Hola january 2015 31 01 2015 by Sybil Otterstrom

Your Life Magazine

FREE

VOLUME 4 Issue 1 2015

Fashion Want to become a Fashion Designer?

Dissecting in Schools

Success is Earned

•PLAN AHEAD •BRAILLE •FIRST INTERVIEW

CONTENTS 04 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter 05 Poems 06 WE NEED WRITERS!!! Get in contact with us

08 Meet some of our Contributors

09 Holla @ US

Connect with us

10 Plan Ahead 14 Gratitude

Learn to be grateful

15 Fashion

Get cracking and be different

16 Becoming a Fashion Designer Where to start

18 Music

Food for the soul

24 Animal Dissection in Schools

New technologies to make this obsolete in the classroom 2 >>>Hola MaH igh-Sch o o l

CONTENTS 25 Success Does Not Rub Off Nothing is impossible

30 The Cost Of Being Fashionable Some tips on affordability

32 Plagiarism A curse in the world of communication

34 That First Interview Some valuable tips

36 Really Silly Laws What some other countries legislate

37 The Quotes Games 40

38 What Does The Future Hold? 2045 and beyond?

40 Role Models Do they intimidate you?

42 Ukraine, Crimea & Russia Are you confused?

44 In Our Next issue > > > H o l a M a H ig h - Sc h o o l

From the Editor

Editor’s Letter 2015

is the year of change, and we will be changing for the better to give you the best of both worlds. We are launching Hola MaCampus, a new on-line magazine which will be published monthly and cover a potential readership of 1.5 million university and college students. Hola MaHigh-School, which has been a monthly printed publication, will now be published monthly on the internet and cover a potential readership of 2.5 million highschool students throughout our country. A printed edition will be published every second month. The print run will be 90 000 copies, which will be distributed via the Department of Basic Education at provincial level. Then there’s our website www.romele.co.za This will not only be home to our on-line magazines but will host a wide range of special features, such as your comments, bursary listings, and information on events. Our emphasis on empowering young South Africans to speak their minds and become involved in communicating with their brothers and sisters will remain as strong as ever:

> > > H OLA MAH IGH -S C HOOL

• 50% of our publications will be written by students; and • Opportunities will be created to give young people workplace exposure to the wonderful world of publishing. Hola MaHigh-School will continue to provide the kind of information that will challenge you to think beyond the classroom and help you to shape your future. Hola MaCampus will focus on bringing some light relief to students with entertaining articles that take you beyond campus life. Features will range from travel to careers, fashion, music and film, books and technology. There is talent out there! We know there are many young people out there with great ideas and different ways of thinking about life. So don’t hide away. Share your thoughts with us.

holamahighschool@gmail.com www.romele.co.za Enjoy the read!

Sybil

How long till we get there? How long till we get there? Where people longed for for years, Where nations lived in earth to die and inhabit, Where people were born to live and be promised. Where races claimed it was their, and others envied, Where nobody went and came back to tell a tale about, Where we all want to go, but not through the path we are lead to, Where we want us and relatives to go to, but cry when they do, Where we are more or less sure it exists. Where we need to be clean to inhabit, but refuse to swell in bathrooms, Where there are promises of paradise, and a good afterlife, or maybe death, Where after all lies, destructions and the lot, We wish to go to and rest in peace. How long till we get to the promised land? Together. Sello Atlegang Aliaah

TALLE Oë Talle oë het ek een paar oë op n gegewe oomblik jaloers oë geld oë afguns oë genoeg om iemand anders te beswyk my groot oë dans dans soos die son en loer vêr en laat skaam my geel oë flam flam soos vuur en laat krimp inmekaar en skend Talle oë het ek een paar oë op n gegewe oomblik oë om te loer oë om te salf Ek het talle oë.

Johannes Coetzee

For the record: The poem published in Hola MaHigh-School Volume 2, Issue 2 (2013) was NOT by Lerato Mofokeng. We got it wrong! The poem was written by Ntando Masinga. We have apologized to her in writing and now also publish this correction.— Sybil Otterstrom, Publisher. > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

We Need Writers! Our writers are growing up and getting older. Which is good. BUT... It means that they leave us! Therefore: Would you like to write for us?

What is required? It is rather easy • You have to be in high-school – Grades 10 to 12; • Impeccable in your preferred language. It may not be English which you will prefer to write in. THAT we will support as we don’t want to be English only; • Passionate about your topic. No dull articles here. Do you get anything out of it? Well, not money. Unfortunately. Not yet at least... BUT... If we publish your articles you will have: • Your bio appears in the magazine; • A photograph of yourself; • You can put it on your CV; • You can use us as a reference. 6

> > > H OLA MAH IGH -S C HOOL

Is it important? YES it is. Look here

What to do Emai ivan@ l me on romele with th .co e follo wing i .za nf Name ormation: Schoo Cell nu l E-mail mber a And w ddress ew back t ill get o you!

“My name is Rofhiwa and I love to write. I think I’m a rather decent writer too. I took my talent and have used it to express my thoughts on international dealings of the world which have been published in Hola MaHigh School. It has paid off, not only is my work printed for young people in the country to read, but, it also contributed to my getting a bursary from CNBCAFRICA to do my postgraduate studies. Would be a lot harder to get by if I didn’t have platforms like Hola to boost my future.” > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Contributors

My name is Rofhiwa Madzena. I’m a young woman who is fun and approachable, I’m a budding feminist and I strongly believe that the worth of a woman is second to none, the trick is convincing the rest of the world a challenge I’m ready for! I’m passionate about South Africa and the World and many call me naïve but I believe that we and generations that will follow will achieve world peace! My name is Letlhogonolo ‘Jay’ Swaratlhe, pursuing a Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree at UJ, and a lover of all things spiritually enticing. My interests lie in writing, poetry, reading (especially African literature) and indulging in the company of individuals who bear great wisdom, even better when paired with great food and an awesome atmosphere. I am a stern feminist and as Warsan Shire says’ ‘I belong deeply to myself’. Someday, when I can afford it, I’m going to live in a library! Pinky Rapoo is a creative writer by nature and not yet by profession.She lives in Vosloorus and is currently in grade 12 at Vosloorus Comprehensive Secondary School. Listening to music is her hobby,writing is her passion. Her motto is “Think twice before speaking,think three times before acting and think thoroughly before writing”.

My name is Johannes Coetzee. I’m a young man who is determined and approachable.I love being me, I like to express my feelings through writing. I’m passionate about South Africa and the world.

Writing is my passion and I love and live books. I love talking and being surrounded by people. I have a bubbly personality and I enjoy laughing and living a life full of adventures. I matriculated in 2014 and I’m currently an intern with the Realema programme that aims at getting the youth to be teachers since we have a shortage of them. I’m studying to be a teacher at my previous school with the aim to give back to my community. I’m Theopatra Phumla Sokwe, currently in grade 11 at Eureka High School in Johannesburg. I’m a creative writer and also a public speaker. I’m in the vollyball school team. In five years’ time i see myself as a successful author – writing is a part of my goal I’d like to achieve. I plan to study law, as it inspires my passion for writing.

My name is Fikile Unifire Zulu. First and foremost I’m a career driven, bold, diligent, go-getter and self-motivated young lady from Evaton West in the Vaal Triangle. I’m a firm believer in reading because it nurtures ones’ mind and makes you see the world from a new perspective. I co-founded a non-profit organistation and I also write. I love relaxing with nothing but a book and I enjoy writing. 8

> > > H OLA MAH IGH -S C HOOL

Editor Sybil Otterstrom sybil@romele.co.za Advertising Sales 011 614 5046/2094 076 360 1792 sybil@romele.co.za

Website

www.romele.co.za Hola Ma High School

Publishing Romele Publications cc PO Box 53056 Troyeville 2139 011 614 5046/2094

When you post your comments here, it will go to our Website

Enquiries Romele Publications cc 32 Eleanor Street Troyville 011 614 5046/2094 sybil@romele.co.za

When you post your comments here, it will go to our Website

Production & Art Direction Sybil Schneider gaggle@icon.co.za Publisher Sybil Otterstrom Printing United Litho

As always, a bolt from the blue,here comes me!!! My name is Sello Atlegang Aliaah, a seed of today, a flower of tomorrow who lives in Soshanguve, a 17 year old who’s in Senthibele High. I’m here to knock you out, so watch out!!! My name is Mbalenhle Augustine Sikosana. I was born 09 August 1996 and grew up in Ekangala. I’m currently a Grade 12 pupil at Ekangala Comprehensive High School. I love reading, listening to music and writing. Motto: Life is a blessing, enjoy it. > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Life

Plan Ahead

e have all been taught to plan ahead, that planning is a great idea. Plan for the future. Decide what you want to do in the future and plan for it. Define your goals and plan for it. Let me be controversial and start with an example. Myself.

So, I investigated the curriculum at university for the first 2-3 years: Chemistry 101, 102, 201, 202, Math 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, Physics D and so on. I got the books for chemistry in grade 10-12, so I knew them before I had even got to university. I got to a high-school offering Russian as first language as a lot was published in Russian. Who could prepare better? Planning ahead was done. And 9 months into it, I found it: it is not me. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it. The laboratory is a dirty dangerous place and I am not interested. Now what? Well, I changed across to computer science and got a degree in economics from School of Economics.

In grade 8 and 9 I had decided: I wanted to do microbiology at university. I wanted to get into the hottest research at that time: genetic engineering. This was my goal and nothing was going to stop me. 10

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Was it all wasted? Yes and no. I did not get to my endgoal, but I learned a lot: determination, planning ahead tools, discipline, will power and flexibility. All of these things are vital for anything we do in life. I had a very determined way of setting goals, rather scientific really. All on paper. All documented. So it

Life taught me to be methodical, disciplined and goalsetting. In my time, by the way, you could only get your Master’s in computer science if you also had a Master’s in something else. So, I got something similar to a Master’s in economics. But without having had a very ‘concentrated’ approach to it, I think I would have found it difficult to try to do two Master’s at the same time (and having a job to feed my flat and food and Saturday evenings). What is the morale of the story: Plan ahead is never wasted. Try to determine what you really want in life and then start doing it. Doing is better than waiting for perfection. The universe applauds action. But how? That is the key question. How do I plan ahead when I am in grade 10? Look at your interests. Not necessarily your long-term job. Interests. Now try to determine how to merge interests and job. That should give you an idea of what topics you need to focus on in high-school. Then look at what college/university will offer the right courses. Learn about them. Go to the openday’s even if you are in grade 10. Start to look at the curriculum as the next step. Get hold on a person (at open day) who is studying what you want to do. Ask them. Interrogate them. Of course good marks in Matric are essential. You have to plan for this. You have to be determined. If (for instance) you know that it requires Math, not Math Lit, then the choice is easy. If you know the admission criteria is X, then you have to get on with it. Make sure you succeed. Sounds easy, but it isn’t. Is it university or nothing? South Africa has changed. FET colleges offer a range of new things. All of it pointing to a more mixed tertiary experience. Not all

of us are designed to be brain surgeons, we also need a plumber. Let me give a prediction of the future. Actually, it is just looking at what they do in Europe. You cannot own a farm in Denmark unless you have a diploma in farming from an FET. Land is too precious to waste on ‘hobby’ farmers. Yes, it is international trends. So get used to it. This just shows one thing: it is not university or nothing. FET colleges will be just as important and will be offering a range of artisan training, which we have not got used to yet. Flexibility: When it does not go according to plan. Make another plan. Start again. Determine what the new option is. The new interest. Never give up. Open your eyes to new opportunities.

Money: Get to investigate bursary options, right from grade 10. Who says you cannot apply early? Don’t miss deadlines. Deadlines are not guidelines. Get to make yourself known at the most likely bursary organisation. There are many of them, by the way. Road blocks are there. You can go through them, take a detour or give up. Road blocks will always be there. So plan for it. So, get scientific about your future, plan ahead and be flexible enough to do something else when it does not pan out as planned. … after all, it is YOUR future. Staff Reporter > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Life

Gratitude

s I write this, I cringingly await the dreaded ‘15% remaining’ reminder my laptop seems to conveniently spite me with each time I have important work to complete. But of course, given the fact that I could EASILY and EFFORTLESSLY plug in the charger without any hassles makes this too trivial to be tagged an ‘issue’, right? Correct. Today, however, the simple task of doing so is nothing but a mere luxury. Today, the burdens that accompany the misfortune of being the tenant of a building that has been troubled by a three-day long severe power outage have been thrust upon me: the cold shower taken with occasional screeches of exasperation, the unplanned misuse of money on take-outs, the halfhearted attempts to complete school work by candle light and the loathed inconvenience of being unable to access my Whatsapp messages. Thankfully, though, during my series of endless whining, throwing tantrums and cussing due to my burning frustration, an unforeseen epiphany graced me with its aura, causing my fingers to itch with an intense urge to sculpture a beautiful art out of an even more beautiful concept: GRATITUDE. “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good’’, says the legendary Maya Angelou. An alarming reminder that what needs to be grateful for is bountiful: a comfortable home with quality security, an ample supply of food enough to sustain me until necessary and accessible transport to campus available until late, making it easy to make use of the library at any time desired. Surely, my unnecessary exaggerated complaints of ‘being deprived of a hot and cooked meal’ can’t be entirely justified when cooking can simply be done at a friend’s place, who happens to reside in a neighbouring building less than a 10 minute walk away, right? My eruptions of melodrama fuelled by the inability to study fruitfully due to lack of satisfactory lighting, are just of pure self-martyr, when countless of suc14

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

cessful renowned individuals are products of the routinized use of candle- light, yes? Yes … and no. I say no because given the amount of money coughed up monthly for rent, it is only natural that I feel entitled to quality and competent services that enable me to utilize them with ease. After all, these are the privileges granted due to the tedious and strenuous daily labour of my parents. Comforts my parents felt were necessary to enhance my schooling experience and assist in the prosperity of my academics. However, I also resort to saying yes, because as this experience has unveiled my eyes to my overindulgence in my unwavering and uncompromising entitlement to these comforts and privileges, it occurred to me that my sense of gratitude had been pushed into a dark and isolated corner, forgotten. I’m reminded of a certain homeless individual I interact with on my daily trip to the bus stop. He doesn’t own much materialistically, but his will for friendly conversation and his conspicuous stern sense of contentment are manifest in abundance. It is never words of grievance or pity that seep through his lips, but those of good will that tell of a person who has transcended the brutality of his circumstances. The little that he has is enough. I’m overcome by a sense of shame as I think of him, as I think of how a temporary inconvenience such as a power outage could have had me drown in despair and succumb to the worst degree of self- pity, while all the time, my blessings remain to take the form of a distant blur. As I write this, in candle- light, and a stomach growling from unsatisfied utility sustained from nothing but a small packet of slap chips, I embrace this encounter as a test from the Almighty. A lesson meant to mentor me into mastering the craft of nurturing gratitude as if it were my last sip of water. A lesson that tells of the virtue of patience, compromise and understanding. A lesson that has taught me that gratitude should be perceived as interchangeable with one’s existence. By Letlhogonolo ‘Jay’ Swaratlhe

Fashion

he wonderful woRLD of fashion. There are a couple of definitions, but you can look it up yourself. After all, we know what we are all about.

Have we not all heard about local success: David Tlala, Stone Cherry, Clive Randall and so on. The SA Fashion Week is internationally recognized. So, we are up there.

The next few pages are focused on one of the biggest industries in the world: Fashion!

The point is that we may believe that the ‘light’ industries are not important. Make no mistake about it. They are.

Let us first of all dazzle all with some numbers, where the next few bits are from www.statisticbrain.com/ fashion-industry-statistics.

The tourism industry in France accounts for ±10% of the GDP and employs ± 3 million people.

Fashion Industry Statistics Data (US$) Number of people employed in the fashion industry 4 200 000 (USA) Amount spent on fashion in the USA each year $250 000 000 000 Annual global fashion industry revenue $1 200 000 000 000 Top Fashion Brands by Revenue Annual Revenue LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SA Christian Dior Richemont Estèe Lauder Levi Strauss Hermès

$37 140 000 000 $11 910 000 000 $11 830 000 000 $97 000 000 $4 670 000 000 $3 680 000 000

Count the zero’s. There are plenty of them. Compare it to: Toyota IBM It is huge! Make no mistake about it. I cannot really find good numbers for South Africa. But I have that the fashion industry in SA is Rand 27 bn and has some 200,000 direct jobs and some 300,000 indirect jobs (Renato Palmin “Inside-Out” report). Whatever the numbers. It is not insignificant. Also as SA is a ‘fashion capitol’ in the world and on the continent.

$ $

216 700 000 000 104 000 000 000

Switzerland banking is 6% of the GDP. ‘Soft’ industries are big business, and so it is with fashion. Back to fashion: It is something worthwhile studying. There are plenty opportunities and as with anything else: it is hard work! With that, enjoy the next few pages. > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Fashion

becoming a

Fashion Designer

e are all very concerned about fashion and I think it is a dream of many to become a fashion designer.

But do we all really know what it entails? We have spoken to Traci from SewAfrica who gave us the following information.

• design or alter patterns.

A Fashion Designer will do these things: • study fashion trends and the clothing market. • identify target markets by looking at factors such as age, gender and socio-economic situation. • create or update fashion designs. • prepare drawings of the designs. • adapt existing patterns to a new style or create new patterns. • estimate how much the work will cost. • select and buy fabrics. • specify fabrics to be developed. • inspect the quality of garments. • market their garment range. Can we see the difference? And also that one can not exist without the other? The interesting part is that a fashion designer may be the one out front at the ramp to take the bow, but will never be successful without an intimate knowledge of what the dress-maker/tailor is doing. Attention to detail is key for this industry as well.

Skills & Knowledge of a Fashion Designer

The entire industry of fashion comprises various options. Here are some occupations: • Apparel Designer. • Designer (Clothing). • Fashion Designer. • Dressmaker. • Tailor Where a Tailor will be doing the following: • discuss customer requirements. • take customers’ measurements. • estimate how much the garment will cost to make. • source fabrics. • mark and cut the fabric according to the design. • sew the garment pieces together. • fit the garment on the customer. • do garment alterations. 16

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

• • • •

up-to-date knowledge of the latest clothing styles and trends. knowledge of the history of fashion . design and drawing skills. knowledge of fabric types, colours and fabric care.

Fashion • • • • • •

sewing skills and knowledge of tailoring techniques. knowledge of garment construction and pattern making skills. knowledge of human body shapes. knowledge of fabric cutting methods . good communication skills. planning and organisational skills.

Working Conditions of a Fashion Designer Clothing designers work in studios, workrooms, factories or clothing shops, which are quiet and well-lit. They work at drawing boards, cutting tables and sewing machines and may be on their feet for much of their working day. They may also travel to different factory sites and to local and overseas fashion shows. Fashion designers’ work can be stressful as they may work long hours to meet deadlines. Fashion designers normally don’t work regular hours. They work incredibly long hours, including weekends and evenings. Certain times of the year may be extremely busy, especially when a seasonal clothing range is to be launched.

Maybe a newly graduated fashion designer is starting out in preparing and manufacturing the clothes rather than designing anything. Is that then a waste of time? Not at all, without the intimate knowledge of how things are done, it is not possible of being a fashion designer. Let us look at an example: Sewing leather on top of silk is not possible. But if you have never been exposed to these things you may design it as a fashion designer only to find out that it is not a good idea. Let us look at what a Tailor should be able to do:

Skills & Knowledge of a Tailor • • • • • • • • •

clothing design skills. knowledge of different fashions. knowledge of fabric types, colours and fabric care. sewing skills and knowledge of tailoring techniques. knowledge of different sewing equipment and methods. understanding of garment construction and pattern making skill.s knowledge of human body shapes. cutting skills. maths skills for making calculations and measuring

Can we even imagine a fashion designer not having this knowledge? Exactly. And that is where the hard work begins.

It is hard work! Where to start? And jobs? The first step is to identify where you want to go study. There are several institutions offering fashion design. A lot of fashion designers are employed by the larger design houses. It is the area where a newly graduated fashion designer will learn the ‘tricks of the trade’. Learning from the best in the industry is a major part of becoming good at it.

Staff Reporter > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Entertainment

he music industry has grown rapidly from the past legends to the upcoming legends of today. Whether good or bad, artists still get the platform to express and entertain hundreds of thousands of people.

individual may listen to can predict their personality? It is said that “to know a character of a person look at their friends”, yet it is also profound to say “to know the character of an individual, listen to the type of music they listen to”.

The growth is amazing as accessibility has advanced as well. In the olden days people only spoke about cassettes and big sound systems and CDs but now we talk of ipods, mobile phones, etc, which are portable.

There’s a variety of music genres that somehow also influence individuals. However, life and everything in it is not always a bed of roses. On 17 August 2008 a pupil from Nic Diederichs technical high school who was doing grade 12 in Krugersdorp, attacked and injured three people at school and killed one under the influence of a heavy metal rock band which I will not like to name here. Well, there’s still more bad music which can be very detrimental, whereby individuals who listen to music at high volumes, may lose their hearing abilities.

Everywhere the owner goes the music goes with. The internet has made things so much better by allowing individuals to be able to download music instead of buying a CD. Youtube is the big repository. Despite all the downloads, we still go to concerts. It is amazing how large crowds of people still gather at to support and enjoy the music performed by well-known artists. Indeed, music is an International language that causes no confusion but rather mutual feelings of well-being. Will the future be one where an artist is not surviving on royalties of music sold, but on live concerts? One where all music is released for free on a Youtube-type site? Maybe it will be something of a hybrid where certain tracks are for free and the rest must be purchased?

Music is very addictive and the addiction causes some individuals to isolate themselves and do unpleasing things. Music-video? Of course it is great to also watch the video while listening. However, it is difficult to watch a video if I have to do school work at the same time – actually impossible. So the sound in itself is the key thing for us. And that is also why radio is still in my vocabulary.

Let’s face it – I listen to music on my phone, hardly ever by playing a CD.

The fact that music is food for the soul, body and mind, both literally and metaphorically so that will not change. Music is therapeutical and the effect of it on the brain is also great. People just have to keep this in mind: “too much of something good is not good”.

Who would have thought that the type of music an

By Pinkie Rapoo

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Education

The Special Touch

January 1809 marks the birth of a hero who did not let a disability rob him of a chance to connect to the outside world by means of writing and reading. He went on to invent what is widely known today as Braille.

without using a light that might give away their position. Louis then used Barbier’s basic ideas to develop his own simplified system known and widely accepted today as Braille. He based the code on the normal alphabet and reduced the number of dots by half. He later published the first Braille book in 1829 and in 1837, added symbols for math and music.

When Louise Braille turned three years old his world was turned upside down by an accident in his father’s leather workshop that left Louis Braille him blind, yet his sheer Upon meeting Barbier 4 January 1809 – 6 January 1852. determination and courage to discuss his ideas to would later benefit many improve the code, the others in the years that followed. Braille is a system of Captain, by now in his mid-fifties, was at first annoyed raised dots that is read with fingers. at having his ideas questioned by someone so young, inexperienced and blind as well. While Louis was still studying at the Royal Institution for the Blind in Paris, he did well in his studies even The Captain who was now at the verge of getting a though, at the time, the raised letters were made by recognition for the invention he had worked hard pressing shaped copper onto paper but there was no for, Louis stopped asking for his advice in fear of way for blind people to write for themselves using intimidation. that copper system. The usefulness and popularity of Louis’ developed He heard of a system of raised dots developed by a invention, however, did not make other parts of the French army captain, Charles Barbier de la Serre. Louis students’ lives easier. The sighted teachers resented later adopted the system by Barbier and presented it the new code with its implied demand that they learn to the Institution for the Blind Youth. something so alien, leading to complains that the sound of punching was disrupting classes. The system was a code of raised dots and dashes as a way to allow soldiers to write and read at night In a world where disabled people have limited 20

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Education opportunities in activities, it becomes a sad reality, but, it becomes an even a sadder reality when they cannot read nor write and that is where this system comes in.

12% and lastly communication disability at 7%.

The invention has proven beyond reasonable doubt that one mustn’t let anything stop us from becoming what or who we aspire to be.

Here’s another scary statistic that I find rather shocking: the low usage of braille in South Africa is at an alarming 10%! Isn’t it taught? Why is it so low when sight disability is the highest? How are blind people expected to read or write when they can’t be taught to?

Imagine if young Louise hadn’t had an accident and gotten blind in the process? If he had given in to his situation? Would we be writing about him now? Where would we be?

Recently the Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) sample was launched by the South African National Council for the Blind at the head office situated in Pretoria.

Amongst his other inventions he also invented a raphigraphy machine similar to a typewriter that helps the blind to write. He opened quite a lot of opportunities, giving those who came after him a better chance to look at the world differently.

The main aim of the TGSIs is to standardize tactile surfaces on pedestrian crossings aimed at helping the visually impaired navigate their routes effectively, warning them about hazards before stepping on the road. An innovative way of making sure they arrive safely wherever they go.

How many blind people have access to resources that allow them to read Braille? In a country where freedom is celebrated are the disabled also free? In most cases, especially in townships and rural areas, you will find a lot of people have little or less resources which decreases the level of learning. The following numbers are real and they come from the South African National Council for the Blind statistics, thanks to Esther Moabi. There are issues of unemployment, bullying and lack of information. When closely analysing how many people are affected we see that 23% of visually impaired people are between 15-36 years of age, women make up 57% of the total number of visually impaired people. For every one blind person there are four with low vision. Over 45 million people around the globe are completely blind. Now read this carefully: 80% of blindness is avoidable - either preventable or treatable. In South Africa alone about 2 255 982 persons (5% of the population), are reported to have some kind of disability. There are different kinds of disabilities and in that 5% that is affected, the prevalence of sight disability is at the highest at 32% followed closely by physical disability at 30%, hearing disability at 20%, emotional disability at 16%, intellectual disability at

That goes to show South Africa is heading in the right direction where the visually impaired are concerned. It will take a while before we can finally say we have conquered these challenges. Nonetheless let’s help where we can. It doesn’t have to be anything much, just when you come across a blind person do not run away or laugh, just talk to them or help them lead the way – if they need help going somewhere – after all in my home language isiZulu we say Izandla Ziyagezana For us to reach that level of understanding with each other, it is only fair that Braille be taught. Communication is a two way street between a listener and the speaker or reader in this case. Imagine if you were in a situation where you find yourself having to read something in Braille but you can’t – frustrating isn’t it? Why is it easy to discard the importance of Braille simply because it does not concern you? – Fikile Zulu > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

How do I become a filmmaker? Before answering the question of how one becomes a filmmaker it is important to outline the scope of the film & TV industry.

of the advertising world, the commercial.

There is broadcast television with its news, sports, investigative journalism, inserts, magazine, sitcoms, game and talk shows which involve an assortment of production, research and studio skills.

Choosing a career in the film and television industry is exciting for any young person. But along with the excitement, perceptions of glamour and trendy associations, comes a lot of hard work, dedication, jostling for jobs and long, long hours. In spite of these demanding conditions, many people find the creativity and excitement of bringing a film to life more than makes up for the hard times. You too can realise your dream of being part of this sector if you do the homework, understand the industry and go about the journey in the correct way.

Then there is what is commonly known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;long formâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - the mostly location-based television or drama series, or features. There is also animation, corporate or documentary productions. And lastly of course the gem

For more information on the film & TV industry as well as information on educational institutions which offer filmmaking courses you can visit the Gauteng Film Commission website on www.gautengfilm.org.za

The Film & TV industry also referred to as the digital media or audiovisual industry, forms part of the very complex and varied media, entertainment and cultural industries.

Gauteng Film Commission, 56 Main Street, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa Tel +27 (0) 11 833 0409 â&#x20AC;˘ info @gautengfilm.org.za An agency of the Gauteng Provincial Government

Science

New Technologies To See Animal Dissections Obsolete In The Classroom

one are the days when the smell of formaldehyde emanated from high school science class rooms; no longer is there a need to make the dissecting of frogs, rats, and other animals a strict requirement. Today’s budding high school scientists can wave that all goodbye as new technologies such as narrated computer software, step-by-step DVDs and lifelike manikins are being developed to help students gain practical, and even hands-on, knowledge of internal biological systems. This not only improves the lives of animals, decreases their capture in the wild, and eliminates the need for intentional breeding, but also marks great improvements for the educators and learners themselves. “All animals are conscious, living beings. We look to our educators to teach our students to be respectful of all life, and to teach the value of that life,” says Erika Vercuiel, manager of the Animal Ethics Unit of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).

Countries such as the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Argentina and Slovakia have already banned the use of animals in dissection at elementary and high school level. Several states in America have also passed policies that require schools to offer alternatives to dissection. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US, 95 percent of medical schools in that country, and all Canadian medical schools, have discontinued the use of animal dissection for medical students. The PCRM reports that students and educators prefer the use of simulation-based training to that of the use of animals. “In addition, for schools not financially 24

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

equipped to purchase animals for each student, each class, each year, along with costly lab equipment, the once-off fees for the purchase of alternatives are a welcomed affordable option,” says Vercuiel. Lessons become more efficient, as the time spent preparing and cleaning the classroom, teaching etiquette, and explaining procedures is eradicated when alternatives are employed. In addition, educators can customise and save lesson plans for their students. Utilising alternative methods to dissection, especially at high school level, teaches learners additional lessons and benefits that go well beyond the biology lab. Vercuiel continues, “Making a stand in the classroom encourages students to become conscientious citizens, who respect animals and their environment. This type of compassion has been shown to overflow to the child’s surrounding family and community.” Several alternatives are currently available such as interactive DVDs, lifelike models and interactive computer models. The DVDs include a general notes for teachers, and introduction to the external features of the animal, then leads the learners through the digestive, urinogential, circulatory system, nervous system, and skeleton systems. For more information on the ethical alternatives to dissection please contact Erika Vercuiel animalethics@nspca.co.za. National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) Tel: +27 11 907 3590 | Fax: +27 11 907 4013 Web: www.nspca.co.za PO Box 1320, Alberton 1450, Gauteng

does not rub off

e all want success. The question is how do we attain it? This is my very first article and I decided to start writing about success as it is something that is really close to my heart. I believe we are all born for greatness and if we follow the right steps and have the right outlook on life, we can attain success. Success is not transferable or contagious. It is personal hence it stays with the successful person. Success is finding what you are best at and excelling in it. Just because your parents are successful does not mean you automatically are. Success is not an overnight thing.

is never regained’. Pull up your socks, study hard at school, find your purpose... make things happen. Care about what people say? Always know that people will talk, whether you do good or bad. Ignore negative attitudes. No one has the right to tell another person that he/she is not good enough. Believe in yourself and constantly remind yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to. Ignore those with negative energy around you. At least there’s something you are doing that they are not doing. Live your life to the fullest. If attaining success was that easy, everyone would be successful in this world. Reality is that only those few who are prepared to work hard, are dedicated and put in all the effort will succeed.

You can inherit wealth and material things from your parents, but you cannot inherit success. Finding your way through hardships, persevering and striving to be where you want to be, is what leads to success. If your parents are successful it is because they have worked hard and became dedicated to what they were doing that led them to success. They knew that success is not a birth right, it is earned. Driving expensive cars, wearing designer label clothes and having the latest technology gadgets does not make you successful. For instance, one can wake up and win the lottery. But does that make them successful? No, they only become millionaires. Success is an attitude, it is a matter of how you carry yourself. A person is who he thinks he is. You want to be successful? Everyone does. Start taking action and stop being lazy. As it is said ‘time wasted

Do not procrastinate, if your mind tells you to do something do it instantly. Do not blame anyone for your failures. We all are bound to fail sometimes in life. It is failure that makes us great people. Mistakes make us great people. Remember that success is not magnetic nor is it inherited. It is discipline and hard work that leads to success. Read, read and read so that you gain knowledge. Who knows, you could be the next great doctor that South Africa has ever produced, the next African Messi and score many goals or become the next great engineer to invent things. Do not envy other people’s success, try your best to attain yours. Nothing is impossible! By Augustine Mbalenhle > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

> > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Science

SKA: South AfricA at the fore-front

e promised an

article on the SKA impact on Northern Cape in terms of jobs, infrastructure, and so on.

The research team funded by SKA SA was led by Cape Town astronomer Roger Deane.

We recently found this article on TimesLive network:

The team represented the universities of Cape Town and the Western Cape, Rhodes University and SKA SA.

“A team of South African astronomers have discovered a triple

Multiple super-massive black hole systems were thought to have

had been designed to detect them. “Although they were predicted theoretically, these exotic black hole systems have remained elusive for decades.” Many more black holes were expected to be discovered through the telescopes being built in the country and continent”. Sapa 25 June, 2014 20:58.

Astronomers have discovered three closely orbiting supermassive black holes in a galaxy more than 4 billion light years away. Illustrated here are helix-shaped jets from one supermassive black hole caused by its very closely orbiting companion, while the third black hole emits relatively straight jets due to its distance. Picture courtesy SKA SA.

super-massive black hole system, the Square Kilometre Array SA said on Wednesday. “The discovery demonstrates that South Africa has the scientific and technical expertise to be a world leader in radio astronomy,” project director Bernie Fanaroff said in a statement. 28

a significant impact on the way galaxies evolved. “When these black holes get very close to one another they are expected to emit gravitational waves.”

This is a major development. The scientific impact is of course huge, but to us, it is important that the investment in SKA and the international recognition of SA is there. That, to us, is something where we will win.

He said the discovery was predicted a century ago and SKA

… But what is this ‘black hole’ stuff actually? And gravitational waves?

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Science This sounds like Sci-Fi and dad’s StarTrek movies. What do they do and is it important to me? I have used my favourite source, Wikipedia, for a lot of the information and the quotes are directly from this source. The plain definition of a black hole is an object in space so dense that it gravitational force does not even permit light to escape. It ‘sucks’ in everything and nothing comes out. It is sort of correct, but not quite. The theory comes out of Einstein’s general relativity (we know that one). Wikipedia says: The defining feature of a black hole is the appearance of an event horizon — a boundary in spacetime through which matter and light can only pass inward towards the mass of the black hole. As predicted by general relativity, the presence of a mass deforms spacetime in such a way that the paths taken by particles bend towards the mass. To a distant observer, clocks near a black hole appear to tick more slowly than those further away from the black hole. Due to this effect, known as gravitational time dilation, an object falling into a black hole appears to slow down as it approaches the event horizon, taking an infinite time to reach it. At the same time, all processes on this object slow down, for a fixed outside observer, causing emitted light to appear redder and dimmer. Eventually, at a point just before it reaches the event horizon, the falling object becomes so dim that it can no longer be seen. But it is not gone, actually. But we don’t know that.

Why do they not grow and grow and swallow everything? Hawking (you should know him) predicted and proved that black holes can radiate energy. Energy = temperature = mass. So if a black hole emits more energy than it gains it will evaporate.

Galaxy 0402+379, appear to have two super-massive black holes at their centres, forming a binary system. If they collided, the event would create strong gravitational waves. Binary super-massive black holes are believed to be a common consequence of galactic mergers.

Remember the debate when the collider in Europe was going to start? People knew that it should create a micro-black hole. The scare was that this black hole would grow and swallow us all. Well, It didn’t. So, if it was created, what happened? It lived for a short while and evaporated, as Hawking said it would.

A galactic merger is when two galaxies collide. As Andromeda and Milky Way will.

It is now generally accepted that any galaxy contains a massive black hole at its centre. Otherwise it could never have formed. Wikipedia again: “The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy some 100 000–120 000 light-years in diameter, which contains 100–400 billion stars. It may contain at least as many planets as well. The Solar System is located within the disk, about 27 000 light-years away from the Galactic Centre, on the inner edge of one of the spiral-shaped concentrations of gas and dust called the Orion Arm. The stars in the inner = 10 000 light-years form a bulge and one or more bars that radiate from the bulge. The very centre is marked by an intense radio source named, Sagittarius A*, which is likely to be a super-massive black hole.

… and now for gravitational waves: “In physics, gravitational waves are ripples in the curvature of spacetime that propagate as a wave, travelling outward from the source. Predicted in 1916 by Albert Einstein to exist on the basis of his theory of general relativity, gravitational waves theoretically transport energy as gravitational radiation. Wikipedia: As a gravitational wave passes a distant observer, that observer will find spacetime distorted by the effects of strain. Distances between free objects increase and decrease rhythmically as the wave passes, at a frequency corresponding to that of the wave. So we will all oscillate but nobody will know as we all do that, even Earth.

But what about the very centre?

But what is the significance of gravitational waves? Insofar as they are not electro-magnetic, they cannot be blocked by dust or other things. THAT means they carry the information from when they were created, basically unscattered, and THAT means that we have a messenger from the start of time.

The theory is now that there are two black holes at the very centre, rotating each other.

…and THAT means SA is at the fore-front of it all, making us all proud!

Wikipedia: Some galaxies, such as

Staff Reporter

So, our galaxy is a busy place.

> > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Self Esteem

Fashion•• at what cost?

ashion has been around for centuries and it will always develop. Now it is seen as a significant way for individuals to express themselves. It is more than just about putting on clothes, but, it is also about creativity, effort, planning and originality that goes behind creating a garment from raw materials and different fabrics up until the last detail and final result. In Western Europe during the 16th century, men – Persian soldiers to be specific – were the first to wear high heels to maintain their stance while shooting their bows and arrows. Those heels were created with a defined notch into which the stirrup would slide, allowing them to balance properly on their horses while standing – quite interesting if you think about it.

who drowns in debt. They spend a lot of time looking and reading up on fashion tips, but, does fashion need to cost an arm and a leg? That is really the key question of today. I met up with the Head Designer of Tk Flame Designs, first year student at the Vaal University of Technology, Thokozani Buthelezi (20) from Tembisa who shares his sentiments about the industry he’s so passionate about. “Fashion for me is an expression and a form of art, it is my food, breath and addiction”, he says. “Since 1994 it has evolved so much. Back in the early 90s designers were playing it safe, they sort of had limitations on themselves”.

Everywhere fashionistas wait in great anticipation for the latest trends in magazines, social media and even television so they can debate the latest trends and instil in you a need to purchase them.

Being ‘out’ just because one can’t afford or doesn’t prefer the latest trends is unfair. What happened to staying true to oneself? Embracing our uniqueness? Do clothes define us? Have we, as young people, conformed to what society describes as fashionable?

I know of young people who believe that, when they do not own an expensive item or wear a certain brand of clothing, they are ‘not-cool’. To them being fashionable is the way to go, regardless of the cost or

A dictionary definition of the word fashion defines it as ‘a manner of a way of doing something; style is popular at any given time’. How do we keep up with this?

>> > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Self Esteem We all want to look good and presentable but at what cost? Post 1994 fashion has grown to the point that designers are not afraid to go all out. Their fearlessness is evident especially when we look at their designs. Some even gained international stardom and that is something we can be proud of.

is the challenge in the coming years. How will fashion become affordable? We might have to address it differently: Fashion is not necessarily linked to price, but brand names and labels are.

Fashion is simply an art and art is what keeps the world sane.

If ‘brown’ is the ‘in’ colour this season, it ought to be the same ‘brown’ from a brand name as from Jet Stores. But is it? And is that what attracts us? The brand or the trend? Think about it. That is my challenge to us all as consumers.

All that said, we also need affordable fashion and that

By Fikile Zulu

Happiness Is An Attitude

e often hear the phrase ‘Happiness

is an attitude’. What exactly does it mean? How can happiness be both an emotional state, as we know it to be, and attitude, which is more like an opinion or judgement at the same time? We know that when we’re happy we look at the world ‘through rose tinted glasses’ as it were. We are more generous, expansive and gregarious and less prone to making negative judgements. Therefore, being in a happy state leads to a certain way of looking at things with a specific attitude. Is that what people mean when they say happiness is an attitude and that being happy leads to a certain way of looking at things? If so, the statement isn’t useful, since it doesn’t tell us how to be happy. It merely sheds light on how we are when we are happy.

Happiness comes easier to those who have adopted a positive way of looking at things. In this view, attitude precedes and determines the quality of our emotional state. At one level it should be easy to understand how our attitudes can shape our emotions. Research show that every time we experience an emotion, be it anger, anxiety, sadness, happiness, joy, love or pride, it is always preceded by a set of thoughts that are unique to that emotion. ‘Happiness is an Attitude’ either make us miserable or happy and strong – the amount of effort is the same. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control our attitude towards what happens

around us and in that you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you. This is because we believe that we need different circumstances to have a positive attitude. We assume that happiness is something outside of us and that once we get that new job, make enough money or meet that special someone, we will finally be happy. We can overcome this ‘happiness trap’ when we realize that happiness starts with us and it is something we have within us at all times. Having a positive attitude goes beyond our circumstances and we can control it. Having a positive attitude can be essential for lonely people. It allows one to feel more special even if there are challenges in life ahead of you. One should remember that having a positive attitude may help you be successful and happy as with a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, you become optimistic, and expect the best to happen. It is clearly a state of mind that is well worth developing. A positive attitude leads to happiness and success and can change your entire life. If you look at the bright side of life, your whole life becomes filled with light. This light affects not only you and the way you look at the world, but it affects your whole environment and the people around you. If this attitude is strong enough, it becomes contagious to all around you. Go on, snap out of it, have a positive attitude an be HAPPY! By Theopatra Phumla Sokwe > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Education

Plagiarism

lagiarism is a curse in the world of written communication. Let us try to find a definition. I have looked at Wikipedia and found this:

Another way is: “where we can see that “A horse, a horse.. my kingdom for a horse” (*) or [1]. And then the reference either as a footnote or in the references (Shakespeare, “Richard III”)

Plagiarism is the “wrongful appropriation” and “stealing and publication” of another author’s “language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions” and the representation of them as one’s own original work.

There is also a saying that to reach the sky one has to stand on the shoulders of giants, meaning the thinkers and writers before us. That is of course also correct, but they will need to be recognized.

It is the handling of sources which will always cause problems. We have to quote some authority for a lot of what we do. That is a part of research. A sentence in the likes of: “Based on an article by XX and published in YYY… we can deduct that …” That will do the trick.

It is hard to deduct as few are well-versed in all research and literature. But it is highly un-ethical. As writers we have to be careful and as editors we have to be able to recognize things. Do we always get it right? Nope. But it is not because of lack of willingness. Staff reporter

Have a Laugh

Really Silly Laws D O YOU THINK South Africa has silly laws? Well, yes, some. But hey, we are not the only ones. Just look here!

ARGENTINA

• It is illegal for any man to marry his brother.

CHINA

• Imperial law stipulates death by torture to anyone who disclosed the secret of how to make silk. • It is against the law to store more than 1 ton of explosive (fireworks) in the cellar of a house. • It is now illegal to bind a child’s feet to stop them growing. • Rescuing a drowning person is not allowed as it would be interfering with their fate. • To go to college you must be intelligent. • You may only have one child, or a massive fine will be imposed.

FRANCE

• • • • •

It is illegal to name a pig ‘Napoleon’ It is illegal to kiss on railways. Between 8am and 8pm, 70% of the music on the radio must be by French artists. It is illegal to take photos of police officers or police vehicles, even if they are just in the background. An ashtray is considered to be a deadly weapon.

• • • •

A man may be arrested for wearing a skirt. It is illegal to practice the profession of charlatanry. Striking someone with a fist is considered a felony. A new law (reported in The Guardian newspaper April 2005) in Turin imposes a fine of 500 Euros for dog owners who fail to walk their dogs at least three times a day.

• • •

It is against the law to mention the date 1966 in any football ground. It is illegal for ones car to run out of gas on a highway. Wearing a mask when going on strike is prohibited.

ITALY

GERMANY

GREECE

• Couponing is illegal in Greece. • One could not wear a hat in the Olympic Stadium

in ancient times as it would obstruct someone’s view.

• • • • • •

It is an offense to fall off the top of Blackpool Tower under any circumstances. A lady can’t eat chocolates on a public conveyance. A bed may not be hung out of a window. The head of any dead whale found on the British coast becomes automatically the propriety of the king. The whale tale is the property of the Queen. It is illegal to die in the House of Parliament. The reason is that theoretically, who dies between the walls of the House, should be buried under the royal sign. Throughout England, pregnant women are allowed to deliver their babies in any public place and even use a policeman helmet if necessary.

• • •

You may not wash your car on a Sunday. It is illegal to flush the toilet after 10pm. A man may not relieve himself while standing up, after 10pm.

• • •

During the long hours of winter darkness it is illegal to complain that you wish it were sunny. If you sell a flag that has anything painted or written on it you will be fined. It is illegal to paint your house without first getting a license.

• • • • • • •

“Mardi Gras Beads” may not be thrown from a third story window. – New Orleans, Louisiana. “Spiteful Gossip” and “talking behind a person’s back” are illegal. – Indiana A $50 fine will be levied on anyone who allows a couch to sit in their carport. – Cape Coral, Florida. A baby girl must not be Christened “Paddy”. – Illinois In Illinois, animals can be sent to jail. Atheists are disqualified from holding office or testifying as witnesses. Donkeys are not allowed to sleep in bathtubs. NY.

UNITED KINGDOM

SWITZERLAND

SWEDEN

UNITED STATES

A special thanks to Stupidlaws.com. Please note, that many of these laws were on the books decades or possibly centuries ago. Some are no doubt outdated. >>>HO L A M A H IG H - SC H O OL OLA IGH OOL

25 33

Interview

I trip as I walk into the office and I fall on the floor. Pick yourself up and see the humour in it.

OK, you got as far as to get a chance for the interview. Now you need to get to the interview.

I choke because I am so nervous. As a prospective employer I will try to help you get over being nervous. Why not? I called you to the interview because I thought you could do the job. Do you really think that a few seconds can ruin it all? It can’t.

e will in all likelihood have to go for an interview to get that first job. Jobs don’t just come along. How must I look? What should I wear? What must I say? What should I ask? … and then the disasters that could happen. Being late, spilling coffee, forgetting your CV or a million other things... besides being extremely nervous.

Don’t be late. Will I give you an extra chance? Yes, I will. But you start from minus something. Accidents can happen, so I will always try to look at it from a positive perspective, and so will other employers. Trust me on that.

I will not let it detract from the interview.

I forgot my CV. It does detract, but first time I will try to overlook it, but expect you to get it to me soonest. The most important thing: I have selected YOU to

Say sorry for being late. Briefly explain it so it is obvious it was beyond your control. Any potential employer would understand. So, get over it. Compose yourself. Dress code. Don’t over-dress. Remember, you are going into a company where they might be serious. You could say, hey, but this is a fancy clothing store selling gothic clothing. Yes, but that does not mean they are not serious, does it? So, whichever way, dress properly. If you do not know how to dress properly, get advice from working friends and family. Body artwork. Tattoos, chains, studs... all kinds of things. As an employer I will not hold it against you. As only 20 something, we could have made changes to our bodies. That could be a sign of the time. Cover it up might show you are not proud of it. Most employers will overlook it. But, don’t flaunt it either. Be discreet. Disasters. I get offered a cup of tea and I spill it all over the person’s desk. Papers, calculator, keyboard, mouse and everything else. It can happen. Get on with it. Have I ever spilled my tea in the office. Yes. So 34

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

come to an interview out of maybe 200. That means that what you wrote resonates with what we are looking for. It also means you are one out of five called in. Which means YOU are sought after. Realising that should calm you down. Because YOU have the right to ask questions (don’t interrogate me though). YOU are in demand and now YOU need to find out if this is the way forward for you. You have just as much upper-hand as the future employer you are sitting across the table of. Doesn’t that make you feel better already? Staff Reporter

Science

ver wondered what happens when we go beyond our solar system? What really defines our solar system?

OK, here goes: The solar system is defined by the sun. The sun dominates its immediate area in terms of gravity and solar wind. In essence, we sort of live in a bubble together with all the other planets. That is easy to grasp. But then what is beyond that and have we data on it? That is where the Voyager Programme comes in.

WIKIMEDIA “The Voyager program is an American scientific program that launched two unmanned space missions, the probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Although they were designated officially to study just the planetary systems of Jupiter and Saturn, the space probes were able to continue their mission into the outer solar system, and they are expected to push through into deep space. As of 2012, Voyager 1 is the farthest manmade object that has ever been sent from the Earth. On 15 June 2012, scientists at NASA reported that Voyager 1 might be very close to entering interstellar space and becoming the first manmade object to leave the Solar System” This is what BBC News said on 20 March 2013 (edited a bit).

is beyond our bubble. Real data is now coming in and it both proves some theories and also raises new questions. Some theories have been proven wrong already. If we now think of this Big Bang theory, everything was concentrated in a very small spot prior to exploding out. OK, there is a lot more to it, but let us just imagine this for a moment. Logic would tell us that the galaxies should be evenly distributed. Like when we blow up a balloon. It has not got kinks and grooves and so on. Well, space does. It is not evenly distributed. There are galaxy clusters and even super clusters. And then the last bit: the filaments.

WIKIMEDIA Discoveries of structures larger than superclusters started in the 1980s. In 1987 astronomer R. Brent Tully identified what he called the Pisces-Cetus Supercluster Complex. In 1989 the CfA2 Great Wall was discovered, followed by the Sloan Great Wall in 2003. In 2006, scientists announced the discovery of three filaments aligned to form one of the largest structures known to humanity, composed of densely packed galaxies and enormous blobs of gas known as Lyman-alpha blobs.

The possibility that the Voyager-1 spacecraft may have left the Solar System is being hotly debated.

So, it adds up to something dramatic. The universe is not evenly distributed. There are massive structures we belong to, which dwarfs even the best movie.

“It’s outside the normal heliosphere, I would say that,” Prof Webber said in a release from the American Geophysical Union.

We are only at the very edge of our own little bubble but have already proven new things and gained more knowledge.

So, what does it mean and why is it important?

… and the best at last: we can predict where we are going, but only if we know. And that is where Voyager is pointing.

Insofar as we have been living in our little “bubble” we have, after all, only been able to guess what 36

>> > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Staff Reporter.

Quotes Games Theodore Roosevelt, The ‘action man’ of his time. “To sit home, read one’s favourite paper, and scoff at the misdeeds of the men who do things is easy, but it is markedly ineffective. It is what evil men count upon the good men’s doing”. Get off the couch! “Gentlemen: you have now reached the last point. If anyone of you doesn’t mean business let him say so now”. Address to U.S. Army recruits (1898),

Oprah Winfrey! “What I learned at a very early age was that I was responsible for my life.” “The thing that I do best is: “Be Here. Be Now.” “I believe that every single event in life that happens is an opportunity to choose love over fear.” Nobody can put it much better.

… and Churchill:

“I have always been fond of the West African proverb “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far”. Neat!

“Although always prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it should be postponed”. What a way of putting it.

“This country has nothing to fear from the crooked man who fails. We put him in jail. It is the crooked man who succeeds who is a threat to this country”. Universal, I should think.

“I do think unpunctuality is a vile habit, and all my life I have tried to break myself of it.” He was notorious for being late.

Vladimir Putin: Did you read the article? “I see that not everyone in the West has understood that the Soviet Union has disappeared from the political map of the world and that a new country has emerged with new humanist and ideological principles at the foundation of its existence”. Did you get it? “Above all, we should acknowledge that the collapse of the Soviet Union was a major geopolitical disaster of the century. As for the Russian nation, it became a genuine drama. Tens of millions of our co-citizens and compatriots found themselves outside Russian territory. Moreover, the epidemic of disintegration infected Russia itself”. Nationalism. Be careful here. “You don’t understand, George, that Ukraine is not even a state. What is Ukraine? Part of its territories is Eastern Europe, but the greater part is a gift from us”. Conversation with George Bush.

Quotes

“We know that he has, more than any other man, the gift of compressing the largest number of words into the smallest amount of thought” This is not a recommendation.” Said about Ramsey MacDonald. “Anyone can see what the position is. The Government simply cannot make up their mind, or they cannot get the Prime Minister to make up his mind. So they go on in strange paradox, decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all powerful to be impotent. So we go on preparing more months and years – precious, perhaps vital to the greatness of Britain – for the locusts to eat.” About being complacent to Hitler. “History will be kind to me. For I intend to write it”. Classic! “I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Future

What the Future

his is my take on how the world may look when I have teenage kids myself. It is of course speculative, but how do you think it will be?

GENERATION CHICKEN

“I woke up in the middle of the night craving breakfast. I suddenly realised I had genetically modified leftover chicken in my fridge. I then wished I could go back thirty years when we used to eat real meat not this nonsense.

DNIH

Robots are a way of life around here, everything that we need to do is done for us by little awesome helping hands called DNIH’s (Do Nothing I’m Here). They get better all the time and do not scare us anymore.

Previous Generation

You’ve probably heard it all before from my grandmother’s generation, were the youth with big dreams and a great vision that needed a Herculean effort to achieve, but they did it. They went and fought against discrimination and the bad system of things that was called ‘apartheid’ by then. And we were the born frees with great opportunities and amazing things before us of which some of us used and at times were too lazy to get it ourselves. We wanted things to be handed to us on a silver platter and such was not life. I look at the crude youth of today in the year 2045 and wonder will they do it? Are they brave enough to be their own persons and stand up for themselves.?

Language

The youth today are so reckless it’s scary. The generation gap that existed between me and my mother seemed like a thick wall of bricks that I couldn’t jump over. I never listened to advice because, well, back then I thought I knew it all. Our generation’s slogan was We Know It All. The lingo was different. We used words like ‘YOLO for You Only Live Once. Now they use words like ‘talkie’ to refer to a window that people do everything in. New dictionaries have replaced Oxford, in fact, nobody uses that anymore as it is completely irrelevant.

Technology

Technology defines our lives to a degree unimaginable. Back in 2015 cell phones used to dominate our lives but now we don’t even have what we used to call cellphones. Instead, we have a world where every window is a cellphone and a camera, even a free TV. People communicate through these windows in a very natural 38

>> > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

way like texting and surfing the internet. Now window shopping is not so metaphorical anymore as we literally do our shopping on the internet and get it all delivered magically.

Education System

Most of the scholars don’t take examinations anymore. Education specifically focuses more on the learner’s performance throughout the cause of the year than depending on mere tests and exams. All this happens online of course. This has caused students to lose out on the social aspect of being in a school environment and learning important values that were provided in schools. Students have no good manners as there is so little association with other people on a face-to-face level and the use of bad language is on the rise.

Environmental Issues

There are a lot of environmental issues that trouble South Africa. My kids are surprised that a rhino was once a specie that people could actually see. Giraffes and zebras sadly have all gone extinct, mass extinction on another level. Children no longer go to zoos because there are no animals too see. The scary part is that scientists just depend on cloning animals and well, I guess we are ok with that. It’s the new generation and era.

Struggle Continues

It’s been a hard struggle to get used to the year 2045. My kids always tell me that I live in the past but that’s not the case. I always tell them that hard work always pays off, not sitting on the bed and waiting for everything to be brought to their feet. Fakeness is seen all around; nobody is real anymore. The media has taught us that it’s ok to strut around and claim ‘It’s my body I can do whatever with it’. Excuse me but my children know I always tell them that they are so much more than their curves.

Rays of Sunlight

I look at my two teenage daughters bringing in friends that I completely disapprove of. I wonder if they will come to realise that a friendship is a single soul living in two bodies and not mere Insta-assistants (someone who helps you look your best in your Instagram pictures). Will they ever find real men that appreciate them for who they really are? Will they ever know the greatness of a hardcopy book and how reading fills the soul? I tell my daughters to help the poor in any way they can

Holds – Maybe? because, as we all know, the rich keep getting richer and the poor poorer. Poverty, diseases and other socioeconomic issues are worse than what they were before It takes a powerful generation to help overcome so many challenges presented to them. I believe they will make it just like us born frees. We did it and tried to change the negatives in our country and society as a whole. The year 2045 is a tough one but with faith and belief we can do it, so will our youth. The 48 year old me is feeling very tired, let me go sleep on my recycled paper bed. – Nonjabulo Radebe

Generation Eagle 30 years later. Amazing. It feels like yesterday when I finished high-school. Dreams and desires and things I wanted to do. Things I wanted to achieve. The future I wanted to be a part of. The future I believed in. Now is a good time to evaluate it all. Robots in the home didn’t really take off. They broke too many things, but it is coming. The biggest thing is our cars. Of course we don’t drive anymore. We just key in where we want to go and the car takes us there. We don’t own a car. They are just there. Sitting and waiting for us to step in. It’s like public transport on a personal level. And we can go anywhere now. As long as there are roads that is. Bit difficult when we have to go to a rural area for a funeral. There we still need cars as I remember them. When I look at my two daughters I always wonder. They are now finishing in school. The oldest has a job. Software development. Where do they see our society going? Where do I see our society going? Production of essentials like food and dinner plates and clothes and all those things is all done with Nanotechnology. It also means that a lot of diseases are gone, but we still die after all. 3 times 20 plus 10 is still more or less the age. Life is easier now. We all have access to a personal window, which is following us. My little ear-piece/ camera comes in handy. I just think about my window,

Future

and there it is. By just looking at the different snippets, I can start my music, do my shopping, read the news or any other thing. It is also linked to my thoughts, so I can just think about a piece of music, and there it is. I don’t even know where it is all stored, but that doesn’t bother me. My kids went to a school. No more private or public. All government. Based on your interests, you get phased into the right track. Being a farmer requires a diploma. You are not allowed to own a farm unless you know what to do and how. Land is too precious to be wasted. The same with a plumber. Or a micro-biologist. Or anything other profession. You have to have an interest and show you are able. And the one’s who can’t? We’ve found out that all can do something. It is just a

matter of finding the ‘gem’ in people. And that the profiling software can do now. Water is a precious resource, so every drop counts. But we are getting good at it. Nothing is wasted now. And that makes me happy. Pollution used to be a major problem, but now all energy is based nearly exclusively on solar or wind power. Thermal energy is there as well. Iceland proved that all energy can be produced by renewable sources, so we are all ‘green’ as I used to say. And as a society? We have time to be involved in politics. And we are all interested because it is our future and what we want it to be. So that is the real battleground. Let me go have a rest now... on my recycled bed. – Staff Reporter > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Have you ever felt intimidated by a role model?

ave you ever been in a situation where you have been compared to some fantastic success story? Like Sir Richard Branson, Patrice Motsepe, Barak Obama, Madiba or someone else? Some person who is so outstanding that it really defies belief? I think we all have. And how does it feel? I feel rather small, because I know I am not there, and probably will never be another Richard Branson. Sure, we are all clever and good at what we do in our own way, but why compare me to something I can never be. Not in a million years at least. “Look at Branson, he started his music store as a 17- year old and despite going broke to begin with he is now a multi-mega-billion-zillionaire”. Yes, and I don’t want to go broke or have a music store. I just want to finish my Matric in a reasonable way, so I tell my parents. How can I relate to Branson? Well, I can’t. He is right up there, so why bother me with someone I can never be. Is this the feeling others have as well? When does a role model become an unattainable goal? Should I try and recognise myself in a role model? Or some parts of me? 40

>> > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Let us look at a role model. What does Wikipedia say: “A role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people” and “a person’s chosen role models may have a considerable impact on his or her career opportunities and choices. The suitability of a role model depends, in part, on the admirer’s perceived commonality with the model, who should provide an image of an ambitious yet realistic goal.” The last two words are telling: Ambitious and realistic. Maybe it is not great to tell me about Branson, as it is not realistic, although very ambitious. Roberto has his own business, our corner café. He provides work for three people, his wife also works there and his children, Julia and Mario help out after school. But that might not be ambitious. Roberto cannot intimidate me, although I look up to him and respect how hard he works and what he has achieved. But is a role model someone distant then? And what now if a role model has ‘feet of clay’? “You are so good at singing, do something like Bieber”.

“Mom, Bieber is doing substance abuse. Should I do that, too?” But if a role model is not capable of failing, well, then they might not be human. And that leads to another question. At what point in time does a role model stop being a role model? 99% without fault? 80%, 60% 40%? It does become rather scientific. Maybe I would like to be 20% Bieber, 30% Branson, 15% Mandela, 10% my Dad, and so on. But who am I then? Maybe we should look at it in a different light. Do we need role models? Will I be happier if I do not have a role model? If a role model must be accepted 100%, boots and all, barbs and faults and good things, well, maybe that is a human person who I admire, but that is not a role model. I admire my father, but I would not like to be like him. I admire Branson, but I don’t want to be like him either. Maybe I’d just like to be myself and try to find out who I am, all by myself. Do I really need to emulate another person? The word emulate is a big word. Do I emulate Bieber by taking my T-shirt off when I go to a restaurant? I wouldn’t do that, no thanks. Do I emulate someone by wearing the same type

of outfit as my ‘hero’? But then it’s hero worship and goes beyond role model. So a role model has to be good, but a ‘hero’ can be a gangster. Now we are confusing ourselves. I can look up to a role model, and recognise certain strains of good things, which I would like to emulate. The rest might not be great and I can leave that alone. But I should not associate myself with a gangster type. So, what type of role model could I look at? Branson, insofar as his ability to get clever people to work for him. Yes, I would also like to be a manager one day. And that means people skills. So there is a connection. Obama, because he comes across as being open and genuine, he is rather hightech and he has got hair on his head, not like my uncle. Mandela, because I would like to have his patience and skills as a peacemaker. So, it does get into me being 15% Mandela, 10% Branson, but this is then my choice. And I choose which parts I like. So my Mom can still tell me I should be like Branson, but then I know what parts of Branson I would like to emulate. A role model is therefore ok, a hero might be too much. Staff Reporter > > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Foreign Affairs

Ukraine, Crimea and Russia:

C o n f u s e d ?

his is not an easy one. There are so many hidden facts in this conflict and it is necessary to understand all of it to get even a slight feel for of what is happening. So, let us start: First of all, borders in Europe have always been fluid. Depending on the one with the strongest sword-arm (or army in modern times), borders have been moved around and nations/land been gobbled up on a constant basis.

A lot of the facts are thanks to Wikipedia. Crimea is connected to Ukraine by a small piece of land. It is also connected to Russia by another small piece of land, which could have been an island really. It is a region which was occupied by a number of invader populations including Euroasian nomads, groups of people called Goths as well as Bulgars and the Golden Horde. Crimea and adjacent territories were united in the Crimean Peninsula during the 15th to 18th century before falling to the Russian Empire and being organised as its province in 1783. In 1954, the Soviet Crimean province was transferred from Russia to Ukraine. It became an independent state – Republic of Crimea. It has been invaded and ruled by all and sundry. The Russians gave Crimea to Ukraine in 1954. Why? And what is this about Ukraine? Ukraine has never really been a country. Let us just call it an area. It became a country (Republic) in 1991 after the collapse of communism and the dismantling of USSR into Russia. It has sizable minorities of Russians, Belarusians, Tatars, Romanians and Hungarians, 42

>> > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL

Polish, Germans and everything else, except Chinese, I think. Ukrainian is the official language but Russian is also widely spoken. Ukraine suffered heavily in World War II. The USSR leadership gave Crimea to Ukraine as a ‘prize’ for fighting Germany. Here is the first trouble-spot: Crimea was never a part of Ukraine! Lets move ahead a few years to 1991: USSR falling apart and Russia being invented – again – together with the Slav republics, Ukraine being one of them. But the economy was not going well and Russia was surely not a world power any longer. In 1999 Vladamir Putin (pictured left), becomes Premier of Russia. The economy gets a serious boost: real income increases significantly, real wages more than triples; unemployment and poverty more than halved, virtually becoming a part of a past best forgotten. This is a miracle but it has planted the seeds for renewed nationalism. When a country is bordering on total devastation it is difficult to be arrogant. When a country is a world power, it has more clout. Russia has emerged as a world power, again, a position it has held and carried with vigour and great success. But this president and premier Putin? He is KGB, this was the primary security force in the Soviet Union. First Chief Directorate: Spying on the West in those days and running secret agents all over Europe. This is the stuff of Hollywood. He can shoot bears, ride horses, fly fighter jets, camp in Siberia and catch fish with his bare hands. And much more! No wonder he is a cult person in Russia. Long time since any country has had a president like that. But is this relevant? Yes it is. Putin is said to be heavy into creating a proud Russia, focused on a nationalistic agenda. And that means to get the land back which was squandered during the communist rule. Crimea is such a test case. He is organising pro-Russian demonstrations, unrest

Foreign Affairs in Eastern Ukraine (Russian land from time back), referendums and so on. He is not going to bow down to any pressure from outside. If he would do that, he will be ‘weak’ and thereby finished. So that will not happen. It is a very clever move. Crimea, as previously part of Russia, holding a referendum and wanting to be part of Russia again. What can be more fair? Except the referendum was held during the Russian occupation of Crimea. Do we hear the echo of Lenin here: “It is not the people voting who are important. It is the one who counts the votes who is important”. Here is my prediction: He will get away with it – this time. Russia has got the gas deposits which Western Europe needs. Russia is a member of BRICS, so the bigger emerging economies are behind him (by default). Obama’s sanctions are going to be useless. Russia is too independent and too big to scare. The EU may try to impose some sanctions, but they need the oil and the gas which, by the way, Russia now provides in abundance to China. What could this mean? Russia rolls with the winning teams perhaps? I pose this because of the European economic crisis that has left various parts of Europe devastated.

Is it about Putin then? Not really. Putin is the symptom. The underlying cause is of course the desire of Russia to be a world power again. To be proud. To be military strong again. To be taken serious. A desire for ‘law and order’ again. Just like it was during the communist regime. Discipline! It is dangerous. Look at it like this: In 1933 another nationalist came to power in a European country which was on the brink of ruin. He claimed a little piece of Europe where some of his nationals lived. That was his only claim. But, then there was another piece of Europe where his people were persecuted. So they came home to the Reich. But that was the last. Until another piece was claimed and so on. It lead to World War II where Europe was totally devastated and 50 million people were dead. The difference this time is that Russia and Ukraine both have nuclear weapons galore, plenty of military top-of-the-range equipment and enough people to fight each other to utter collapse. And that will be the end of Europe as we know it. < By Rofhiwa Madzena

> > > H OLA M A H IGH - SC H OOL

Sport

The plan for our February issue is to delve deeper into ‘Planning Ahead’. It is the intention to get input from organisations specialising in planning ahead. This will point towards project management organisations.

In Our Next Issue

Planning ahead must also go into the area of analysing what can be planned for, i.e. university, FET, etc. The idea behind Open-Day is looked at, via input from universities.

We will also offer a closer look at the outreach programmes from select FET’s. The international scene is confusing right now. France, Boko Haram, Korea, China, Russia, oil pricing and basically everything else. We do not wish to be ‘breaking news’ – as we just might not know it all – but rather to be analytical. That requires a distance in time. We have chosen to look at the oil price as our next topic. There are numerous opinions on the subject. Fashion will be a recurring topic and with Sifiso at the helm of that department, and we will be expecting something exciting. Science is close to our hearts. The next article will be totally different: Would you like to colonise Mars? As fantastic as it might sound, it is possible and it is an article we look forward to. Quotes will of course be there – I love doing those – and a bit about sports. We have a goal of presenting a career and an interesting person every month. Insofar as we are now digital, the turn-around time is shorter and it will indeed be possible. So, there will be plenty interesting information to look forward to in February.

Sybil

> > > H OLA MAH IGH-S C HOOL