Living Limpopo>> A criminology professor’s selfarticulation through poetry and painting YOLANDE NEL >>observer.yolande@ gmail.com If it is at all possible to measure selfarticulation by brush strokes on canvas or the prosaic use of words, Prof Cornelis Roelofse can count himself blessed with the ability to express Photo: Yolande Nel his creativity through Prof Cornelis Roepoetry and painting lofse. with equal ease. Imagining the creative persona and published author excelling in the field of criminology is somewhat of a contradiction then. With numerous achievements of local and global nature to his name, this academic attached to the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice of the University of Limpopo has just been elected to the executive committee of the Policing Association of Southern Africa. He has delivered several papers at international conferences, chaired the conference of the International Policing Executive Symposium in Malta in 2010 and last year organised the all-Africa Conference on Organised Crime. He also founded the all Africa Criminal Justice Society, of which he is Deputy President and is the sub editor of its Just Africa journal, and is a board member of the Criminological and Victimological Society of Southern Africa. Roelofse is also member of the editorial boards of homeland Security and Global Security Journal based in Germany and Internal Security Journal of the Polish Police. This former politician has published extensively, both locally and abroad but it is his literary work that carries more appeal than specialist presentations. Among these is the title Libithanos, which contains poetry produced in 2007. The book cover constitutes one of his works of art in oil, that of a female figure. Similar figures feature prominently throughout. Roelofse explains that his passion for art and poetry was sparked by his mother, with whom he later shared poetry readings on the phone. She, too, published literature and painted. He grew up in George and remembers a house filled with art. Roelofse exclaims that she had a huge influence in his life. Turning to the field of criminology, he explains that he finds the psyche of the human interesting. To try to understand how people would cross the edge to commit an act against the law fascinates him. “We all have that potential.” While he is inclined to move towards classical criminology, thus far his research has focused on policing. One of his articles on human rights and policing written with the South African context in mind, is due to appear in an American journal before the end of the month, he points out. He describes criminology as a difficult field to work in, especially in a crime-riddled South Africa. It bothers him that instead of it being an agricultural country, South Africa is agro-cultural. With its history being saturated with examples of bloody battles and conflict, it seems as if physical attack has become a form of negotiation or argumentation. Criminology has a sad side to it, and then he turns to art or writing to steer his mind in a different direction, he says. When he is not set on work or living out his artistic passion, he plays squash. A large part of his time is also devoted to his religion... to spend time with his Creator, without pretence. To this lay preacher who has helped established three churches across the province, it is a tragedy that the world can disregard the Creator to a large extent. Having moved to Limpopo in 1994, he has developed a love of the province. He quips that he used to be a Stormers-turned-Cheetahs fan but given more time might start supporting the Blue Bulls in future. He sings the praises of Limpopo’s beauty, especially Soutpansberg and the Kruger National Park, and its pleasant people. Asked to put a definition to Limpopo’s heartbeat, he says there is phenomenal interaction between the urban heart, rural countryside, nature and a variety of cultures that get along well despite their political affiliation.
Business women guided on how to access funds Photo: Ben Snyman
Attending the Business Women’s Association (BWA) of Limpopo’s event are, front, Mss Isabel Letsoalo (Nedbank), Tsakani Nkambule (BWA Chairperson) and Maisibe Mabelelele (IDC). At the back are Mss Grace Sibara (BWA Treasurer), Lesego Tshivhula (BWA Public Relations), Gauta Malotane (BWA Events Head), Meisie Nkoenyane (BWA Events) and Matshepo Ramphele (BWA Coordinator).
Maart 20, 2013
polokwane
OBSERVER
NEWS
17
BEN SNYMAN >> bensnyman.observer@gmail.com The Business Women’s Association of Limpopo (BWA) held an in formative event themed “How to Access Funding” at Hanani Lodge last week giving individuals and cooperatives guidelines on how to obtain financial help when needed. Speaking at the occasion Standard Bank’s, Ms Isabel Letsoalo and the Industrial Development Corporation’s Ms Maisibe Mabelelele provided insight about financial support, advised black empowered businesses and promoted a culture of savings and investment among black people, including the National Treasury Regulations. The gathering was also the occasion for the organisation’s annual general meeting and the election of a new steering committee but, due to the lack of a quorum, it was postponed.