GR 10)
B
asketball is not about being able to dribble the ball. It is about knowing the basic
rules of the game and being able to play
as a team. Basketball is played on a rectangular court and it consists of five players on each
team.
they are the only school with a functional team
in Walmer. There is an upcoming tournament
called the P.E Comets Annual Basketball Tournament, and it open for both girls and boys. It
will be held at the Motherwell Basketball Courts
on the 6th and 7th of September. “We hope to
come back with a trophy”, said Pumlani NoWhile it is not a popular sport in Port Elizabeth, qegu, a member of the Walmer High School
it does exist in some areas, including Walmer basketball squad.
Township. Valentin Mosẽ, who is a German volunteer for Izizwe Projects, started a basketball “We would like to encourage other schools to
club at Walmer High School during the first term take basketball seriously. We would also like for
of the school year. One team member, Vuy- them to follow the path we have paved for them,
olwethu Vlakbok, said, “I forced myself to join as we are the first basketball team Walmer Lobasketball because I didn’t want to be punished cation has had in ages,” said Sinesipho Ngceby one of the teachers. As much as I didn’t like zula, a Grade 8 basketball player. While basketbasketball, as the time went on, I started to en- ball may not be a popular sport in the Nelson
joy it and I never missed any of the practices.”
Mandela Bay, Walmer High School will continue
fighting hard so that it can become a well-known
The team has not played any matches because sport.
Walmer High School
P.O. Box 5302, Port Elizabeth 6065, South Africa
041 581 1075 • office@walmerhigh.co.za • www.walmerhigh.co.za
walmeR’S OWN OCTOBER 2013
|
pa g e 1 2
Masifunde Learner Development
PO Box: 5191, Walmer, Port Elizabeth 6065, South Africa
Office: 041 581 25 43 • Cell: 079 097 05 68 • www.masifunde.com
www.facebook.com/masifunde