I fully support the developments that are taking place in Africa, but I am a bit sceptical about the role that the Chinese are going to play in this continent, in the long run. Are going to see another form of domination of poor African countries that China is investing in now?
Although Africa has a potential to develop economically, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Issues start at the bottom, like seeking to understand why our continent is under performing in all sectors, compared others. Once we know how to tackle issues from the root causes, Africa will still fail to make its mark on the world stage.
Daniel’s blog
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Poverty
Captain Morgan, just like you, I am a young, pissed off South African. The sound of gun shots, everyday; the muggings, the usage of brutal violence; have been my everyday experiences. I too have been a victim of crime in South Africa.
Life in this country could be so much better without high walls, electric fences and constant alertness that "maybe it is going to be me today".
I have seen the worst side of South Africa, but I choose to remain optimistic and actually do something about the situation.
Personally, I do not believe that the people who mug us and rape women are "useless mongrels" that need to be shipped to an island of highest calibre sinners. They are human, most of them have deeper lying social problems. I don't think that there is anyone in their right mind who goes out to specifically hurt or kill another living human being, but I know many people who will do anything to provide something to eat for their family, to send their younger sibling to university, like you and I.
Don't get me wrong. I do not condone any act of violence aimed at another human being, but what I'm trying to point out is that I understand why sometimes I will be held at gunpoint in broad day light. It is because I have something that they don't have. I have a guaranteed opportunity to succeed in life, and unless I am willing to share my resources with those less fortunate then myself, I will(indirectly)threaten their "down-troden lives", as an everyday reminder that their chances of amounting to anything are slim.
What is stopping us from taking an initiative to combat poverty? When should we realise that poverty plays a huge role in crime? Such realisations star with us, the victims.
Life in this country could be so much better without high walls, electric fences and constant alertness that "maybe it is going to be me today".
I have seen the worst side of South Africa, but I choose to remain optimistic and actually do something about the situation.
Personally, I do not believe that the people who mug us and rape women are "useless mongrels" that need to be shipped to an island of highest calibre sinners. They are human, most of them have deeper lying social problems. I don't think that there is anyone in their right mind who goes out to specifically hurt or kill another living human being, but I know many people who will do anything to provide something to eat for their family, to send their younger sibling to university, like you and I.
Don't get me wrong. I do not condone any act of violence aimed at another human being, but what I'm trying to point out is that I understand why sometimes I will be held at gunpoint in broad day light. It is because I have something that they don't have. I have a guaranteed opportunity to succeed in life, and unless I am willing to share my resources with those less fortunate then myself, I will(indirectly)threaten their "down-troden lives", as an everyday reminder that their chances of amounting to anything are slim.
What is stopping us from taking an initiative to combat poverty? When should we realise that poverty plays a huge role in crime? Such realisations star with us, the victims.
Comment on a post that destroyed itself even before I did
I tried to suppress my anger when writing this comment, but couldn’t. I extend my apologies to the author of the post I commented on. I’m sure you tried hard.
"Maybe it is only I, but conditions are such these days, that if you use studiously correct grammar, people suspect you of homosexual tendencies." ~ Dorothy Parker. My dear Azab’sh, if this is to be believed then you are certainly in the clear. If, of course you consider not having homosexual tendencies as placing you in the clear. But the quality of your writing aside let’s move on to more sustentative argument. I pose the question to you, do you honestly believe that straight people have been forgotten on this campus, you merely have to look at the way that certain societies advertise their events and still objectify women to know this is not true. One assumes that your beliefs are informed by your social interactions with homosexual people, but when does this occur? Your profile states that you’re 17, unless you’re doing so illegally, when do you get the opportunity to engage with homosexuals in an informal, non-academic setting? If you were doing so you would notice that the homosexual community doesn’t utilise the party scene to proselytise, they party simple for that reason: to party. You seem to be assuming that homosexuality is a choice, why would anyone CHOOSE to be persecuted as empirical evidence suggests still happens at Rhodes. I am in complete agreement with your views on HIV statuses, your concern is legitimate and more should be done to encourage discourse on HIV and AIDs. Azab’sh, I find your use of hyberbole in saying that half the campus is gay to be well implemented and rather humorous – at least I hope it was for comedic effect because if not it is a gross exaggeration which further illustrates your uninformed opinions about the demographics of this campus. Being a student of language I’m concerned by your phrasing of “This lesbianism thing” (or is it just another error?) because it loaded with ideology, and not positive ideology at that. I haven’t experienced the homosexual community as a militant force and perhaps you should consider just what it means when you say you are a “victim” of gay and lesbian belief systems. As for “except[ing]” (and once again, did you mean accepting perchance?) gay and lesbian people for who they are; do you not expect people to accept you for who you are? Maybe we should return to an Apartheid mentality where different methodologies are used for separating and denigrating people because of who they are. This would seem to be the devolution of our egalitarian society, so maybe you should consider the implications of what you’re implying? This “dirty” question you didn’t want to ask, (so cleverly disguised by your pretence of not wanting to ask it) about the homosexual people in high places enforcing their pride on others’ is wholly contrary to reality. Once again, my experience is that they encourage one to be proud of whom one is as a whole person, sexuality being just one aspect. But I’ll accept your emphasis of the issue to be a personal (if somewhat misguided) opinion. And if you’re so concerned about the HIV and AIDs issue, why do you put so much energy into gay and lesbian people? Or is there some sinister correlation in mind, because to me the issues seem unrelated. Perhaps you could clarify this next sentence in your reply because I struggle to understand it: “I strongly believe that this homosexual thing is temporally and it is corrupting the poor first years who are trying to fit in.” Or maybe I rely too much on logic and actual experience when forming and relaying my observations. Finally, dearest Azab’sh, I don’t want you to think I’m attacking your… ahem… interesting argument, but I think the weight of not only evidence but also of the popular opinion of fellow alumni would hold truer to what I’ve said than to what you’ve said. Think… actually think about it and I’m sure you’ll agree.
"Maybe it is only I, but conditions are such these days, that if you use studiously correct grammar, people suspect you of homosexual tendencies." ~ Dorothy Parker. My dear Azab’sh, if this is to be believed then you are certainly in the clear. If, of course you consider not having homosexual tendencies as placing you in the clear. But the quality of your writing aside let’s move on to more sustentative argument. I pose the question to you, do you honestly believe that straight people have been forgotten on this campus, you merely have to look at the way that certain societies advertise their events and still objectify women to know this is not true. One assumes that your beliefs are informed by your social interactions with homosexual people, but when does this occur? Your profile states that you’re 17, unless you’re doing so illegally, when do you get the opportunity to engage with homosexuals in an informal, non-academic setting? If you were doing so you would notice that the homosexual community doesn’t utilise the party scene to proselytise, they party simple for that reason: to party. You seem to be assuming that homosexuality is a choice, why would anyone CHOOSE to be persecuted as empirical evidence suggests still happens at Rhodes. I am in complete agreement with your views on HIV statuses, your concern is legitimate and more should be done to encourage discourse on HIV and AIDs. Azab’sh, I find your use of hyberbole in saying that half the campus is gay to be well implemented and rather humorous – at least I hope it was for comedic effect because if not it is a gross exaggeration which further illustrates your uninformed opinions about the demographics of this campus. Being a student of language I’m concerned by your phrasing of “This lesbianism thing” (or is it just another error?) because it loaded with ideology, and not positive ideology at that. I haven’t experienced the homosexual community as a militant force and perhaps you should consider just what it means when you say you are a “victim” of gay and lesbian belief systems. As for “except[ing]” (and once again, did you mean accepting perchance?) gay and lesbian people for who they are; do you not expect people to accept you for who you are? Maybe we should return to an Apartheid mentality where different methodologies are used for separating and denigrating people because of who they are. This would seem to be the devolution of our egalitarian society, so maybe you should consider the implications of what you’re implying? This “dirty” question you didn’t want to ask, (so cleverly disguised by your pretence of not wanting to ask it) about the homosexual people in high places enforcing their pride on others’ is wholly contrary to reality. Once again, my experience is that they encourage one to be proud of whom one is as a whole person, sexuality being just one aspect. But I’ll accept your emphasis of the issue to be a personal (if somewhat misguided) opinion. And if you’re so concerned about the HIV and AIDs issue, why do you put so much energy into gay and lesbian people? Or is there some sinister correlation in mind, because to me the issues seem unrelated. Perhaps you could clarify this next sentence in your reply because I struggle to understand it: “I strongly believe that this homosexual thing is temporally and it is corrupting the poor first years who are trying to fit in.” Or maybe I rely too much on logic and actual experience when forming and relaying my observations. Finally, dearest Azab’sh, I don’t want you to think I’m attacking your… ahem… interesting argument, but I think the weight of not only evidence but also of the popular opinion of fellow alumni would hold truer to what I’ve said than to what you’ve said. Think… actually think about it and I’m sure you’ll agree.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Beauty resides within the beholder
I am so tired of having people judge me just because of my jean size. So what, I am a young lady who enjoys her meals and has less time to go to the gym and exercise. I find it so hard to understand why people judge each other by their outward appearance. Why do we have to live up to the standards which are set by fashion magazines such as Vogue, FHM and Glamour? Do those magazines define who we are and what type of girl or ladies are seen as being more attractive?
Young girls have always had issue with the way they look, especially when it comes to their weight. I would know, I was once that girl and yes I might have grown but I am still that weight conscious girl. Especially now that I am in tertiary and I have people back at home looking at me with a different eye just because I have put on a couple of pounds. Why do they not see the same old girl who once wore that perfect jean size which they found as attractive and out going? Besides the jean size, I am still that out going young girl deep down.
Being a first year in a different environment, far away from your parents is hard enough on its own. We are also pressured with academic work, do you think we have the time to worry about how much we weigh? Well some girls do, and most of them do not realise it but the more they worry about gaining weight the more pounds they seem to pick up. Some girls are lucky, when they stress they eat less but other unfortunate ladies like myself, when we stress we find comfort in food. Do you blame us? This is the only thing that will never let us down emotionally, and at that moment it fills a certain gap which no one else seems to be able to fill. Plus one puts no effort in having a bite of their favourite munch.
Come ladies eat up; just do not forget to exercise. This will not kill you, not only will it keep you healthy but it will also relieve your stress levels, leaving you feeling happy and lively. This way you will not have the erg to snack when it is not necessary. You are not doing this for anyone but yourself and as Ninon de Lenclos once quoted; “Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be.” This is a decision which needs to be taken by you, because you determine your own feature and no one else. We as ladies need to stop letting other peoples judgements determine who we are or how we should look. The ball is in our court and do not forget to; “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher,” Oprah Winfrey. “We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are,” beautifully said by the lady who has given me so much hope in my life, Opera Winfrey.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Gay Guys Gunnin' for my Groove
A story about Straight-Chasers
What on earth has this university done to me and my perceptions? I was told this environment would open my mind, ease me into having certain more accepting viewpoints on people unlike me – not that I wasn’t accepting before. I find inserting the male sexual organ into the same orifice that excretes faeces incredibly unnatural, and yet am able to, in a comfortable and judgeless manner, engage with gay men, I’d classify that as pretty damn accepting. Have I made a gay joke in my life? Yes I have. If that makes me a homophobe then please go ahead and imprison me with every other second person. If you have never laughed at a joke about a marginalised group then you’ve never heard one. The fact that the jokes are so un-PC is what adds humour.
For the sake of not having accusations of homophobia thrown at me, let’s establish that I have many gay friends whom I fully embrace for who they are. Part of the reason I’m even able to justify writing this is with their input. Different groups’ campaigns and personal accounts have helped me understand homosexuality better. I have been able to step up from simply accepting homosexuals to accepting homosexuality itself. With that out of the way I’d say that I’m qualified to make the observations that follow.
Here’s my problem. We’re so busy trying to redress the past, and combat ongoing discrimination that we ignore it when it comes from the very groups we are trying to protect. A current issue that most people, including myself, find repulsive is when heterosexual men rape lesbian women because they believe they can fuck the gayness out of them. The word disgusted doesn’t nearly do justice to my feelings on this matter, neither does it successfully sum up how I feel about the way gay men at this university seem to be under the impression they can alter the sexual orientation of straight men if they try hard enough. I have to concede that although definitely less extreme it is in essence a parallel of the unjustifiable ‘corrective rapes’. Perhaps that is a harsh comparison to draw but this message needs to hit home.
I believe sexual assault is the correct term to use when referring to an instance when another person touches or kisses you without your consent. If it is the right term- then I have been sexually assaulted. By a gay man. I believe this entitles me to be angry at that particular demographic, just as it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to be angry at “men, those pigs,” when something like that happens to her. Yet, although not unfazed by it, I haven’t slipped into a world of loathing, contenting myself with muttering about “them faggots” around a braai to the chuckling appreciation of my friends. Although a little begrudgingly, I would rather understand why this has happened to me a couple of times (you thought this was an isolated incident?) despite making it clear I don’t ‘box southpaw’ when I step into the sexual ring. I have a queer friend (he says I can call him that so don’t try pin a homophobic label on me) who’s positive he can ‘turn’ a guy he’s had his eye on. If I mention the possibility of him trying to be straight I get a look as though I’m talking in the devil’s tongue.
My acceptance of what I contend are very unnatural practices used to stem from a philosophy of letting people do what they want. Now it is based on knowledge I acquired this year that it isn’t a choice but rather genetic make-up that dictates who one is attracted to. The people touting this idea of chemical compositions of attraction– the homosexual community. So why do they suddenly forget that myself and other straight men are genetically compelled to like women when they try to bed us? With a reported 25 % of this campus homosexual the pickings surely can’t be that slim.
What on earth has this university done to me and my perceptions? I was told this environment would open my mind, ease me into having certain more accepting viewpoints on people unlike me – not that I wasn’t accepting before. I find inserting the male sexual organ into the same orifice that excretes faeces incredibly unnatural, and yet am able to, in a comfortable and judgeless manner, engage with gay men, I’d classify that as pretty damn accepting. Have I made a gay joke in my life? Yes I have. If that makes me a homophobe then please go ahead and imprison me with every other second person. If you have never laughed at a joke about a marginalised group then you’ve never heard one. The fact that the jokes are so un-PC is what adds humour.
For the sake of not having accusations of homophobia thrown at me, let’s establish that I have many gay friends whom I fully embrace for who they are. Part of the reason I’m even able to justify writing this is with their input. Different groups’ campaigns and personal accounts have helped me understand homosexuality better. I have been able to step up from simply accepting homosexuals to accepting homosexuality itself. With that out of the way I’d say that I’m qualified to make the observations that follow.
Here’s my problem. We’re so busy trying to redress the past, and combat ongoing discrimination that we ignore it when it comes from the very groups we are trying to protect. A current issue that most people, including myself, find repulsive is when heterosexual men rape lesbian women because they believe they can fuck the gayness out of them. The word disgusted doesn’t nearly do justice to my feelings on this matter, neither does it successfully sum up how I feel about the way gay men at this university seem to be under the impression they can alter the sexual orientation of straight men if they try hard enough. I have to concede that although definitely less extreme it is in essence a parallel of the unjustifiable ‘corrective rapes’. Perhaps that is a harsh comparison to draw but this message needs to hit home.
I believe sexual assault is the correct term to use when referring to an instance when another person touches or kisses you without your consent. If it is the right term- then I have been sexually assaulted. By a gay man. I believe this entitles me to be angry at that particular demographic, just as it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to be angry at “men, those pigs,” when something like that happens to her. Yet, although not unfazed by it, I haven’t slipped into a world of loathing, contenting myself with muttering about “them faggots” around a braai to the chuckling appreciation of my friends. Although a little begrudgingly, I would rather understand why this has happened to me a couple of times (you thought this was an isolated incident?) despite making it clear I don’t ‘box southpaw’ when I step into the sexual ring. I have a queer friend (he says I can call him that so don’t try pin a homophobic label on me) who’s positive he can ‘turn’ a guy he’s had his eye on. If I mention the possibility of him trying to be straight I get a look as though I’m talking in the devil’s tongue.
My acceptance of what I contend are very unnatural practices used to stem from a philosophy of letting people do what they want. Now it is based on knowledge I acquired this year that it isn’t a choice but rather genetic make-up that dictates who one is attracted to. The people touting this idea of chemical compositions of attraction– the homosexual community. So why do they suddenly forget that myself and other straight men are genetically compelled to like women when they try to bed us? With a reported 25 % of this campus homosexual the pickings surely can’t be that slim.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Rhodes is 'chilled' ?
The first year at Rhodes University is what some refer to as the year between high school and university. It is exclusively there for the inside look into university life but more than actually living it, a first year Rhodes student is an explorer and is discovering all the perks that there are without any of the responsibilities that come with it.
Some refer to first year as ‘chilled’, and it has come to my attention that it is not only the view of the first years in this regard but also of generally everyone on campus. I often hear lecturers say that first year is there so as to get you into second year “and then that is where the work begins”. A third year student once said to my friends and I as we were sitting on a Friday night watching television “This is the only chance you will get to go out so take it before it’s too late because once you get to second year, the fun is over.” After speaking to some second and third years about their first year at Rhodes some say that they actually remember bits of it because they were drunk half the time. The rest say that first year was fun but exhausting because a person had to balance their hectic social life with their academic one but once you get to second year “you don’t have a social life”.
This then made me wonder about how people made into second year at all. A later discovered that some of those that could not remember bits of their first year had to repeat it and the rest just found a way to balance their lives out. The normal routine was to attend lectures regularly until Wednesday, then miss the really early ones for the rest of the week and get notes from a friend at a later stage. If a person had an assignment due on Friday they would go out Wednesday and stay in on Thursday to do it. Some alternated between weekends so as to do work on one weekend and then celebrate doing the work the next.
After speaking to some first year Rhodes students, my speculation and suspicion into this matter appears to be confirmed. Rhodes first year students love to “get sloshed” as they would refer to it, and they are not shy about it. I have a person at my politics tutorial who is constantly late and does not have the work done most of the time. This person always excuses themselves by saying “last night was Thursday” which to this particular person seems to be a very reasonable excuse. Some first year students seem to disagree with this state of mind though and do not think that university is no fun and games whether you are in first year or not.
I for one think that everybody is crazy. Just to prove this I would like to state that I did this assignment at six o’ clock in the morning and that is just the beginning of my day. Journalism alone makes me stay up some nights now to combine it with all my other courses seems to be suicide. I happen to be only one of a large number of people who believe this to be true. I have no idea how people can manage to pass and still go out five nights a week. I am not a jealous person so I must say that I truly admire these people for being so ‘chilled’.
The first year at Rhodes University is ultimately a different experience for everyone but I would just to point out that just because I am in first year it does not mean that all I have to do is to be here in order to get into second year, it takes hard work, but I would also like to say that as a first year at Rhodes, being an explorer I encourage other first years like myself to go out once in a while and as some would say, its only first year.
Some refer to first year as ‘chilled’, and it has come to my attention that it is not only the view of the first years in this regard but also of generally everyone on campus. I often hear lecturers say that first year is there so as to get you into second year “and then that is where the work begins”. A third year student once said to my friends and I as we were sitting on a Friday night watching television “This is the only chance you will get to go out so take it before it’s too late because once you get to second year, the fun is over.” After speaking to some second and third years about their first year at Rhodes some say that they actually remember bits of it because they were drunk half the time. The rest say that first year was fun but exhausting because a person had to balance their hectic social life with their academic one but once you get to second year “you don’t have a social life”.
This then made me wonder about how people made into second year at all. A later discovered that some of those that could not remember bits of their first year had to repeat it and the rest just found a way to balance their lives out. The normal routine was to attend lectures regularly until Wednesday, then miss the really early ones for the rest of the week and get notes from a friend at a later stage. If a person had an assignment due on Friday they would go out Wednesday and stay in on Thursday to do it. Some alternated between weekends so as to do work on one weekend and then celebrate doing the work the next.
After speaking to some first year Rhodes students, my speculation and suspicion into this matter appears to be confirmed. Rhodes first year students love to “get sloshed” as they would refer to it, and they are not shy about it. I have a person at my politics tutorial who is constantly late and does not have the work done most of the time. This person always excuses themselves by saying “last night was Thursday” which to this particular person seems to be a very reasonable excuse. Some first year students seem to disagree with this state of mind though and do not think that university is no fun and games whether you are in first year or not.
I for one think that everybody is crazy. Just to prove this I would like to state that I did this assignment at six o’ clock in the morning and that is just the beginning of my day. Journalism alone makes me stay up some nights now to combine it with all my other courses seems to be suicide. I happen to be only one of a large number of people who believe this to be true. I have no idea how people can manage to pass and still go out five nights a week. I am not a jealous person so I must say that I truly admire these people for being so ‘chilled’.
The first year at Rhodes University is ultimately a different experience for everyone but I would just to point out that just because I am in first year it does not mean that all I have to do is to be here in order to get into second year, it takes hard work, but I would also like to say that as a first year at Rhodes, being an explorer I encourage other first years like myself to go out once in a while and as some would say, its only first year.
Integration? What integration?
When I first came to Rhodes University, all seemed well and ‘honky dory’. I easily got along with everyone regardless of their creed and background. We all tolerated each others’ space and differences. I thought I had finally reached my ideal destination whereby a person is not judged by his race and class, but by what he does at a given time and place.
Little did I know that my overly idealistic assumption would come crashing as the time went by, when true colours dared to reveal and expose some of the condescending racist bigots that live amongst us. As the time went by, I have been driven to behave in the most ruthless of manors, when a generalised racial comment or two, slips past the mouth of a self righteous nineteen year old fellow student.
I am deeply concerned about the levels of the lack of understanding of African people’s culture and way of life. When certain values and standards are imposed to the wrong people in a wrong way. I am referring to the prevalent of racial undertones directed at those who are not yet ready to accept the “better life”. Questions about other races in public discussion forums that show complete arrogance ignorance on the part of the introducer.
Questions like these (sourced directly from Facebook):
“Hey guys, I need some questions answered please? Can anybody help?- Have you ever heard of a white person raping a six month old baby?- How often do you hear about white hijackers?- Why are ghettos the most violent neighbourhoods anywhere in the world?- Why are 90% of our prisons populated by non-whites?- Can you name 5 famous black inventors (Without google'ing)?- Why do black people breed like rabbits, even if they can't afford the child?- Why is HIV by far more prevalent in black communities?- Why are our pass rates and education standards some of the lowest in the world?- Why don't you see white people striking and burning schools for example - Why do black people litter everywhere they go if they have so much respect for SA?- On which other continent do they hack off the limbs of women and children?And it's such a mystery why white people are so frustrated!”
This is the most suitable reply that immediately comes into mind:
How many times must the African people answer these questions to their European-African peers? How many times must we go out of our way to shatter all the misconceptions that the European-Africans residing in Africa have about us? How many times must we remind them to use logic before they ask lame, demeaning questions about us, the racial group they have lived with for decades, but still know very little about; while We understand and never judge their way of life? It baffles me. Yes we have adopted the European lifestyle; yes we have made an effort to learn their culture and language. We also subscribe to their ideologies and indeed aligned ourselves with some of their old age values, which some of us now also strive to preserve. That does not mean we have abandoned our lifestyles for the "better" European culture. We are merely making means to co-exist within a dominantly capitalistic society. I am angry that at this day, I am still expected to for example, speak “fluent, proper” English when I am at tutorials; but what about my own? When can I perfect it? When can I get a chance to also abruptly correct a none (native language) speaker when they make a mistake?
As far as I am concerned all the things that the Europeans value and imposed upon the world are not so important when you really come to think of it; look at formal education, economics, structural governing systems (democracy) and of course biblical values.
Personally, if I decide to live in an isolated mud rondavel/hut, slaughter and eat beasts, have 74 children, have a chief as my leader, if I believe in ancestors or if I choose acquire my knowledge from grandparents and peers while herding stock in the veld I do not need anyone telling me that my ways are "filthy", "heathen", "need to be changed or to improve, even". I do not need infiltration and suggestions. I would be happy, if they keep their cultures to themselves.
Before people decide to ask questions like that, slander or judge the African population (faults and all), look at how far we have gone and always know that the Africans were very happy with their "old" ways, until Europe came along....
Therefore, as a proud (brown skinned) African, I choose not to directly answer your list of questions as I feel they undermine my race. Your questions are generalised and highly biased; probably no answer will satisfy you as you seem to have concluded about the doom of the African nation.
Sourced from a Facebook discussion.
A Personal Journey
“KNOW THY SELF” A touching story about self discovery and faith
As you enter the room it seems to be chaos. There is a gnome with a yellow pointy hat and an orange top in a corner; there are drinking glasses on the window pain; there is a surfboard lying next to the wall behind the bed; the desk is covered with books and what at the beginning appears to be a hat flowing in the air but then you soon realize that it is on a jewelry stand; the cupboards are open giving a view of many colourful tops and hats, the shelf is filled with countless books. Her board is covered with notes, timetables and pictures, but no one can miss the large poster that says “Footprints”. As you begin to read the writing underneath you begin to realize what it is that makes you feel relaxed and calm in all this chaos.
‘Footprints’ is a poem about a person walking on a beach with God, and looking back on their life. The person notices that during the trying times, there appears to have been one set of footprints and not two. The person then proceeds to ask God why at these times he was not there, and the Lord answers that at those times was when God carried him or her. Courtney B then looks at the poster and says how important that poem is to her and more importantly, how her faith is what makes her life make sense “I guess I was searching for something and I found it.”
Coming from a background with no Christian affiliations it was hard for her to practice her religion and to do what she felt was right for her “I had to choose between what my family believed in and what I believed in.” She started getting involved with Christian groups and going to church by herself regularly from grade ten. Her family did not support her but eventually became accustomed to the idea. As her faith grew she began to discover more about herself and to become secure in who she was “You’ve got to know yourself”, but she still had to face the challenge of Rhodes University “The city of the devil”.
Upon arriving at Rhodes she admits that she was scared. She was confident in herself and her faith but did not know what to expect “I felt way out of my depth.” That did not stop her however from becoming an involved member at the university. She joined three societies including the African Drum Society and on top of her work schedule, she manages to go to church every Sunday “I feel like I’m stronger now,” and she is no longer scared to be herself “If I speak about my religion in public and someone frowns, I don’t mind anymore.”
She lives by the philosophy “Let the world feel the weight of who you are and let them deal with it.” She loves nature and colour, her favourite colour is white because reflected it shows all the colours of the rainbow. She has made a home for herself in what they call “the city of the devil” and she has influenced those around her to do the same “Don’t loose yourself, figuratively and literally, where you come from, who you are, and what you want.”
As you enter the room it seems to be chaos. There is a gnome with a yellow pointy hat and an orange top in a corner; there are drinking glasses on the window pain; there is a surfboard lying next to the wall behind the bed; the desk is covered with books and what at the beginning appears to be a hat flowing in the air but then you soon realize that it is on a jewelry stand; the cupboards are open giving a view of many colourful tops and hats, the shelf is filled with countless books. Her board is covered with notes, timetables and pictures, but no one can miss the large poster that says “Footprints”. As you begin to read the writing underneath you begin to realize what it is that makes you feel relaxed and calm in all this chaos.
‘Footprints’ is a poem about a person walking on a beach with God, and looking back on their life. The person notices that during the trying times, there appears to have been one set of footprints and not two. The person then proceeds to ask God why at these times he was not there, and the Lord answers that at those times was when God carried him or her. Courtney B then looks at the poster and says how important that poem is to her and more importantly, how her faith is what makes her life make sense “I guess I was searching for something and I found it.”
Coming from a background with no Christian affiliations it was hard for her to practice her religion and to do what she felt was right for her “I had to choose between what my family believed in and what I believed in.” She started getting involved with Christian groups and going to church by herself regularly from grade ten. Her family did not support her but eventually became accustomed to the idea. As her faith grew she began to discover more about herself and to become secure in who she was “You’ve got to know yourself”, but she still had to face the challenge of Rhodes University “The city of the devil”.
Upon arriving at Rhodes she admits that she was scared. She was confident in herself and her faith but did not know what to expect “I felt way out of my depth.” That did not stop her however from becoming an involved member at the university. She joined three societies including the African Drum Society and on top of her work schedule, she manages to go to church every Sunday “I feel like I’m stronger now,” and she is no longer scared to be herself “If I speak about my religion in public and someone frowns, I don’t mind anymore.”
She lives by the philosophy “Let the world feel the weight of who you are and let them deal with it.” She loves nature and colour, her favourite colour is white because reflected it shows all the colours of the rainbow. She has made a home for herself in what they call “the city of the devil” and she has influenced those around her to do the same “Don’t loose yourself, figuratively and literally, where you come from, who you are, and what you want.”
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Miss Independant
She leans over her book shelve in front of a wall filled with posters of every young and handsome celebrity guy you can think of dressed in a short jean mini skirt and a pink sassy top. She smiles and looks at me with her big eyes, “So, you want to know about me and my ways of living?” she asks. She has never had some approach her and ask her to tell them about her untamed life in university. This is a story she has always been eager to tell someone for months.
Sivuyisiwe Brigette Ngcaba grew up in the big city of Johannesburg, and for years she has never been faced with the need to work for any thing. In high school all she did were the things her friends would do; never did anything that seemed to be out of the ordinary. This all was to gain the approval of her friends and every one around her. Sivuyisiwe grew up living with her mother, but occasionally visited her father in Pretoria. “My mother was very strict on me, the only time you would see me out with friends would be at the mall or a day time party which had parents around.” she says with an attitude of someone who really does not care. “In my high school years I have never had the opportunity to smell freedom,” at home or at school; having to please every one every where she went.
Her first encounter with Rhodes University, she explains with so much excitement in her voice and a lit up face. She comes closer and jumps onto the bed, where I was seated as if she was about to tell me news that she has been dying to tell someone in a very long time but was suppressed from telling anyone. “A BLAST OF FREEDOM” that is how she explains her first week in Grahamstown; “It was something I had never experienced in my life before,” she says. Except for the freedom, Sivuyisiwe was still the same girl she was back in high school; she still did things to gain the approval of friends. But the only difference now is that she started to party a lot and drink excessively. She said this affected her academic performance causing her to fail a couple of her subjects. This was not only a weakness but also a habit she felt she needed to change. It took a great deal of time, a full term, till she discovered a book called The Secret. This book helped her realize that “All power is from within and therefore under our control,” (Robert Collier). This is when she decided she was going to live for herself and no one else, and realized that this is all going to need a lot of discipline.
With the combination of independence Sivuyisiwe started making the most of her every day life count. She was the life of every party she attended; and by just being herself, she made a lot of friends. “Rhodes helped me discover my capabilities and this helped me survive the torture of being some one who is dull and boring” she said with a lot of enthusiasm. Sivuyisiwe is now one of the most spoken about first year students in Rhodes University, not every thing they say about her is good yet she lives her life with so much charm and cheerfulness; also doing well academically.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Pervasive Social Ties
The introduction with Jean—Piere got off to a shaky start. He is a coy exchange student from France whose thick Toulouse accent would definitely clip the reflexes of someone who only gone as far as French 1P in learning the romantic language.
“Bonjour mon nom est Jean—Piere. Je suis de Toulouse en France, vous devez etre Sizwe?”
(Hi my name is Jean--Piere. I am from Toulouse in France, you must be Sizwe?), he said almost comfortably as he opened the door. His room is filled with pictures of ancient buildings and French ornaments it screamed with bright colours of the drapeau tricolore (the French flag) and some Pan—African colours.
“For zhe memories”, he quickly volunteered the information before offering coffee.
His English is good enough, although he sometimes drifts to some usual French phrases to emphasise a point, he is still articulate and very much conversational.
Jean—Piere arrived at Rhodes University as one of the ten students who had won a scholarship to study in any country of their choice in Africa. He chose South Africa, thanks to the reputation that some of our political leaders, sport stars and entertainers have upheld abroad, most of the people from around the world want to come to this country and experience the lifestyle.
It has not been long since he had joined us in this institution and he is already learning to swear in isiXhosa.
“I am fascinated by these South African languages, they have many clicks that are impossible to pronounce”, he said as he laughed at his umpteenth attempt to pronounce amaqanda (eggs). He says he is comfortably fitting to the environment in Grahamstown, except for the weather, everything else is fine.
The deepest conversations between individuals are only said to be genuine when the parties involved confide in each other about their past, present and future. Jean—Piere recounted his formative years as a ten year old in Senegal – just before his family moved to France. He talked about the volatile political situation in the neighbouring Guinea Bissau that spilled across the Senegalese boders and adversely affected his family.
The unanticipated move to France forced him to cut ties with his childhood friends and taught him the reality of life that one does not always receive what they desire. Upon his arrival in France he was suddenly faced with a totally new environment the perplexed him for the following couple of months. He names his grandmother as his source of hope when he felt completely out of place in Toulouse. He recalls her words that have always kept him in check:
“Sometimes you make a good decision, but sometimes you have the decision good.”
It is in the same spirit that he has managed to cope with the lifestyle in Grahamstown. The multi—nationalism of this place works in favour as it affords him a rare opportunity of mingling with people from other countries. He appreciates the way things are done in this side of Africa. With the busy economy, fierce political competition and world class infrastructure, he reckons South Africans should be grateful because they are destined for bigger things. His point of comparison being his native country, Senegal he feels that there is a lot that his country can learn from South Africa.
With the help of Prof. Local, he has managed to know the place and its people a little bit better. His introduction to interesting people, recreational spots and of course the sound warnings about things to avoid, has made sure that his existence at Rhodes yields good memories that he will be able to cherish for a long time. Beside the academic career and memories, he is also here to make friends. It was not surprising that when he parted he decided to quote Mariama Ba (Senegalese novelist), when she said in her novel So Long a Letter:
“Friendship has splendours that love knows not. It grows stronger when crossed, whereas obstacles kill love.” A random comment that lingers in the air it indicates the main purpose for us to help the first year students to have a ‘chilled’ experience at Rhodes University, as we have seen in many instances; an extension of a helping hand sometimes goes beyond the physical touch.
Facebook Profile: Jean—Piere Camara
“Bonjour mon nom est Jean—Piere. Je suis de Toulouse en France, vous devez etre Sizwe?”
(Hi my name is Jean--Piere. I am from Toulouse in France, you must be Sizwe?), he said almost comfortably as he opened the door. His room is filled with pictures of ancient buildings and French ornaments it screamed with bright colours of the drapeau tricolore (the French flag) and some Pan—African colours.
“For zhe memories”, he quickly volunteered the information before offering coffee.
His English is good enough, although he sometimes drifts to some usual French phrases to emphasise a point, he is still articulate and very much conversational.
Jean—Piere arrived at Rhodes University as one of the ten students who had won a scholarship to study in any country of their choice in Africa. He chose South Africa, thanks to the reputation that some of our political leaders, sport stars and entertainers have upheld abroad, most of the people from around the world want to come to this country and experience the lifestyle.
It has not been long since he had joined us in this institution and he is already learning to swear in isiXhosa.
“I am fascinated by these South African languages, they have many clicks that are impossible to pronounce”, he said as he laughed at his umpteenth attempt to pronounce amaqanda (eggs). He says he is comfortably fitting to the environment in Grahamstown, except for the weather, everything else is fine.
The deepest conversations between individuals are only said to be genuine when the parties involved confide in each other about their past, present and future. Jean—Piere recounted his formative years as a ten year old in Senegal – just before his family moved to France. He talked about the volatile political situation in the neighbouring Guinea Bissau that spilled across the Senegalese boders and adversely affected his family.
The unanticipated move to France forced him to cut ties with his childhood friends and taught him the reality of life that one does not always receive what they desire. Upon his arrival in France he was suddenly faced with a totally new environment the perplexed him for the following couple of months. He names his grandmother as his source of hope when he felt completely out of place in Toulouse. He recalls her words that have always kept him in check:
“Sometimes you make a good decision, but sometimes you have the decision good.”
It is in the same spirit that he has managed to cope with the lifestyle in Grahamstown. The multi—nationalism of this place works in favour as it affords him a rare opportunity of mingling with people from other countries. He appreciates the way things are done in this side of Africa. With the busy economy, fierce political competition and world class infrastructure, he reckons South Africans should be grateful because they are destined for bigger things. His point of comparison being his native country, Senegal he feels that there is a lot that his country can learn from South Africa.
With the help of Prof. Local, he has managed to know the place and its people a little bit better. His introduction to interesting people, recreational spots and of course the sound warnings about things to avoid, has made sure that his existence at Rhodes yields good memories that he will be able to cherish for a long time. Beside the academic career and memories, he is also here to make friends. It was not surprising that when he parted he decided to quote Mariama Ba (Senegalese novelist), when she said in her novel So Long a Letter:
“Friendship has splendours that love knows not. It grows stronger when crossed, whereas obstacles kill love.” A random comment that lingers in the air it indicates the main purpose for us to help the first year students to have a ‘chilled’ experience at Rhodes University, as we have seen in many instances; an extension of a helping hand sometimes goes beyond the physical touch.
Facebook Profile: Jean—Piere Camara
Friday, October 3, 2008
God help me (if you’re even there).
The story of how res life has been a test of APOLLOS HANGULA’s faith.
Text books and a laptop would be commonplace on any first year’s desk but the bookmark packed bible also upon it hints that the student who sits down to this desk is deeply religious, just like the Arsenal cap and banner on his wall suggest he is an avid gunners fan.
If you thought drinking was the only thing a Rhodes student could do to have fun, have a chat with Apollos Hangula. Alcohol has never touched his moustache feathered lips and he’s having the time of his life. Mainly because he has adapted so well to his new home of Botha House. Apollos says: “Back home I would never have associated with people not like me, but I’ve learnt not to be judgemental.” Luckily for him so have the people he lives with and they are happy to accept him and his “odd” habit. “I don’t know what I would have done if I had needed to drink to fit in,” Apollos says, stopping abruptly at that point obviously not wanting to think about having to have compromised his values.
This slight framed, football mad 18-year-old has grown up in Windhoek, Namibia where he received a strong Christian grounding from his parents. Son of a strict disciplinarian father Apollos has learnt how to not put a foot wrong, but without his father’s presence at Rhodes he has been able to reinvent himself. However Apollos’s principles have remained in tact during this reinvention. He has been introduced to DJing and dancing, and surely girls too? Apollos, still smiling after reminiscing about home, says: “No temptation there,” chuckling all the while.
Botha House is now home to this confident, well spoken young man. “My life has been truly guided, it’s a blessing to be where I am now,” Apollos admits. And it seems that his ever positive attitude is influencing his friends who are keen to list his good qualities in between pocketing balls on the pool table. “Apollos is great to have around”, Thabo says, looking up momentarily before striking his pool ball, “and he’s good with the ladies,” he adds, as his ball skids into the corner pocket.
Seems the page on honesty was missing from Apollos’s Bible because he said there was no temptation in that department. Maybe it’s just modesty though. That’s at least one of the impressions people not within his circle of friends get. Colin Kroon, an atheist who’s always ready to challenge Apollos on his religious convictions, says: “Usually I can get people flustered very easily but I find it impossible to aggravate Apollos no matter how much I discredit his beliefs.” It is this strength of character that has won over so many of his peers who would usually have dissociated themselves from someone who doesn’t buy into the philosophy of drinking themselves silly whenever possible.
His faith hasn’t weakened, but has it strengthened? There is a long pause from Apollos that seems to suggest he is unsure, but his measured response banishes this sentiment. “To some people ‘stronger faith’ may mean reading the bible more- I haven’t”, he concedes, “I feel my faith has grown because I have been exposed to more and yet I remain on the path I want to be on,” Apollos says, his gaze not dropping once.
“I don’t pray for the people I live with- I no longer see them as sinners,” says Apollos as a closing statement to what has been a stirring insight into the life of someone who remains righteous amongst the turmoil of immorality that surrounds him.
Text books and a laptop would be commonplace on any first year’s desk but the bookmark packed bible also upon it hints that the student who sits down to this desk is deeply religious, just like the Arsenal cap and banner on his wall suggest he is an avid gunners fan.
If you thought drinking was the only thing a Rhodes student could do to have fun, have a chat with Apollos Hangula. Alcohol has never touched his moustache feathered lips and he’s having the time of his life. Mainly because he has adapted so well to his new home of Botha House. Apollos says: “Back home I would never have associated with people not like me, but I’ve learnt not to be judgemental.” Luckily for him so have the people he lives with and they are happy to accept him and his “odd” habit. “I don’t know what I would have done if I had needed to drink to fit in,” Apollos says, stopping abruptly at that point obviously not wanting to think about having to have compromised his values.
This slight framed, football mad 18-year-old has grown up in Windhoek, Namibia where he received a strong Christian grounding from his parents. Son of a strict disciplinarian father Apollos has learnt how to not put a foot wrong, but without his father’s presence at Rhodes he has been able to reinvent himself. However Apollos’s principles have remained in tact during this reinvention. He has been introduced to DJing and dancing, and surely girls too? Apollos, still smiling after reminiscing about home, says: “No temptation there,” chuckling all the while.
Botha House is now home to this confident, well spoken young man. “My life has been truly guided, it’s a blessing to be where I am now,” Apollos admits. And it seems that his ever positive attitude is influencing his friends who are keen to list his good qualities in between pocketing balls on the pool table. “Apollos is great to have around”, Thabo says, looking up momentarily before striking his pool ball, “and he’s good with the ladies,” he adds, as his ball skids into the corner pocket.
Seems the page on honesty was missing from Apollos’s Bible because he said there was no temptation in that department. Maybe it’s just modesty though. That’s at least one of the impressions people not within his circle of friends get. Colin Kroon, an atheist who’s always ready to challenge Apollos on his religious convictions, says: “Usually I can get people flustered very easily but I find it impossible to aggravate Apollos no matter how much I discredit his beliefs.” It is this strength of character that has won over so many of his peers who would usually have dissociated themselves from someone who doesn’t buy into the philosophy of drinking themselves silly whenever possible.
His faith hasn’t weakened, but has it strengthened? There is a long pause from Apollos that seems to suggest he is unsure, but his measured response banishes this sentiment. “To some people ‘stronger faith’ may mean reading the bible more- I haven’t”, he concedes, “I feel my faith has grown because I have been exposed to more and yet I remain on the path I want to be on,” Apollos says, his gaze not dropping once.
“I don’t pray for the people I live with- I no longer see them as sinners,” says Apollos as a closing statement to what has been a stirring insight into the life of someone who remains righteous amongst the turmoil of immorality that surrounds him.
Missy's misdemeanours
A lovely young lady, one who has replaced her home many times before in the search of something stable, something steadfast is now situated in the smallest community with the most diversity. She came to Rhodes. All is well in the land of the ambitious youth who never cease to grab an opportunity, however thoughtless, with full force and Missy* is no exception to the rule.
Missy* arrived at Rhodes having travelled most of the world with the conscious certainty that she knew what to expect and that she would know how to handle it. She admits to having only been involved in meaningful relationships prior to university, saying “I realised you can’t have a boyfriend at varsity.” When asked why she came to such a conclusion, she explains that at university there seems to be less inhibitions so everybody tends to go out more often and there are ample opportunities to get intimate (to whichever extent one might prefer) with somebody without the complications that a long-term relationship might infer. Sitting on her bed, her legs crossed with her reading glasses perched on her mass of auburn hair, she seems lost in thought before suddenly declaring that she’s grown up. She constitutes love as a different thing now to what she did before coming to Rhodes. Missy* compares her emotional status from now with then, identifying herself as having become an emotionally stronger person. She fidgets with the strings of her tracksuit pants but her face is sombre, she is relaxed and humbled by the knowledge she has gained since attending university. When asked to define love, she replies without hesitation, “When you find that small part of your soul that’s been missing, that connection. It’s when you don’t see anyone else as anything more that just friends.” Her facial expression does not change but there is a slight sadness that creeps into her voice, it becomes less assertive. “I don’t have that emotional connection to sex anymore”. Missy* admits that as a result of past encounters, she views sex and love as different things, referring to the latter as being true when she’s willing to take a risk for someone, adding that if love isn’t visible, “then why not have some fun?” Her personal view on sex in general at Rhodes is that alcohol has a great influence on it, saying that many people change their initial views on sex once having been at Rhodes because the option to do things that aren’t in your nature is more available and less scrutinised. All seriousness aside, Missy* literally lets her hair down and smiles coyly. She is in a relationship at present and although she says that she is happy and could possibly fall in love with her beau she doesn’t think it is true love. “You might meet your prince charming at Rhodes, but not your king.” All in all, Missy* has embraced Rhodes and the countless images of love, sex and abstinence with a strong will and even stronger values. She is the epitome of carefree indulgence, with that pungent element of wisdom that makes it worth the while.
Missy* arrived at Rhodes having travelled most of the world with the conscious certainty that she knew what to expect and that she would know how to handle it. She admits to having only been involved in meaningful relationships prior to university, saying “I realised you can’t have a boyfriend at varsity.” When asked why she came to such a conclusion, she explains that at university there seems to be less inhibitions so everybody tends to go out more often and there are ample opportunities to get intimate (to whichever extent one might prefer) with somebody without the complications that a long-term relationship might infer. Sitting on her bed, her legs crossed with her reading glasses perched on her mass of auburn hair, she seems lost in thought before suddenly declaring that she’s grown up. She constitutes love as a different thing now to what she did before coming to Rhodes. Missy* compares her emotional status from now with then, identifying herself as having become an emotionally stronger person. She fidgets with the strings of her tracksuit pants but her face is sombre, she is relaxed and humbled by the knowledge she has gained since attending university. When asked to define love, she replies without hesitation, “When you find that small part of your soul that’s been missing, that connection. It’s when you don’t see anyone else as anything more that just friends.” Her facial expression does not change but there is a slight sadness that creeps into her voice, it becomes less assertive. “I don’t have that emotional connection to sex anymore”. Missy* admits that as a result of past encounters, she views sex and love as different things, referring to the latter as being true when she’s willing to take a risk for someone, adding that if love isn’t visible, “then why not have some fun?” Her personal view on sex in general at Rhodes is that alcohol has a great influence on it, saying that many people change their initial views on sex once having been at Rhodes because the option to do things that aren’t in your nature is more available and less scrutinised. All seriousness aside, Missy* literally lets her hair down and smiles coyly. She is in a relationship at present and although she says that she is happy and could possibly fall in love with her beau she doesn’t think it is true love. “You might meet your prince charming at Rhodes, but not your king.” All in all, Missy* has embraced Rhodes and the countless images of love, sex and abstinence with a strong will and even stronger values. She is the epitome of carefree indulgence, with that pungent element of wisdom that makes it worth the while.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Time travelling letter
Dear Disillusioned,
I know you don’t like taking advice, but I’m better placed than anyone has ever been to dish it out. Go to Rhodes. I know where your mind is at right now, and it’s not a good place but excuses will get you no where in life. Confess your fears; people will always be willing to help. I can’t stress how imperative it is that you don’t let this opportunity slip. You’ve been dying to get away from home, to leave the insensitive, money chasing, steroid pumped suburban life style. So what are you waiting for? But old me, don’t expect too much of a change in attitudes and perceptions when you get to varsity. People are more open minded, sure. But you can’t expect to stop encountering inane and brainless people, carbon copies of the dross spewing imbeciles of your home town. Unfortunately university selection policies don’t have a way of filtering out these individuals. Be patient, they’re still there. A few in your row in the lecture theatre, one down your corridor in res, a couple near you at the pub- they didn’t go anywhere. Learn to deal with these people and you’ll have a brilliant year. Tough as it is, be a cynic about love. I know you, so I’ll tell you this- wipe the goofy grin off your face and the stars out of your eyes and learn to be more perceptive. I can only give you this advice, I can only hope to God (and yes your faith will be tested) that you take it.
Communal living will test your limits but will teach you tolerance. Don’t ignore the lessons on tolerance, and don’t be afraid to call Rhodes home.
Regards,
An older, wiser you
I know you don’t like taking advice, but I’m better placed than anyone has ever been to dish it out. Go to Rhodes. I know where your mind is at right now, and it’s not a good place but excuses will get you no where in life. Confess your fears; people will always be willing to help. I can’t stress how imperative it is that you don’t let this opportunity slip. You’ve been dying to get away from home, to leave the insensitive, money chasing, steroid pumped suburban life style. So what are you waiting for? But old me, don’t expect too much of a change in attitudes and perceptions when you get to varsity. People are more open minded, sure. But you can’t expect to stop encountering inane and brainless people, carbon copies of the dross spewing imbeciles of your home town. Unfortunately university selection policies don’t have a way of filtering out these individuals. Be patient, they’re still there. A few in your row in the lecture theatre, one down your corridor in res, a couple near you at the pub- they didn’t go anywhere. Learn to deal with these people and you’ll have a brilliant year. Tough as it is, be a cynic about love. I know you, so I’ll tell you this- wipe the goofy grin off your face and the stars out of your eyes and learn to be more perceptive. I can only give you this advice, I can only hope to God (and yes your faith will be tested) that you take it.
Communal living will test your limits but will teach you tolerance. Don’t ignore the lessons on tolerance, and don’t be afraid to call Rhodes home.
Regards,
An older, wiser you
Letter To My Old Self.
Dear Freshman
As I sat on my desk last night reading about your first few weeks in university, I nearly fell off my chair with uncontrollable laughter coupled with moments of shock and endearment. A truly gagging experience for you, it felt like a walk down memory lane for me.
What would you have done? Mom and dad came out off their bedroom satisfied with the arguments and counter arguments they have been throwing back and forth at each other without much success for weeks on end. Dad suggesting UCT and mom hell burnt about sending you to UKZN, she used to say: “We will easily monitor his progress here”, the famous last words. I remember the sullenness that filled the room as they switched off the TV to break your future down for you (in layman’s terms). The “verdict” was out: Rhodes University was going to be the destination. The bewilderment in your face just said it all.
All the hours you spent on the internet browsing for Rhodes University, all the calls to the student Bureau staff, printing out residences; may have helped you out in coming to terms with what you were to encounter in real life, but alas! Arriving in Grahamstown on its own has a way of calming down people, in a special way that you talked about in your letter. When you said that before coming to Rhodes, the colour purple was not really an element you ever thought would be so much part of a town, not even an educational institution for that matter, it struck me that this is the colour to ever dominate anything else in this town, except for churches. It is the same colour that I got to associate with the town’s weather, which is basically winter with sprawls of other seasons at any given time.
At this point, I will have to praise you for your interesting observation about the “ripping—off” done by the societies on students. You did a good thing by avoiding them, even Trevor Manuel would not mind roping you in, judging by your general thriftiness. That is one of the aspect you can gladly pass to the coming ‘freshmen’.
For the whole duration of your stay at Rhodes, you will still be moved by many things, like having dogs roaming around in lecture theatres; witnessing weekend long drinking sprees—as you correctly put it that a day without a drunk person seems like a day out of town. But the people are nice here; some of them go out of their way to make this place as enjoyable as it possibly can.
You see, it was not that harsh a decision that the parents made. All you ever had to do was to arrive. Everything else is chilled.
Yours in reflection.
Sizwe Hlatshwayo
As I sat on my desk last night reading about your first few weeks in university, I nearly fell off my chair with uncontrollable laughter coupled with moments of shock and endearment. A truly gagging experience for you, it felt like a walk down memory lane for me.
What would you have done? Mom and dad came out off their bedroom satisfied with the arguments and counter arguments they have been throwing back and forth at each other without much success for weeks on end. Dad suggesting UCT and mom hell burnt about sending you to UKZN, she used to say: “We will easily monitor his progress here”, the famous last words. I remember the sullenness that filled the room as they switched off the TV to break your future down for you (in layman’s terms). The “verdict” was out: Rhodes University was going to be the destination. The bewilderment in your face just said it all.
All the hours you spent on the internet browsing for Rhodes University, all the calls to the student Bureau staff, printing out residences; may have helped you out in coming to terms with what you were to encounter in real life, but alas! Arriving in Grahamstown on its own has a way of calming down people, in a special way that you talked about in your letter. When you said that before coming to Rhodes, the colour purple was not really an element you ever thought would be so much part of a town, not even an educational institution for that matter, it struck me that this is the colour to ever dominate anything else in this town, except for churches. It is the same colour that I got to associate with the town’s weather, which is basically winter with sprawls of other seasons at any given time.
At this point, I will have to praise you for your interesting observation about the “ripping—off” done by the societies on students. You did a good thing by avoiding them, even Trevor Manuel would not mind roping you in, judging by your general thriftiness. That is one of the aspect you can gladly pass to the coming ‘freshmen’.
For the whole duration of your stay at Rhodes, you will still be moved by many things, like having dogs roaming around in lecture theatres; witnessing weekend long drinking sprees—as you correctly put it that a day without a drunk person seems like a day out of town. But the people are nice here; some of them go out of their way to make this place as enjoyable as it possibly can.
You see, it was not that harsh a decision that the parents made. All you ever had to do was to arrive. Everything else is chilled.
Yours in reflection.
Sizwe Hlatshwayo
Friday, September 26, 2008
Eager friend
My dear eager, yet inexperienced friend
The life of tertiary is fun, it has no limitations. The sound of freedom whispers in your ears every minute, while you wonder the streets of Grahamstown, after 10pm. Heading for the ‘sin street’ filled with all of the outgoing students of Rhodes, yes the one street in Grahamstown which has more than three clubs lined down. The sensation will get you excited; you surely can not wait to loosen up and get into the feel of things. Oh boy, this is the Rhodes life for sure, especially during O-week; the first week of your tertiary life.
This might not seem like it is just too much to handle for the first week. Well this is not where it ends. There are parties throughout the year; clubs are always open almost every weekend of the year, but club nights start on Wednesdays. With guest appearances every month; and you have no one stopping you from going out. Even when you have tests lined up for the following week.
Here is where I come in; I am not going to forbid you from having fun or experimenting tertiary life. Well go ahead enjoy yourself, but always bear one thing in mind. You are here to get a degree, and that is what you are going to do. Now my first lesson for you is that no matter what plans you have for the weekend, during the week you should push your academic work till Thursday so that you have the weekend free. Let the weekend freedom be a reward to all the hard work which you put in during the week.
I know things might seem dreary in your world of innocence, and you feeling the excitement of starting the pleasurable and untamed life of tertiary. To be honest with you, not all things are as they seem on the surface. Yes tertiary is fun, oh the fresh and yet so sweet atmosphere of freedom lingers in the air of Grahamstown. But bear in mind that all that freedom comes with responsibilities. You are coming here to learn how to think outside the box, and that does not only mean academically, but also socially.
I am here if you need to give me a shout, or seem to be battling with anything in the department entertainment. Hey keep smiling and brighten up your way to success.
Yours truly
Tokoloho Thoahlane, your big sis *;)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A Letter to My Younger Self
Dear Itu
I know that you are excited and terrified about the year ahead, it is to be expected. You have closed one chapter in your life and you are about to open a new one. Don’t think that the experience that one gets from university is specific and therefore evident, it does not matter where you go or what you do, you learn what you choose to.
I have now been here for sometime and I can honestly say that most of the things that I have learned have not come from text books or lectures. I remember first arriving here and having strangers tell me “just chill”, I should have listened. I instead devoted all my time to my studies and what do I have to show for it, I’m still a high school student only in a different location. In terms of studying I can only give you one advice, take your head out of the books and look around, maybe then you’ll learn something that can actually be helpful to a normal person like yourself. Remember when just before leaving dad said “Your life is about to change,” and you said “Agh please, I have been in hostel since I was twelve”, well it’s not the same thing. You need to grow and the only way to do that is to live, not just to exist.
When you arrive hear you will be bombarded with posters and leaflets about what to do and which societies to join. Take one and join something. The best way to find out what you like is by exploring and discovering what you don’t like. The university is truly filled with many societies, some not as productive as others, but at least by the end of your first year you will know what you want and what you don’t. So I wish you good luck for the upcoming year and remember, you can not always learn by observing, sometimes you need to do.
With the utmost sincerity
Your Future Self
I know that you are excited and terrified about the year ahead, it is to be expected. You have closed one chapter in your life and you are about to open a new one. Don’t think that the experience that one gets from university is specific and therefore evident, it does not matter where you go or what you do, you learn what you choose to.
I have now been here for sometime and I can honestly say that most of the things that I have learned have not come from text books or lectures. I remember first arriving here and having strangers tell me “just chill”, I should have listened. I instead devoted all my time to my studies and what do I have to show for it, I’m still a high school student only in a different location. In terms of studying I can only give you one advice, take your head out of the books and look around, maybe then you’ll learn something that can actually be helpful to a normal person like yourself. Remember when just before leaving dad said “Your life is about to change,” and you said “Agh please, I have been in hostel since I was twelve”, well it’s not the same thing. You need to grow and the only way to do that is to live, not just to exist.
When you arrive hear you will be bombarded with posters and leaflets about what to do and which societies to join. Take one and join something. The best way to find out what you like is by exploring and discovering what you don’t like. The university is truly filled with many societies, some not as productive as others, but at least by the end of your first year you will know what you want and what you don’t. So I wish you good luck for the upcoming year and remember, you can not always learn by observing, sometimes you need to do.
With the utmost sincerity
Your Future Self
Letter to a younger me
Dearest Delusion
I know that you are prone to be humble. I know that you are open to advice and suggestion and so I beseech you to pay careful attention:
The change that occurs along with enlightenment may be more pressing than what you have heard. Please, oh deluded one, please don’t judge what you have not encountered, for appearance as you may well already know can easily throw you off course. You might think you have witnessed it all and yet I know that everything you’ve been exposed to was embraced within the comfort of what steadfast alliances allowed for easy living. This lifestyle is different simply because the people you will meet are not what you are accustomed to surrounding yourself with. The choice to embrace what you don’t immediately understand with the mindset of an inexperienced voyager might be the best choice for you to make. Don’t hesitate when new, seemingly foolish, opportunities arise. The chances to act the fool are not ever going to be as fulfilling as when you’re not the only fool enjoying yourself. Be cautious of expectations, they are never what you pictured and even if they turn out to be better than what you pictured, the present is never reliable- get things said, done and printed yesterday already.
Above all, don’t be afraid to acknowledge the change you will begin to recognise within yourself. Those who haven’t known you your whole life will not know how much you actually have changed as a person and you should take full advantage of exploring ‘a new life’. Eventually you will see how that judgement that you will not adhere to is somehow ingrained in the heart of this place.
Best of luck,
Post-deluded.
I know that you are prone to be humble. I know that you are open to advice and suggestion and so I beseech you to pay careful attention:
The change that occurs along with enlightenment may be more pressing than what you have heard. Please, oh deluded one, please don’t judge what you have not encountered, for appearance as you may well already know can easily throw you off course. You might think you have witnessed it all and yet I know that everything you’ve been exposed to was embraced within the comfort of what steadfast alliances allowed for easy living. This lifestyle is different simply because the people you will meet are not what you are accustomed to surrounding yourself with. The choice to embrace what you don’t immediately understand with the mindset of an inexperienced voyager might be the best choice for you to make. Don’t hesitate when new, seemingly foolish, opportunities arise. The chances to act the fool are not ever going to be as fulfilling as when you’re not the only fool enjoying yourself. Be cautious of expectations, they are never what you pictured and even if they turn out to be better than what you pictured, the present is never reliable- get things said, done and printed yesterday already.
Above all, don’t be afraid to acknowledge the change you will begin to recognise within yourself. Those who haven’t known you your whole life will not know how much you actually have changed as a person and you should take full advantage of exploring ‘a new life’. Eventually you will see how that judgement that you will not adhere to is somehow ingrained in the heart of this place.
Best of luck,
Post-deluded.
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