VOCA Vol.1 No.4

VOCA kréhon

BE. BECOME. BEHOLD.

VOL. 1 | NO. 4

WEEKLY

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

I CAN’T BREATHE “People killed like animals on video, they stay quiet.

Animals killed on video, they start a riot” Andy Mineo

BY Chelsea Goliath

“I CAN’T BREATHE…” GEORGE FLOYD, 46, an African American male who was brutally murdered on 25 May 2020 by Minneapolis police officers. In a statement released by the Minneapolis Police Department, the officers were responding to a report of a “forgery in progress.” A few moments after the police arrived, Floyd was pinned down by these officers who rested their entire body weight onto Floyd’s neck and body. He kept on begging the officers to get off from his body, exclaiming “I can’t breathe!” The officers continued to knee him down, regardless of his traumatic outcry. This brutality is a clear indication that being black is a crime that apparently results to death.

With no hesitation at that.

> CONTINUE ON PAGE 4

Inside:

CULTIVATING REST PAGE 6

NICOLE GOLDING: BE AUTHENTICALLY YOU PAGE 10

JUSTICE FOR DISABILITY IN SPORT PAGE 16

2 | KRÉHON VOCA

WEEKLY

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

Broad Report EDITORIAL

HIKING AND GAME DRIVES ARE LEGAL FROM 1 JUNE 2020 JAYLEE GERTSE MANAGING EDITOR jayleegertse@gmail.com

You can go hiking between 06:00 and 18:00

Mountain National Park [in the Western

from Monday, 1 June, and as long as you

Cape] with the exception of Boulders

drive yourself in your own car, you can also

Beach and Cape Point will allow access to

go on game drives. But only those in the

visitors from 1 June 2020," SANParks said

MARK ZION MICHAELS

Free State and Western Cape will have

in a draft statement late on Sunday

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR / DESIGNER themarkonzion@gmail.com

access to national parks immediately.

afternoon.

"Open access parks namely Golden Gate

businessinsider.co.za | picture: capetowntourism

National Park [in the Free State] and Table

@krehonmedia 081 334 8531 web: issuu.com/krehon email: krehon.voca@gmail.com

PROCLAIMER THE VIEWS EXPRESSED THROUGHOUT KRÉHON VOCA IS BASED ON THE DIVERSE FINDINGS OF STORIES DISCOVERED FROM DIFFERENT CORNERS OF THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGION. WE AIM TO DELIVER SOUND TRUTHS AND FACTS THAT ARE BIBLICALLY, CULTURALLY AND ECONOMICALLY ACCURATE. ABOVE ALL, THIS IS A PLATFORM FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. WE PROMOTE PEACE, CONNECTION, WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING.

SPACEX ROCKET SHIP BLASTS OFF INTO ORBIT WITH 2 AMERICANS CAPE CANAVERAL - A rocket ship built by

the first private company to launch people

Elon Musk’s SpaceX company thundered

into orbit, a feat achieved previously by

away from Earth with two Americans on

only three governments: the U.S., Russia,

Saturday 30 May 2020, ushering in a new

and China. For SpaceX — and the future of

era in commercial space travel and putting

public-corporate space exploration — the

the United States back in the business of

stakes were extraordinarily high, and Musk

launching astronauts into orbit from U.S.

said he would take responsibility if

soil for the first time in nearly a decade.

anything went wrong.

With the on-time liftoff, SpaceX became

www.1.cbn.com | picture: FR24 News English

HUNDREDS OF SCHOOLS OPEN ONLY TO CLOSE AGAIN SOUTH KOREA - Hundreds of South Korean schools were forced to delay reopening amid a surge in new coronavirus infections. Korean health officials announced 79 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, and 69 among them were reported at a distribution centre in Bucheon.

So, 838 schools that were slated to resume classes on Friday remained closed, opting instead to continue with remote learning. businessinsider.co.za

PROVERBS 4:5

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

[Editor’s Note]

Sunshine Thoughts

KRÉHON VOCA | 3

D

Seeking out the Light

Dearly beloveds,

curtains as early as possible to let natural light flood the house; or switch on the light in the room you are active in at that moment.

What a blessing and privilege to greet you once more. We have taken

Another idea is to take a walk outside in daylight if there is no rain -

a much needed and super insightful production break as the krĂŠhon

remember to dress warm. Add as much warm light to the various

team. We missed being able to share our hearts and ideas with you,

rooms in the house; candles, lamps and fairy lights will do the trick.

specifically here at VOCA, but we are back and super excited to

On days that are sunny take some time to sit outside, still protect

continue the journey with you. What a time to experience life mid

yourself with sunscreen, since the winter sun can also be harmful to

COVID-19 and lockdown, and at the offset of winter.

your skin.

Winter isn’t everyone’s cup of cosy, for years the runny noses and

I understand that a lot of households with lower socio-economic

sniffles, cold fingers and toes, rainy grey skies, cold bed sheets and

statuses struggle during this period, it may be challenging for some

muddy puddles used to be a major cause of frustration to me. I

to cook wholesome meals, stay warm or even stay healthy due to a

realised a perspective shift does wonders to one’s spirit. It was my

lack of resources. Therefore, I urge you to reach out in love to at least

spiritual and emotional ‘winters’ that reminded me that this season

one person or family in this time, as it is in your ability to care for

is often needed to perfect a cycle and to allow the promise of spring

their needs. Whether it’s sharing a warm meal, gifting blankets or

and summer to come to pass, but best of all it doesn’t last forever.

warm clothes (whether new or second hand), buying electricity,

After embracing Winter in an appreciative manner, understanding

sharing some natural immune boosting remedy ingredients for colds

that this season also carries so much beauty with it, my heart grew to

and flu’s, making soup jars, delivering some firewood, or just asking

love it more. No, it’s not my favourite season, Autumn is my favourite

if a loved one needs anything. As the days will grow gloomier and the

(not only because I’m an autumn baby đ&#x;˜Š ) but training your mind to

night will get darker sooner, it’s important to keep the spirit of

see beauty in the less pleasant moments and seasons, may just bless your heart. I now love Winter because of the aromatic stews and soups, the smell of earth after rain, the blanket of snow on the mountain tops, crackling fires or fireplaces, the slice of baked bread straight out of the oven and cosy cable knit jerseys.

The truth is winter can prove to be a challenging time for many

community alive. An act of kindness means sharing warmth with others.

Keep warm, stay healthy and safe and remember to always seek out the light.

Lots of love,

especially physically and emotionally. One way to lift your mood, if it gets affected by the winter air is to utilise the gift of light. Open the

JAYLEE GERTSE Editor, VOCA

JUSTICE FOR FLOYD

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WEEKLY

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

TOP STORY

N

“I CAN’T BREATHE”

S

OME MAY SAY that this is not a racial or political matter and that it can happen to anyone. This is partially true, but one cannot deny which race

or ethnicity most fall victim to these violent acts and injustices. Given the history of black people it is obvious that these injustices are nothing new. However, it is an outrage that these injustices are still happening - to this degree - in an era that we call the New age. Therefore, to respond to the #blacklivesmatter movement with #alllivesmatter is an insensitive retaliation. This response does not only take away the sentiment but completely disregards the aim of the movement. It is like handing out pamphlets of your deceased brother at someone else’s funeral.

These responses followed after a video of Floyd’s murder by heedless police officers was shared across the internet. The brutality of Floyd’s unfair murder remains astonishing. How impossibly inhumane it must be for an individual to make direct eye contact with spectators and cameras while taking the life of another human being.

Outrageous. Not to mention the handling of Floyd at the mercy of those who ought to serve and protect their community and nation at large. An unarmed Floyd was no threat to anyone yet paid severely for mere suspicion.

The officers acted outside of their oath and even outside of their humanity when they refused to give him water or

BY Chelsea Goliath

even the freedom to breathe when he had longed to do so.

What is duty without respect for innocent humanity?

to respond to the #blacklivesmatter movement with #alllivesmatter is an insensitive retaliation. It is like handing out pamphlets of your deceased brother at someone else’s funeral.

PROVERBS 4:5

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

KRÉHON VOCA | 5

If not for yourself, speak up for others and speak out on Floyd’s behalf. He used his last breath to call out for help, may we use our breath that God has spared us with to respond effectively.

I could not contain my emotions while watching the gruesome video myself. What really gripped me was the way in which Floyd cried out to his mother (absent from the scene) when he said “Mama! Mama, I can’t breathe...” Here we witness a 46-year-old man, horrifically smothered and crying out to his dear mother whilst losing his last breath.

This proves how in a moment of desperate fear, pain and suffering, having your mother close would provide comfort, regardless of how old you may be. Floyd was robbed of that opportunity to have someone he loved beside him, before he left this cold world. Another thing that stood out for me was the fear spectators had towards the police. In the video it is evident how the bystanders tried to speak up on Floyd’s behalf. They even tried coming closer but backed up the moment the police officers instructed them to do so. This revealed the level of fear that is still present in the hearts of black people towards those in authority and the trap of white supremacy.

Tucking in one’s racial opinions, to make others rest peacefully should not be seen as a solution to racism.

Avoiding touchy subjects such as race is the reason racism still exists. We need to start calling out individuals on their racist mentalities and be bold enough to admit and correct our own racist expressions. If not for yourself, speak up for others and speak out on Floyd’s behalf. He used his last breath to call out for help, may we use our breath that God has spared us with to respond effectively. God cared about what happened to Floyd and we should too.

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WEEKLY

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

[bot] Let’s Get to The Bottom of This

9

Cultivating Rest “GIVEN OUR NEW NORMAL, WE ARE ALL HANDED THE ASSIGNMENT OF RE-STRATEGISING HOW WE ARE GOING TO ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH WE’VE SET OUT TO AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, FOR OUR GOALS ARE STILL VALID.”

Given our new normal, we are all

Hebrews 12:1 says “…Let us run with

handed the assignment of re-strategising

endurance the race that is set before us…”.

how we are going to accomplish that which

Life is not a sprint, nor is it a marathon. Life

e are always chasing something,

we’ve set out to at the beginning of the year,

is a relay race. But only when we commit to

whether it be goals, dreams,

for our goals are still valid. As runners of

living it with Christ, who invites us to come

deadlines or money. We are in this

our respective races, resting do not have to

to Him with our burdens in exchange of His

constant rat race against ourselves and the

mean lazing around or giving up. But

rest (Matthew 11:28). We then become able

world. Despite sayings like “Own race, own

instead it can mean recovering, repairing,

to run at a sustainable pace and in

pace”, we do little to pace ourselves as we

rebooting and rebuilding in order to ensure

intervals, so that we will be able to endure

are propelled forward by societal pressures

we do not miss those initial targets.

and not tire.

BY Asisipho Tsotsa

W

that we have internalised. But what

Now I understand that many factors are

Rest means to depend on or to place

happens when the treadmill stops working

out of our control today, but our state of

hope, trust or confidence in or on

and you become forced to set the pace? Do

mind remains our responsibility and I’d like

something. As followers of Christ, we place

you continue to run or do you slow down?

to share four ways we can actively cultivate

our confidence in Him, relying on the

an atmosphere of rest.

power of the Commander of Peace to usher

This sounds much like what most of us are experiencing given the lockdown and the climate it brings with it. The rug has been swept out underneath our feet and we find ourselves scrambling. Our year of promise - of plenty - has left us unsteady, confused and restless. In effect, we are clouded from seeing any possible bright side and all glimmer of a silver lining seems to be met with yet another grey cloud. But a friend of mine recently told me that things going skew is always an indication that you need to rest.

Physically, when we rest we replenish lost energy, and “clear the fog” so we are able to think and perform better. For this reason, our passive state is just as important as our active state.

us through our moments of uncertainty, 1. Set a routine and stick to it. This includes implementing a regular sleeping pattern to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle and control your stress levels.

2. Meditate. Deep breathing, praying, keeping a journal and visualisation are common and effective ways of focusing your mind on the here and now.

3. Exercising releases endorphins which help to alleviate stress and relax.

Additionally, a good workout can also improve sleep quality.

4. Practice Gratitude. It is proven than the hormones produced when we are in a state of gratitude counter feelings of anxiety. Reflect on things you are grateful for each day.

weakness and vulnerability while He guarantees us victory. (2 Corinthians 12:9).

What a comfort!

When things get a bit out of hand and you struggle to rest, Jesus shows us in Mark 4 that no storm is great enough for you to lose sleep over. Use this moment, then, to cultivate an atmosphere of peace and calm by taking a purposeful deep breath in as you welcome rest into your body and letting go of all anxiety, fatigue and stress as you…

Exhale.

PROVERBS 4:5

KRÉHON VOCA | 7

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

Creature Feature

Kanga who?

BY Liam Barnwell

A

their young in a pouch, and can also have a

Tree kangaroos don’t hop around as

joey growing in their pouch, while having

much as normal kangaroos, as their hind

another developing in their uterus.

legs are less muscular, but up in the trees

sloths arms, a monkeys tail and a

Some of the main differences between

they can spring up to 9 meters across, and

bears face = The most adorable

tree kangaroos and regular kangaroos are

even drop down 18 meters to the ground

kangaroo you will ever see!

that tree kangaroos have muscular arms, as

without getting hurt.

Tree kangaroos are just like regular

they need to be able to carry their own

There are 14 different species of tree

kangaroos, but with a cuter, more agile

body weight from spending most of their

kangaroos found in northern Australia and

touch. They present the body posture of a

time up in the trees. Their front paws have

Papua New Guinea. Their behaviour in the

kangaroo, but have an eye catching yellow

really good control to grab things, since

wild is actually not fully known to

and brown coat, with a slightly different

their dexterity (as well as racoons) are one

scientists, but we’re happy to have them on

facial and body structure. They too carry

of the best outside of apes.

this planet.

Did You Know?

VOCA (short for vocable) Noun - a word, especially with reference to form rather than meaning.

In the broadest sense of the word, a vocable is any meaningful sound uttered by people, such as a word or term, that is fixed by their language and culture.

=

Shakespeare invented more than 1,700 words.

Shakespeare wrote some of the

words. In fact, The Bard is said to

most beloved and revered pieces of

have come up with more than 1,700

literature the world has ever

words including moonbeam,

known, but in order to craft his

laughable, eyeball, bump, puking,

plays and poems, he sometimes

champion, bedroom, excitement,

resorted to making up his own

and zany.

Scientists made a "nano-guitar" the size of a human blood cell.

Cornell University researchers carved the tiny musical instrument out of crystalline silicon and claim that it's the world's smallest "nano-guitar" at 10 micrometers long. The guitar's six strings are each about 50 nanometers (100 atoms) wide. And while it was "made for fun to illustrate the technology," it also demonstrates how this tech could be used in fibre optics, displays, sensors, and electronics.

8 | KRÉHON VOCA

x

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

The Poet Tree

The shade of my skin The texture of my hair The shape of my lips The curve of my body The sound of my voice The place that I call home All things that make you consider me Weigh me Assess me To decide if I'm worthy of life itself The blood through my veins The very beat of my heart The breath in my lungs Not enough evidence that earth is my home too Weep for the cinnamon skinned babies Born into the bloodstained soil of this earth Will they too have to fight a little harder a little longer a little more just to proof they deserve to breath the very oxygen of the trees planted by their ancestors Signs of the time they say GOD is on his way The bodies of my brown skinned brothers and sisters used as a sacrifice to fulfil the promise of a time If I'm not mistaken blood was already poured out debt already paid.

Jesus already said its done So you beat, and bruise and rest the weight of your ignorance on our necks attempting to stop the air flow into our lungs Like the blood of Cain called out to the Father The blood of our innocent brothers is calling out Like animals led to slaughter And yet they expect us not to open our mouths They and us.

Them and we.

Segregated once more.

The shade of my skin The texture of my hair The shape of my lips The curve of my body The sound of my voice The place that I call home A library of stories to tell Of a time where I had to fight To breathe in the oxygen And slurp up the drop of water And ensure the continuation of life flowing through my veins

A

S H A D E O F C I N N A M O N

BY Jaylee Gertse

WEEKLY

PROVERBS 4:5

#icantbreathe #JusticeForFloyd #BlackLivesMatter

KRÉHON VOCA | 9

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

Picture Story

PHOTOGRAPHER:

D

Logan Weaver

10 | KRÉHON VOCA

C

WEEKLY

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

Style Story

F O O D | FAS H I O N | F L AV O U R

Authentically

YOU!

MEET NICOLE GOLDING “I don’t aim to live a “filtered” life but I want to normalise a ‘real life’ narrative - a coloured girl from Retreat adding value with a positive mind and a pure heart.”

F

ounder of “Nicole’s Closet” and

carry yourself confidently and dress boldly

her phenomenal parents (Gary and Jacqui)

co-founder of House of Basileia,

outwardly, you have to dress yourself fully

and mentors, Bradley and Johnlyn - Van

the vibrant and confident, Nicole

on the inside first! Only once you truly

Reenen, she was always encouraged to

Golding is a Cape Town based Fashion

embrace who you are - in all your

pursue a life of purpose over profit – one

Enthusiast, Content Creator and

imperfection and diversity - then you’ll find

that she does not regret today.

Communications Graduate. As with

it a lot easier to solidify your unique style

fashion, she is ever evolving, learning,

identity.”

growing and creating!

Today, she is her own authentic trendsetter and sparkles like gold - positioning

An avid entrepreneur, who started her

herself for a local and international

Golding’s ability to influence, is evident

first business from her dad’s garage, selling

audience. Building her brand around

and fluent in her talent as a presenter and

second-hand clothing items from her

authenticity - In a world that’s driven by

aspiring media maven. She is passionate

closet – this was a big hit amongst many

approval and “likes”, she encourages others

about styling and design - with strong

young women in her circle and community,

to stop impressing and inspires them to

beliefs that outer beauty merely mirrors

one of Golding’s proudest moments as a

live their life authentically.

what is within. Golding says: “In order to

young entrepreneur. With the support of

PROVERBS 4:5

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

“Only once you truly embrace who you are - in all your imperfection and diversity - then you’ll find it a lot easier to solidify your unique style identity”

KRÉHON VOCA | 11

PROVERBS

4:5

LOCKDOWN BUT NOT SHUTDOWN Nicole Shares Tips On How To Keep The Fashionista Alive During Lockdown

It

can be quite difficult to keep the fashionista in you alive during lockdown, especially since we’re prioritising comfort over extravagance at home. Now is not the time to shut yourself down but to be creative with your closet and make the most of every minute.

Here are three of my top tips that keeps me afloat during this time of uncertainty: DITCH THE PYJAMAS The urge to stay in pyjamas is real but eventually you’ll get bored of sporting the same look every day. Dress intentionally for each day as you would if it weren’t lockdown.

SLAY IN SWEATS It’s possible to be both comfy and cute. If you’re like me and wearing sweat pants every day, dress them up by adding a cropped t-shirt, a denim jacket and a cool pair of sneakers. Or layered with a cute top or hoodie and an accessory of choice - my favourite accessories are my headbands. Play around and see how many different ways you can style your sweats!

REINVENT YOUR WARDROBE With the extra time on your hands, now is the perfect time to clear out your cupboards, get rid of some things and up-cycle your clothing (tie-dyeing is fast becoming a trend). Mix and match different items to get a completely new look and practice your styling by putting together outfits that you can wear after the lockdown.

FOLLOW NICOLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

INSTAGRAM: @NIC_GOLDING FACEBOOK: NICOLE GOLDING

SO MAKE WISDOM YOUR QUEST SEARCH FOR THE REVELATION OF LIFE’S MEANING. DON’T LET WHAT I SAY GO IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER.

12 | KRÉHON VOCA

Get in the mix of our selection 1

WEEKLY

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

Song Vine

TOP 10 | EDITOR’S PICKS

2 LIFE ROOM ANTHEM https://youtu.be/IZuTOly2g2I Jonathan Mcreynolds Ft. Dee-1

H

RUN TO THE FATHER Chandler Moore https://youtu.be/IbCaoncCXqw (Cover- Cody Carnes)

3 TEAR DOWN THE WALLS Common Hymnal ft Jenny https://youtu.be/CV9ZJdMpuTk Wahlström, Mark Alan Schoolmeesters

{ { { { { { {

4

TOUCHING HEAVEN JOHNNYSWIM

5

HE HAS TIME COMMON HYMNAL ft. JAMIE MCDONALD

6

ALABASTER BOX CECE WINANS

7

YOU’VE BEEN A FRIEND ISRAEL & NEW BREED

8

UPPER ROOM HILLSONG WORSHIP

https:// youtu.be/ Dfql0BcfU8c

9

LAAT DIE WIND MY NEEM JOSHUA NA DIE REËN

https:// youtu.be/lPmEoBpZLY

DIE HERE WEET WAT HY DOEN NEVILLE D ft. KEVIN BOOYSEN, DUMISANI

https:// youtu.be/ gIxRgg5QpNk

10

https:// youtu.be/ lIcUFL_xOqA

https:// youtu.be/ 0BCbJssfFJo

https:// youtu.be/ 4Ls8ZfeBmHA

https:// youtu.be/gdi3jIY3II

PROVERBS 4:5

KRÉHON VOCA | 13

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

Community

“If able, let us also add a complementary blanket or two and even take along a word of kindness.”

6

SH ARING | CARING | SERVIN G

STEAL HEARTS WITH SOUP JARS THIS WINTER To Many Households And Families Across The Provinces In South Africa, 1 Soup Jar Can Make The World’s Difference.

What are you waiting for? Locate

and be sure to know that your

the needs in and around your

contribution will bless, fill and

community or get involved with

w a r m t h e h e a r t s o f e ve r y

an organisation that connects

receptive person or family in

you with this in need. Open up

need.

your heart, wallet, cupboard and have fun at the same time. Oh,

If able, let us also add a

the gift of generosity!

complementary blanket or two and even take along a word of

Soup Jars are super easy to stock.

kindness. Especially during this

All you need is an empty,

fragile time we face as a nation,

cleaned coffee jar (medium to

as the world at large.

large or even extra large), a portion of soup mix, rice, lentils,

Cool Tip: Why not add a ribbon

packet of soup powder and an

or tag with a bible verse or any

unwrapped stock cube. You can

cool quote. Have a heart.

make as many as you can afford

Have fun!

Original Series

M

WEEKLY EPISODES

CRY PTIC MOUN TAIN P R E M I E R E S

VOCA

J U N E

8

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Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.

SPORT F O O T BA L L

“From a spiritual point of view I have encountered the unconditional love of God and through that I experienced a change of heart.”

BY Eleazar Rodgers

M

Y JOURNEY BEGAN during my time at Santos where I came

God had other plans. I was more than ready to experience my New

to the Knowledge of God. I accepted JESUS as my Lord and

Life in Christ at my New club.

Saviour. According to the Bible we must be born again in

Joining Mamelodi Sundowns provided me with the opportunity to

order to inherit the Kingdom of God. The Bible says, Anyone who

move to Johannesburg. Exiting times ahead, join me for my next

belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and

piece as I speak about my life and the transition from Cape Town to

everything is new. From a spiritual point of view I have encountered

Johannesburg (Gauteng).

the unconditional love of God and through that I experienced a change of heart. I came to the point of realising that I could do nothing in my own strength. Therefore I got to the point of repentance, understanding that I had to confess my sins to God and ask Him to guide me through my next journey. I made a public declaration of my Faith by being baptised. I truly believe that when we submit to God completely, He will direct our steps.

The Lord has made it possible for me to complete a move to Mamelodi Sundowns. I must admit: at no stage in my life have I ever thought I would play for this team. This was all part of my miracle moment. I couldn't believe what was happening. I can admit that God was always present. Allow me to give you some perspective just to track back for a moment. Remember I was attending bible study at my church and also with the sports chaplain Bruce Nadin and I have mentioned previously that I earned an opportunity to play for the SA National Team (Bafana Bafana). Upon arrival at the training camp one of my teammates walked into my room and recognised that I had my bible next to my bed, he asked me if I wanted to join him for bible study later that day. I was like “wow, Lord, there is no way.” I asked him “are you for real?” He replied yes he is serious, then I agreed without hesitation to join them. I found it very hard to believe that even in the national team we had bible study. We were between 3 - 4 guys in the beginning of the bible study but we prayed together for more people to come and throughout the duration of the camp more people joined, we ended up being 8 guys. This is a common thing when we have bible study even outside of football. When we pray to God, He hears us. God is faithful and He answers prayers.

This was one of the signs that helped me make the decision to join Mamelodi Sundowns. The guy who led the bible study at the national team was a player for Mamelodi Sundowns. Spiritually my future seemed perfectly in place. I did on the other hand have to consider many other things before joining Mamelodi Sundowns since I had offers from other clubs. Personally I wanted to join Bidvest Wits but

NEXT WEEK: GAUTENG LIFE

PROVERBS 4:5

KRÉHON VOCA | 15

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

SPORT AT H L E T I C S < FROM PAGE 16

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I decided not to accept the status quo, but to speak up to ensure that aspiring athletes that come after me get the opportunities they deserve.â&#x20AC;?

Social Justice for people with Disabilities in Elite Sport The social justice debate has found

Despite my success in the sports field, I

I am advocating for equal opportunities

prevalence in society today, as people have

have also experienced inequality and

for people with disabilities in sport. Even if

become more aware of human rights, and

stigma around the sport for people with

people praise me for speaking up and says

are seeking to eradicate injustices and

disabilities. Firstly, the media are not

that it is a worthy cause, no one is joining

inequalities of the past. Social justice is a

covering the disabled sports enough, and

or supporting me in this quest. I would like

concept of fair and just relations between

do not give enough credit to performing

to see that the government, NPO's,

the individual and society, as measured by

athletes. The public has a misconception

companies, and sports federations make a

t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n o f r i g h t s, we a l t h ,

about para-sport and sometimes pity

better effort by including sportspeople with

opportunities for opinion, personal

athletes more then they respect them for

disabilities and advocating equal

activity, and social privileges.

being elite athletes. Even administrators

opportunities and social justice for people

In the last few decades, the disability

within the disabled sports arena are

with disabilities. My dream is that sport for

r i g h t s m ov e m e n t h a s g r ow n , a n d

focussing more on mass participation than

the disabled can become a reputable career

governments and institutions have ensured

high performance. There were times that

for elite athletes. So many other successful

that buildings, shopping malls, and parking

team SA did very well at major

para-athletes are already forgotten. They

bays are more accessible to people with

championships, but the media does not

have not received the honour and benefits

disabilities. It is common practice that

report on it. One also sees how the country

that they rightfully deserve for representing

buildings have accessible parking and

heroes' able-bodied sports stars while

South Africa and winning medals for the

toilets allocated for people with disabilities.

athletes with disabilities are treated as

country.

Legislation in South Africa has now allowed

insignificant. The most disappointing to

I decided not to accept the status quo,

more appointments for people with

me is probably the rejection that I often

but to speak up to ensure that aspiring

disabilities through policy. The question is

received from companies that do not

athletes that come after me get the

whether companies and government

regard our performances as important as

opportunities they deserve. I want to be

departments are complying with

that of able body athletes. That they

able to say with a clean conscience to a

regulations.

blatantly disregard us as human beings and

young disabled athlete, that they can have

I have been a Para Athlete since 2010. In

do not see our performances as significant.

a professional career in sport for people

these ten years, I have achieved at the

Abled-bodied athletes with less significant

w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s. T h e re a re e q u a l

highest level. I have 5 Paralympic medals

achievements get more media coverage, get

employment opportunities in the labor

and 8 World Championship medals; I am

endorsement deals, and are celebrated

market for people with disabilities. Why

the former world record-holder in the long

more than deserving sportspeople with a

can sport not be a career for a talented

jump in the T38 class, and I am the current

disability.

individual with a disability?

Paralympic games record-holder in the

The issues that I mentioned above are

In closing, if more people speak up and

400m T38 category. Furthermore, I have

just once again proved that social justice is

are honest about the discrimination and

won the shield of Jove award at the 2016 SA

needed for para-athletes in South Africa.

inequality towards people with disabilities

sports awards for the best performance at

Discrimination against disability is a legacy

in sport, then we will be able to move

the 2016 Paralympics, and I won the

of the Apartheid regime. It needs to be

forward.

sportsmen of the year with a disability

corrected in our democratic country with

award in 2017 at the SA sports awards. This

the same vigour that racial prejudice and

achievement in sport was due to hard

gender inequality are addressed. Policies

work, support from others, and, most

are in place, yet it is not enforced.

importantly, my faith.

Pictures: (Top Left A) Supplied Top Left B) Supplied (Cover) jumpingkids.org

VOL. 1 | NO. 4

Cape Town, Monday, 1 June 2020

New Life in Christ p14

WEEKLY

VOCA SPORT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we pray to God, He hears us. God is faithful and He answers prayers. - Eleazar Rodgers

Fact Field ANNIE KOPCHOVSKY, the first woman to cycle around the world in 1894, had only learned how to cycle a few days before she set off. She covered the entire distance in 15 months and received a reward of 10,000 dollars.

Social Justice for people with

DISABILITIES IN ELITE SPORT

BY Dyan Buis (B.TH, PGCE, Hons B. ED) An active elite para-athlete, ordained pastor, educator, and completing a masters' thesis in inclusive education policy (SU).

AMONG THE 30 FASTEST 100-meter sprints in the history of the sport, there are only nine that are not related to doping. All nine runs were completed by Usain Bolt.

S

OUTH AFRICA is a democratic country, and its policies and

legislation are fundamentally grounded on principles of democracy, which promotes social justice. Despite the var io us advanc emen ts in policy and legislation regarding the rights of people with disabilities, it appears that there is a disjuncture between what policy states and what happens in society today.

As a top-performing paraathlete and scholar in education policy studies, I aim to emphasise the lack of social justice in the implementation

THE 2022 WORLD SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP will be opened in Lusail (Qatar), a city which did not exist till recently.

of legislation, particularly for elite para-athletes.

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