I met Velabahleke (not his real name – meaning ‘amuser’ in Zulu) in Mangaung Correction Facility, near Bloemfontein. He was delightfully entertaining with a light, easy charm and a quick wit. By the time I met him, he’d already been in prison for many years and his hard life was etched into his face – making him appear much older than his 40 years. He was serving a 51-year sentence for murder, aggravated robbery, intimidation and possession of a firearm.
South Africa
Politics and Society Social media reflections on Youth Day: What does the day mean?
As South Africa celebrates Youth Day in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 Soweto Uprising when students protested against the racist and unjust bantu education system, we ask what the day means to you? We look at contributions on social media to understand what the day means to South Africans as they reflect on the sacrifices made, take stock of the current state of affairs and hopes for the future.
Politics and Society South Africa: Youth Day, Remembering the Soweto uprising
Today South Africa celebrates Youth Day in commemoration of the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising. On June 16,1976 students rose up in protest against the racist and unjust bantu education system. The students were protesting against an order by the Apartheid government that Afrikaans be used as a medium of instruction in schools. We salute the brave young people who lost their lives during the protests, and remember the sacrifices made.
Politics and Society Why South Africans burn their schools
This year marks 40 years since the student uprisings of 1976, after which South Africa was never the same again. At the heart of the student protests was black consciousness – a political awareness of what it meant to be saddled with a grossly inferior education in segregated schools. Schools remain a prime a target for protest action. Just a few recent examples include: in April, angry students burnt down a technical high school in Port St Johns and in May, 28 schools were torched, some razed to the ground in Vuwani, Limpopo.
Politics and Society Zimbabwe’s education ministry to introduce Swahili and Mandarin in schools
Zimbabwe’s education ministry says it will introduce Swahili, Chinese, French, and Portuguese in schools as part of new curriculum changes. The changes also include approval of indigenous language as the medium of instruction in infant schools.
Lifestyle The thin line between intimacy and discretion
While there is nothing wrong with being discreet about sex, it is nonsensical to still be so secretive about it. A recent art exhibition in Johannesburg set out to break through the silence and got LINEO SEGOETE thinking
Politics and Society SA local government elections: EFF rising while ANC dithers
Disclaimer: a full stadium does not necessarily translate into votes. Two weekends ago, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) put on what can only be described as a very impressive show. First to launch its manifesto was the African National Congress (ANC), followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA). The latter fared better in terms of attracting a crowd, but neither managed to fill a stadium.
Africans rising South Africa’s Wendy Luhabe appointed onto the World Rugby Executive Committee
World Rugby last week appointed South African entrepreneur Wendy Luhabe as a member of its executive committee. The appointment has been hailed by many across the world as a positive step and social media has been awash with congratulatory messages. A hearty congratulations to Luhabe on the historic appointment as a World Rugby ExCo director.
African identities WATCH: Jozi Cats, Africa’s first gay and inclusive competitive rugby club challenge stereotypes in campaign
Jozi Cats, Africa’s first gay and inclusive competitive rugby club is making waves. The club, based in South Africa aims to provide an opportunity for inclusive gay, straight and bisexual men to play the game and challenge stereotypes of what a rugby player is. The club recently launched a controversial campaign to recruit more players, and the initiative has gone viral.