016
THE
JULY/AUGUST 2021
Kgotso Moeketsi Founder of Precious Cargo Transporting
Vaal YouTubers: - B.A Nhlapo - Ntokozo Live - Lebohang Mahlaba
LGBTQI Elegant Sundays The importance of celebrating elegance
Dinsthang? A feature of recent events
LAW: SAIHRAG 2021 commuity workshop
Court cases: Cases that shook the Vaal
C O N 6 T 10 E N 21 T S
ISSUE NO 14
FEATURES
CREATIVE OF THE ISSUE: Award winning author and fimmaker Sbusiso Manqa is our chosen creative
ON THE COVER KGOTSO ROGER MOEKETSI
LAW: Learn all about what happened at the comminutiy worshop hosted by the South African Human Rights Advocacy Group
Dear Diary by Boniswa Dineka Bonny takes us through her journey as a Bisexual. This diary entry is to make the community better uunderstand members of the LGBTQI+ community
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WITH THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS - Chicken Dust Ya Mpumelelo - Precious Cargo Transporting - EWE - Yanda cosmetics - ShapeCafe - Mcgyver Maxi
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EDITOR’S NOTE
H
ello, it’s good to have you. Welcome to the latest issue of The016.
This issue will introduce you to Kgotso Roger Moeketsi. He is the Founder of a transporting company called Precious Cargo Transporting. His company transports goods from one place to another at an affordable price. Seeing such young people starting their own businesses is really inspiring. You will also be taken through recent court cases that have happened in the Vaal because we want our audience to be knowledgeable on the law and how it works. Speaking of the law, we were invited to a community workshop hosted by the South African Human Rights Advocacy Group in partnership with Citizen Journalism Network. The aim of the workshop was to teach the public about their rights when it comes to the law. This issue is dedicated to Vaal journalist and son of the late Nyembezi Kunene, Sonqoba Kunene. He lost his battle to Covid-19. This issue represents all that he wanted to see in the Vaal- a thriving community with loads of talent. Rest well brother. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and best friend and fellow journalist Sifiso Jimta. Enjoy the read. Reitumetse Shebe Editor
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C R E A T I V E O F T H E I S S U E
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FEATURE
S
busiso Manqa is making big moves quietly. The Vaal born creative has been putting the Vaal on the map with his impactful work. After he won best author at the Mzansi Youth Awards in 2020, Manqa has since hosted a Writer’s workshop aimed at educating fellow writers about the many avenues that await them. He was recently announced as a 2021 Trailblazer Award recipient by NYDA. He is airing his recent work of art titled the Creative’s Conversation which is a conversation among fellow industry colleagues on the topic of ‘a creative’s state of mind in 2021’. Because we have been affected by lockdown, Manqa wanted to find out how other creatives are doing in such a harsh working climate. The interview, which features performing artist Masedi, journalist and magazine editor Reitumetse Shebe and traditional leader Chief Leane Kekana, goes live on the National Arts Festival Makhanda on Thursday 8 July 2021. Sbusiso, your work is impeccable and we are inspired by it. Keep shining. Socials: Facebook: Sbusiso Manqa Instagram: @sbu_manqa Twitter: @sbu_manqa
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EVENTS
Dinsthang? A brief rundown of events in the Vaal.
BAFANA BA BRUNOLocal stars Thato Immaculate Mokoena and Lesego Lethoko starred in this comedy short film called Bafana ba Bruno. The movie was based in Sebokeng Zone 11 and told the story of two siblings who had to depend on each other after their father passed away. They had to work together to save their father’s business from closing down. #MOKETE WA CHICKEN DUSTThis massive event was the birthday celebration of Mpumelelo’s business. As a way of celebrating the business reaching a year old, a party or mokete was planned and people shut it down. The place was packed with supportive customers who purchased the chicken dust at the venue. We are proud of how far Mpumelelo’s business has come and we wish them more success. 8 | THE016 JULY/AUG 2021
BOSSO BILLBOARDSBosso bagged two billoards in the IEC voting campaign. The boards have been shared by Vaal supporters as a token of appreciation. Bosso has been making major moves by his famous walk that is admired by many. This is an achievement that young people can look up to for inspiration. A Vaal creative on Vaal billboards is something that Vaal people are proud of. Congratulations.
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LAW
LAW- 2021 community workshop
M
embers of the Vaal community were invited to a free workshop at Evaton Lifestyle on the 2nd of June. This event, which was hosted by the South African Independent Human Rights Advocacy Group in partnership with Citizen Justice Network, was aimed at informing the public about their rights by engaging in discussions about burning issues such as Estate planning, Education law and Children’s rights and Gender based violence, harassment, domestic violence and unlawful arrests. The event was facilitated by Advocate Innocent Moloi and the guest speakers were Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda, Mr Jacques Loots, Dr. Stanley Maphosa, Mr Arthur Morton and Mr Masike Rampaku. 10 | THE016 JULY/AUG 2021
Here are some important factors that were taken from the event:
misses) your old will. •If you are married in Community of Property and you wish to draft your Estate planning (Wills) own private will, you can which was presented by only give away your 50% Mr Jacques Loots: which is what you own in -A client must draft their will the marriage. with their attorney. Otherwise, your will can -The validity of a will rests be a joint one. This means upon the following factors: your children will have to •It cannot be in contrapay/manage your debt or vention of any legal poliany outstanding fees on cies the property. •Signing- Beneficiaries •Never draft a will by yourcannot sign as witnesses self. •Before your beneficiaries •Your will should be receive your property, all clear and concise. Get costs of water and your beneficiary’s details electricity must be paid in (names, surnames and ID full (clearance certificate numbers). from the municipality) •If you are visually imbefore the transfer. paired, the Commissioner •Any person who is 18 of Oath will clarify and years and older can have verify your identity and a will. However, the signature. beneficiary cannot receive •The drafting of a will is any removable assets until absolutely free. the age of 18. •A will must be in writing, •Without a trust fund, the anyone over 16 years guardian of the child will can draft a will. It must receive payment. You be signed on each page, have to nominate a perthere must be two witnessson as a guardian of your es present to sign and the minor children in your will. date and where the will •A property can be transwas signed should be inferred to a child under cluded. the age of 18 years. The Loots attorneys has an guardian cannot sell the office at 939 Moshoeshoe property without approval Street and welcomes from the Master’s office of members of the public on the High Court. Mondays and •A will can be changed Wednesydays from 9amany time and must always 12pm for consultations be updated. Ensure that regarding wills. Or you can your new will revokes (dissend an email to jacques@
lootslaw.co.za for more information. Dr. Maphosa addressed Gender based violence. In his analysis, Dr. Maphosa mentioned that 80% of men abuse while 20% of women abuse. He attributed the stats above to the following “symptoms”: 1.Physical attribute – men are naturally built bigger and stronger than women which they often use to their advantage. 2.Economic factors- males earn more than women, even if they do the same job. This causes the female to depend on the man for money, regrettably. 3.Toxic masculinity- Culture and religion have played a huge role in how men and woman have lived. This clashes a lot with the modern day of doing things. 4.Abused men do not talk- this means they end up reverting back to their abusive behaviour because they do not face the problem, but instead, they run away from it. 5.Substance abuse- this is the reason for the disfunction of most relationships.
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Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda addressed the issue of migration. He referred to the 2008 and 2019 xenophobic attacks that took place in South Africa, claiming the lives of many. Issues and solutions affecting migrants and non-migrants: •In 2017 and 2019, it was found that most children were undocumented with regards to citizenship in South Africa. Being born in South Africa does not automatically grant you citizenship. •The Circular 1 of the Department of Education of 2010 states that every child has the right to education and must go to school, so does the Constitution.
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•The Cuban engineers that came into South Africa shows selective application of the law. Mr Rampaku and Mr Norton addressed matters of harassment and unlawful arrests. They touched on the following: •A person cannot and should not be harassed by the police as per Section 40 of the Criminal Procedure Act. •A person does not need a warrant to get someone arrested. •A lawful arrest is one with intent to cause grievous bodily harm/ injuries are visible, not for common assault. •An affidavit is a written
statement confirmed by oath or affirmation to be used in court as evidence. •The J88 is a legal document that is completed by a medical doctor or registered nurse, documenting injuries sustained by the victim in any circumstance where a legal investigation is to follow. It may be the only objective information available in a legal case. •For rape and murder cases, bail is applied for at a court, not at a police station. For more information, contact www.saihrag.com
A closer look into Vaal Youtubers who are either new or have been existing on the platform.
B.A Pusha- B.A is a digital entrepreneur. B. A’s channel is all about making money online. It consists of videos that teach on e-commerce. The channel has 34.1K subscribes. If you want to learn about making money online, this is your go-to channel.
Lebo Mahlaba- Lebo is an aspiring influencer and so her content mainly revolves around brands. She is a modern-day teenager who takes her subscribers on most of her trips. This includes visits to the dentist, the behind the scenes of her business (Jovial Couture) and affordable skincare routines. Her channel currently has 212 subscribers. Head to her channel for lifestyle content.
Ntokozo Live- Ntokozo is a storyteller. She loves having close people in her space who share their experiences with her. Her channel is all about interacting with the audience and giving them different perspectives with each new video. Her channel has 273 subscribers. THE016 JULY/AUG 2021 | 13
COVER STORY
A Kgotso Moeketsi for your Precious Cargo.
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K
gotso Roger Moeketsi is the Founder of a localcompany in the Vaal. This is his story.
either lack the information, resources or the ability to formalize their business i.e. formal registration of their transportation company.”
“Young people are able to take advantage of the government support programmes such as Gauteng Enterprise Propeller to fund 27-year-old Kgotso their business start-ups. Moeketsi, an entrepreMoeketsi had to ensure Others are fortunate neur from Sebokeng that Precious Cargo enough to have family Zone 10, saw a gap in stands out from the rest members or close relathe transporting sector by not only filling a gap tives willing to provide and decided to fill it by in the market, but by also the necessary capital establishing a logistics building sustainable required to start the company called relationships with its business.” Precious Cargo customers. Transporting. Given the harsh “Our brand differentiates economic climate we “Precious Cargo was us from the rest in the in- are currently in, it is established mainly bedustry. I believe Precious imperative for young cause I identified a perCargo Transporting will entrepreneurs to assist in sistent need for goods be addressing transport stabilising the economy transportation and needs in largely townand possibly creating moving services in every ship and urban areas jobs for the unemployed. sector in the economy. for small businesses, resIn my own opinion, how- idential house moves “Our economy is in ever, transportation in and day-to-day furniture desperate need of townships is not fully max- transportation.” entrepreneurs especially imized to fit demographyoung business men and ic groups such as local The importance of young women in our generation township business owners people going into busito create job and providing accessible ness. opportunities, and affordable transport Various opportunities technological to local home owners,” are there to be used by advancements and says Moeketsi. the youth to enhance many more. Young their businesses, problem people can start small Although there are no is lack of information. businesses with barriers to entering this Moeketsi says the youth minimal resources that field, it, just like anything can take full advantage will eventually raise else, comes with some of government resources enough capital to fund challenges. that are readily the bigger business available. ideals,” says Moeketsi. “The issue is that those who cater for townships THE016 JULY/AUG 2021 | 15
Challenges faced within our journey Any business comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it be start-up capital, consumer relations, not having a social media presence, each company will have a set of challenges specifically aimed at it. Moeketsi says the challenges his business faces are the rapid fuel prices, the maintenance of his vehicles which increase the operational costs of running his business and the safety of goods during transportation. In as much as there are challenges, we must also take into consideration 16 | THE016 JULY/AUG 2021
the achievements that the business has attained. “We have worked handin-hand with FastWay Couriers and Blue Breeze as a sub-contracting company, which has paved the way to a goal of having to learn the logistics of courier services. We have established new networks in the industry and our main goals of client retention. We have increased our social media presence and our geographical footprint. Precious Cargo Transporting caters for home owners (residential house moves), business owners (stock collection & delivery) from an af-
fordable price of R200 per 10 kilometres.” For any information, visit Precious Cargo transporting on the socials and become a part of the #Precious People social community. For enquiries, reach out to us info@preciouscargotransporting or visit www.preciouscargotransporting.co.za
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COURT CASES
Here’s a brief look at cases that have been brought before Vaal courts. Bishop Zondo case: Bishop Stephen Zondo appeared before the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court on the 28th of May on charges of indecent assault and multiple counts of rape amongst others. He appeared on a J175 meaning he was not arrested, but he was summoned instead. The case has been moved to the North Gauteng High Court to the 23rd of August 2021. Simon Mokeona: Mokoena is accused of murdering Bonang Gaelae and injuring Manana Mohanoe. The lesbian couple lived in Zone 13 Sebokeng which is also where the incident occurred. Mokoena had applied for bail which was denied on the 7th of May. The case has been moved to the Palm Ridge High Court for the 2nd of August 2021. Members of the LGBTQI+ community have been showing unwavering support towards Mohanoe. Asanele Bede: Asanele Bede, who is originally from the Eastern Cape, came to live in Bophelong to be close to work. On the 2nd of April, the body of a gay man named Spokgoane Nathaniel Mbele was found. Bede is accused of taking Mbele’s life. Although the court manager did not allow the media to take any footage or pictures of the accused, the media was allowed to hear the court proceedings. Bede was denied bail and the matter was referred to the Regional Court in Vanderbijlpark. 18 | THE016 JULY/AUG 2021
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LGBTQI ELEGANT SUNDAYS
COME DRESSED IN YOUR SUNDAY BEST
T
he event was created to motivate, empower and acknowledge people of different sexualities. Sexualities other than what society deems to be normal or the standard. The event empowers the LGBTQI+ community loosely known as the “alphabet” society by various ways, from freedom of expression through dress code, affording them the opportunity to have safe
The theme behind the event is formal wear on a Sunday which in so many ways symbolises “elegance”. People get to dress up, look pretty and go for good vibes with great company and even better music each time! People get to showcase their talent in different forms, from poetry to playing music, others even get to sell their merchandise! We hope that this event becomes bigger and better, it will grow 20 | THE016 JULY/AUG 2021
to a point where it will get sponsorship and be able to give back to the community. For more information, head over to their Facebook page (Lgbtqi+ Elegant Sundays).
fun without the fear of being abused or victimised especially in the current state of our country when it comes to GBV, where almost every day someone is killed because of their sexuality. LGBTQI+ Elegant Sundays also promotes and helps people of different sexualities to come together, celebrate and have a nice time.
DEAR DIARY- DEDICATION TO PRIDE MONTH Dear Dairy, Written by Boniswa Dineka
T
oday is the first day of Pride month (Yoohoo!) the one time of the year it is okay to be queer. Well, kind of, because when is queerness ever really acceptable? Hashtags like #PrideMonth #LGBTQAI+ and #Loveislove flooding my social media has me a bit introspective and I want to reflect on how being Bisexual has impacted my life.
than men 3. The degree of intensity of my affection is not the same for different people. This is more about the actual person than their gender. How has queerness impact my life? I would talk about that with God or rather my relationship with religion, spirituality and the Devine.
For context, I was born into a rigidly apostolic Christian family to parents who were elders in the church, Reverend and Mrs. Reverend to be precise. Needless to same sex attraction Before I do that, I want to was not encourage or give my definition of bispoken fondly of in sersexuality as I experience mons. We would be told it [Bisexual -the romanthat homosexuality was tic, intellectual, spiritual immoral and an abomand sexual attraction to ination before the eyes males and females, not of God which made me necessarily at the same feel that I was immoral time, same way or to the and an abomination same degree.] 1. This before God. There is an means I am able to date indescribable intensity and be in a monogaof pain to believing the mous relationship. The creator of the universe fact that I am attracted hates you for something to multiple genders does you cannot change or not make me more likely control. Even before I to cheat 2. I do not exhad the vocabulary to perience attraction to identify what I am and males and females in the how I felt, I already knew same way, for example, due to my experiences in I tend to connect more church that it was wrong, emotionally with women I was bad for feeling it.
Fast forward to today, I still struggle with my faith and consolidating my sexuality and being a believer and follower of Christ. On to dating! Though one would assume that being attracted to multiple genders would increase my dating pool, in reality, it does the opposite. When dating women fems (Feminine presenting Lesbians) to be specific, I am faced with these challenges: 1. Identification- I am a Non queer presenting queer person (this means you can’t tell I am bisexual by looking at me) it is not easy to meet people 2. Biphobia- this manifests in one of two ways, treating my love and affection for them (The female) as phrase that will eventually pass or complete and disgust at me for having attraction to men. 3 Heteronormativity- being expected to perform masculinity or be the guy it the relationship in order to live up to the heteronormative culture or the general society.
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It gets even more interesting when dating males because dating in 2021 is an extreme sport but dating as a black bisexual female looking for a long-term relationship that leads to marriage and not a situationship or friends with benefits-ship, now that is mission impossible.
simply put the how one is rewarded by society for identifying with the gender and sexual orientation they were assigned at birth. I know that beOn the subject of pain, ing a female that was nothing has hurt quite as born female gives me a much as losing friends level of safety that trans to living my truth and woman and masculine being openly bisexual present lesbians don’t from those who out right enjoy, I know that my ghost me to the ones ability to be attracted to The initial reaction I get that just act distant, no men though it doesn’t from men is disbelief longer wanting to hold change my sexuality, and the anti-woman hands or hug or acting allows me the opportujokes about all I need is assaulted by me fixing nity to opt in to hetera good intercourse to their bra-strap when I onormativity and have a set me straight (pun inhave been doing for “Normal Life” which is an tended) or disappointover a decade. I reason I option many queer folks ment with statement like say this hurts most is bedon’t have. “what a waste of a good cause with my family, I woman” (yes, someone was born into it so I knew I know that because one actually said that) for the from the begin how they can’t tell from looking few that make it passed felt about my sexualiat me that I am bisexuthis is the next obstacle ty but my friends being al. I will never be turned over-sexualization- this younger (therefore part down for a job, I qualify is when males view me of a different generation) due to someone’s prejas their opportunity for and knowing me more udice about queer peoa threesome (p.s. I am intimately than my family ple. not that inclined) which (because I shared more After all of that sad and is usually game over. For with them than I did with serious stuff I do want the ones that make it my family) I hoped and to reflect on how being past this level, we (the believed they would be openly bisexual has posipartner and I) faced with more accepting. tively impacted me: unwarranted distrust my 1.Real people though relationships with female Second last and most my circle is much smaller friends are put under certainly not least is gen- than it used to be, I don’t scrutiny and I am asked der heterosexual privdoubt or question the to explain, defend and ilege (this refers to the love of those that stay. justify my communicabenefits that one experition and meetings with ences by being gender long-time friends. To be & sexuality conforming) 22 | THE016 JULY/AUG 2021
honest this is the one that hurt me most having my fidelity questioned when I have given no reason for it to be.
2.Authenticity- being honest in love has allowed me to be honest in other aspects of my life 3.Openness in my seeking understanding from others has taught me to be more understanding of other people’s differences. 4.Dodging bullets (not literal ones) I am thankful that there are certain people who will not date me because of my sexuality, though it may hurt in the moment, this says something about that character. 5.Unbound love- being queer has open my eyes
to love and being loved. When you are not trying to fit in to social norms of what constitutes a real relationship, how men or women should act e.g., Woman cook/Man fix. I think the most important thing pride month has brought to the surface is that I am Bisexual. I didn’t become it, I am it and though it is not the wholeness of my being, it is a very integral part of it. Our allegiance in love says so much about who we are, how we view ourselves, what we value and what we stand for and for anyone to have to question their worth
or fear for their safety because of whom they love is a crime against humanity as a whole
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VAAL RADIO PERSONALITIES You listen and interact with them when you’re tuned into your favourite show. Now you get to see them. This new feature will put faces on the voices you listen to on a daily basis. For this issue, we will be taking a closer look into Tshidiso Hlakotsa who is a presenter at HOPE FM. Name and surname: Tshidiso Hlakotsa Radio station: Hope FM Name of show and times: Re Aha Setjhaba, airs from 12:00pm to 15:00pm. Aim of the show: 1. To inform listeners with well researched content. 2. To serve as a platform of inspiration. 3. To bring experts from different feilds to share their journey with the listeners and to show them that they can achieve any goal they set their mind to. 4. To eradicate poverty by providing development oriented content. 5. To have leadership discussions, which happens every Friday. How long has he been presenting at Hope FM: Since March last year. Socials: Facebook: Tshidiso Hlakotsa, Insta: @Tshidiso_hlakotsa
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