Men's Voice

MEN’S VOICE

ISSUE N0. 1

It’s time to talk

Is RELIGION still the opium of the people?

IT TAKES

REAL MAN TO A

RAISE A CHILD!

Can Themba’s classic, The Suit, reimagined!

The POWER of Forgiving your FATHER

Contents

MEN’S VOICE

Page 3: Destigmatising Depression Page 4: The Suit reimagined

Page 5: Raising a child; real men can do it!

Page 6: Circumcision cuts both ways!

Voice Corner

By Bongani Ngomane

The act of speaking up is liberating

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hearty welcome to the first edition of Men’s’ Voice. This is your monthly magazine whose purpose is to get men to engage constructively and reshape the future for the better.

Men’s’ Voice will cover various issues; ranging from social discourse, technology, health and sexuality, legal matters, faith, showbiz, business and sport.

We are committed to giving men a voice!

Page 7: Religion, is it still the opium of the people?

Page 8: Starting a new is tough Page 8: ABCs Of Doing Business with Government Page 9: Forgiving your Father

We are keenly attuned to the fact that men do not talk. For a long time, men have been told to chin up. Society has put men in a space where they are taught to not voice their frustrations; men do not cry says society. We have seen the negative impact of this stance.

When a man dares to be open, the rejoinder tends to be: “You talk too much like a woman” – that’s one way to shut men up. This has had a direct influence on the rampant and deadly social ills such as gender-based violence and a variety of other troubles.

The time has come for us to rediscover what it means to be a man; a kind, caring and sensitive man in relationships, marriage and family life. We must revisit and recreate values that make men successful in life; becoming good providers; strengthening their faith; becoming considerate givers of emotional supporters; compassionate comforters, resilient protectors of their loved ones and other members of society; empathetic leaders; incisive teachers and all other amazing responsibilities that come with being a man of value.

Page 10: Meta to pay up for ‘abuse’

We will explore all avenues necessary to make Men’s’ Voice a riveting and appealing read. In this issue, we cover male circumcision, tips on business start-up, faith matters, fatherhood and human rights, the impact of social media and cellphones on relationships.

Page 11: Mamkhize’s Royal Am Causing A Royal Shake Up!

We will also tackle the serious issue of depression and suicide. We lighten things up with some fascinating entertainment news.

Published By Telegram Media Group

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Welcome once again… and we implore you to break the silence and talk… this is your voice!

DON’T SUFFER DEPRESSION ALONE

By Satff Reporter

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epression is a serious mental health disorder that knows no bounds.

It is indiscriminate and does not favour anyone, regardless of race, age, sexuality, religion, nationality, gender or socio-economic rank. It affects people from all walks of life.

Those who suffer from depression are afflicted by emotional pain, inability to connect with loved ones, family and friends. It also can leads to poor performance at work, energy deprivation and hopelessness.

While depression is often the forementioned symptoms it can also show itself in outbursts of rage, gratuitous risk-taking and substance abuse.

Another heartbreaking result is that if depression is left untreated, it often leads to suicide. Encouraging news is that it can be treated with appropriate professional help.

According to the World Health Organisation, depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychologicaland biological factors. Those who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to suffer from depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.

The United Nation’sDepartment of Economic and Social Affairs Disability predicted that depression will become the leading cause of disability worldwide.

“Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. Millions of people worldwide have mental health conditions and an estimated one in four people globally will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

“Almost one million people die due to suicide every year, and it is the third leading cause of death among young people. Depression is the leading cause of years lost due to disability worldwide.

“Mental health problems, including alcohol abuse, are among the 10 leading causes of disability in both developed and developing countries. In particular, depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030.”

As the number of people who suffer from depression rises, it is vital toacknowledge it as a serious mental illness and intensify efforts to wipe off the negative stigma that associated with it.

Celebrities speak openly At the height of lockdown, a number of celebrities took to social media and spoke openly about their fight with depression. Their open admission is one of the soundest means to get the message to the general public.

Every time a high-profile person goes public to share their stories of depression, they contribute toward erasing the stigma of depression. This highlights the point that depression is real.

For every high-profile person with the bravery to speak openly, it encourages those who suffer in silence to seek help.

Aaron Moloisi - TV Presenter and Actor “I’m Aaron Moloisi and I suffered mild depression.

Thanks to my spiritual mentor for helping me realise that over thinking things can lead to severe depression. Depression affects men too.”

Kiernan Forbes AKA Rapper “I need to let this be known, especially for so many people out there fighting every day. I was diagnosed with clinical depression many, many months ago. I was put on meds but couldn’t handle them. They made me feel like I couldn’t feel anything so I got off them. Plus, my whole job is to feel.”

K Naomi - TV Presenter “I am K Naomi Noinyane and

Phumzile Van Damme - Politician Thanks for sharing. I’m Phumzile Van Damme.

I have Anxiety. I struggle with depression, PTSD & insomnia. I take medication. My psychiatrist & I had been working on reducing doses, until trauma hit, so doses are back up again & I see my therapist weekly. Let’s share & destigmatize

Simphiwe Dana - Musician “I am Simphiwe Dana and I suffer from depression and anxiety. I don’t take meds for the depression as I fear it will affect my creativity.

I do take Stresam for the anxiety.”

Lalla Hirayama - TV Presenter My name is Lalla Hirayama. I struggle with panic and anxiety disorder, depression and have gone through 3suicidal phases in my life. I have worked with my psychologist for 8 years and a psychiatrist. I’m currently on medication to help. Let’s destigmatise in 2018 I found out I had minor depression but chose not to take meds because I was too scared to be reliant on them. I do although still suffer from anxiety. A therapist and my supportive family are my coping mechanisms.”

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Can Themba’s classic, The Suit, reimagined!

By Staff Reporter he Suit is a short story about adultery by the late South African journalist, writer, and teacher, Can Themba.

The story was first published in 1963 in the first issue of The Classic -a South African literary journal founded by two great authors who are also late, Nat Nakasa and Nadine Gordimer.

It is a legendary short story that has held animportant place in South Africa’s literary history.

The Suit was adapted for the stage by Mothobi Mutloatse and the late Barney Simon in 1994. Since then, it has been performed in different theatres around the world.

In 2016, it wasturned into a short filmby Jarryd Coetsee.

The Suit returns as The Suit Concert-ized. It is produced, conceptualised and adapted

by Dr Mothobi Mutloatse, alongside the youthful Mbasa Gobodo. The Suit Concert-ized is staged under the artistic direction of Warona Seane, who has also scooped multiple awards for her acting work.

Continuing the strong feminist focus, Lulu Mlangeni heads up the choreography, stage management is by Emelda Khola and musical direction by composer Tshepo Tsotetsi, the founder of the New Skool Orchestra, which

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is predominantly made up of young female musicians.

Award-winning actors Vusi Kunene and Linda Sokhulu will be leading a powerhouse cast to bring The Suit Concertized to the musical stage at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre from 20 to 22 May. The production is set to be a mix of drama, classical, gospel, choral and jazz inflections and themes, largely influenced by the rich diversity of what could be referred to as the Sophiatown Renaissance, infused with modernday original, authentic South African sounds.

Reimagining the Sophiatown-era Can Themba’s story of a jilted husband’s revenge on his cheating wife through a female-centric lens, the production also stars Brian Temba as the ‘other man’.

Focus is on Matilda, a violinist and leader of a symphonic orchestra in Joburg in the 1950s, which breaks from previous approaches that portrayed her as a victim.

By placing a different spin on the story, the producers aim to tell a classic South African tale through a female lens.

The musical also addresses the issue of gender-based violence head-on, creates a multi-genre experience and places music at the centre of the narrative with original

Vusi Kunene compositions.

Zama Mkosi, founder and CEO of the Mkosi Group, is the executive producer, with Tsepo Desando as the coproducer.

“By reimagining this iconic story, the aim is to amplify the voice of women in the story. This will contribute toward the much-needed efforts to curb the silencing of the female voice in society, which often leads to increased abuse be it by their intimate partners, as was the case in this particular story, or in other spheres of women’s lives,” said Mkosi.

In addition to Kunene as cuckolded husband Philemon, Sokhulu as Matilda/ Mbalenhle and Temba as the love interest Thozamile/Or-

pheus, the musical also introduces two gifted classical musicians to audiences – violinist Lebogang Ledwaba as the young Matilda and violist Kgaugelo Mpiyane as the young Thozamile.

Supporting actors include veterans Job Kubatsi, Alistair Dube and Khanyo Maphumulo and singer Lebo Moalusi.

Mutloatse said: “It has taken all of three years, two of which were disabled by the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, to get this thoroughly therapeutic musico-dramatico, The Suit Concert-ized, back to where it belongs – on a live stage – featuring an ensemble of actors and musicians of the highest calibre.”

The betrayal and brutality in The Suit

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Linda Sokhulu

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he Suit takes us back to a heady period, in a Johannesburg township called Sophiatown, within, on the face of it, a perfect marriage. We are introduced to Philemon, the central character, who is happily married to Matilda.

The story begins by describing a normal and structured day. Due to a tipoff about Matilda’s unfaithfulness, as well as forgetting his pass book, Philemon rushes back home only to find another man in bed with wife.

In a rush to escape discreetly, the man who Matilda had been with climbs out the window and leaves his suit behind. Philemon, as Matilda’s punishment, deems the suit as their special guest and makes sure that it is taken care of diligently by threatening her with death if the suit were to ever go missing. Though very humiliating for Matilda, she follows her husband’s orders, though noticing the change that occurs with her husband.

As a distraction from her surroundings, Matilda joins a cultural club for women. She organises a party for the members and their husbands at which, despite her desperate pleas, Philemon insists, in front of the guests, the suit be taken out from hiding and served as usual.

In the end, Matilda is found dead on the floor, with the suit nowhere to be seen.

Brian Temba

It takes a real man to raise a child!

Paternal involvement plays a key role in a child’s upbringing

By Staff Reporters ontributing biologically to the conception of a child does not necessarily turn a man into father. About 50% of men aged between 15 and 54 are fathers in South Africa but only half have daily contact with their children or care for them.

Data indicates that at ages 30-34, only 37% of black Africans are married, increasing to 51% between ages of 35 and 39. Being able to live together as partners orbe married is primarily determined by income. For example, between the ages of 35 and 39, 56% of blacks who earn less than R2,500 per month are likely to be married compared to 65% of those who earn R2,500 or more.

Similarly, men in the highest earning category are three times more likely to be living with their children, than men in the lowest income category. The failure and shame men feel when they cannot support their children, many being out of work, may cause men to avoid being involved with their children’s upbringing.

Acknowledged biological fatherhood, at least as a manifestation of lineage, is an important element of identity development. Children take their clan name from their father and, in times past, chil-

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dren, like the famed Zulu King Shaka (1787-1828) were humiliated for being fatherless.

The question is: Does physical separation suggest that fathers are not involved in their children’s lives? Men’s engagement with children may be underestimated if it is measured only in terms of current physical co-residence rather than paternal involvement over time or commitment as demonstrated by remittances paid to support a child.

Helping men to become and stay engaged with their children is a priority in several government policies and programmes run by civil society organisations.Since the dawn of democratisation in 1994, the South African government provides for the support of families, including fathers, in a number of ways.

But many forms of support for children through fathers depend on the recognition of a child by their father, which is needed for the child to be given their father’s name.

The child’s father must register his child’s birth in order for the child to receive a birth certificate - without this, a child is registered with their mother’s name only. Once a father recognises his children, the state requires that he supports them, whether or not he is married

to the mother, or lives with his children.

South Africa has an extensive social security system to protect vulnerable individuals from destitution and to support families to care for children.

An old-age pension facility forms a critical source of support for poor children and most of the money is spent on food, clothing and school fees. In addition, poor children qualify for a monthly Child Support Grant, given to the child’s caregiver, including the father. Currently, 8 million South African children benefit from this support.

The 1998 Act recognised customary marriages and, by implication, polygamy, and obliges the family head to meet the daily needs of his wife (wives) and children.

A Constitutional provision protecting a child’s best interests now enables an order to ensure the effective enforcement of maintenance. The requirement for fathers to support childrenexists alongside their right to see their children.

Custody arrangements favour mothers, and children may suffer when parents get embroiled in protracted conflict over paternal maintenance and access to his children.

“There is a new man in South Africa.

A man who takes responsibility for his actions. A man who chooses a single partner over multiple chances with HIV. A man whose self-worth is not determined by the number of women he can have. A man who makes no excuses for unprotected sex, even after drinking. A man who supports his partner and protects his children.

A man who respects his woman and never lifts a hand to her. A man that knows that the choices we make today will determine whether we see tomorrow. I am that man and you are my brother.”

• Every child has or had a father somewhere, even if they don’t live with or see him often. This includes relatives, stepfather or foster-fathers.

• Children need and want the care of men in their lives. They value the idea of a father or a father-figure. Being usually taught to respect men, children want to spend time with, learn from and be guided by them.

• If men can’t live with their children, they can still keep in contact with them. Children know their fathers.

• If men can’t support their children or provide materially for their children’s needs, they can still give them love, affection and support.

• Men need to be kind to their children and not hurt them. Men are much bigger and stronger than children. Their strength should be used to protect children from harm everywhere.

• Young fathers benefit from staying in contact with their children. Young men who are involved with their children make more effort to protect themselves from harm.

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Male circumcision cuts both ways!

Dr Ndiviwe Mphothulo

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edical Male Circumcision (MMC) is the surgical removal of the foreskin. Removing the foreskin results in the head of the penis exposed.

MMC differs with Traditional male Circumcision. Traditional male circumcision is done for religious or traditional reasons and is done in communal settings compared to MMC that is done in medical facilities.

Differences between MMC and Traditional Male Circumcision: •These include variations in the equipment used and the counselling provided to the men before and after surgery, as well as the overall context for and meaning of the surgery (for HIV prevention and health, compared with the rite of passage to manhood) •Another important difference is how much of the foreskin is removed. Some traditional circumcisions involve only a small cut to the foreskin or partial removal, while MMC results in removal of the whole foreskin.

While it is not known exactly how much foreskin must be removed in order to reduce the risk of HIV infection in men, complete removal is thought to be necessary.

Despite these important differences in procedures, there are many ways that clinical and traditional circumcision services can work together.

Traditional and clinical providers can collaborate to improve the safety and acceptability of male circumcision, reduce complications, enhance the health education content of civic education and rituals, and improve the sexual and reproductive health of men and women, while preserving the sociocultural importance of the male circumcision process.

Picture by bhekisisa.org

Benefits of MMC: •Reduces risk of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

•Improves hygiene.

•Improves the appearance of the penis.

•Improves sexual performance.

•Protects female partners from risk of cancer of the cervix.

•Reduces risk of HIV infection.

What are the risks when you are not circumcised?

• The foreskin may bruise or tear during sexual intercourse.

•Risk of HIV infection increases.

•There is no extra-protection against STIs. •Your partner is not protected against cancer of the cervix.

The National Department of Health provides free MMC through its facilities or through contracted NGOs.

Picture by Mkhuseli Sizani 6

Dr Ndiviwe Mphothulo is a Medical doctor at City of Johannesburg Clinics: MB CHB, Diploma in HIV Management (SA), Master of Public Health.

Is religion still the opium of the people?

By Staff Reporter

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outh Africa is considered a very religious country and the church is the strongest and most influential non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Neither the government nor any other NGO can reach and influence the public more regularly and consistently more than the church.

Moreover, more than three quarters of the population have indicated that they are affiliated with the Christian religion (79.8% – Census 2001). There are approximately 43,000 Christian faith communities in South Africa and the infrastructure of these churches reaches every corner of our country.

It’s clear therefore, that no one who wants to mobilise society can ignore the pervasiveness of these faith communities.

But it has been argued that religion often inhibits change and, in many cases, it instinctively protects the status quo.

We seek to shed light on issues of faith and what role Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) can play in building better men, families, communities and indeed a better South Africa.

We kick-start our discussions with understating the legal and policy provisions so as we place the church in its proper context within the broader society.

Section 15(1) of the Constitution, 1998 states that everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion.

In addition, Section 31(1) (a) states, persons belonging to a cultural, religious, or linguistic community may not be denied the right, to enjoy their culture,

practice their religion, and use their language.

To ensure equitable and just promotion and protection of religious freedom emanate from the acknowledgement and acceptance that religion in South Africa, government established the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission).

The Commission is one of the Chapter Nine Institutions which is founded in terms of Section 181 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996.

The Commission was established to guard, promote democracy and the rights of the citizens of the country. It is an independent institution and subject only to the Constitution. Its activities and functions are to be impartial, and powers must be exercised and performed without fear, favour or prejudice.

Although the Chapter Nines are state institutions, they operate outside government and partisan politics, and they are free from interference by other organs of state.

The Constitution asserts their independence in authoritative terms, using language that is in keeping with that used to declare the independence of the judiciary.

Chapter Nine Institutions are intermediary institutions which provide an opportunity for public participation in a way that the individual and collective needs of citizens can be articulated outside the partial environment of party politics.

This independence provides a reliable voice for people and contributes to the programme of transformation to which the Constitution commits these institutions.

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MEN’S VOICE

Starting a new business is not for the faint-hearted

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outh Africa’s economy needs entrepreneurs, and many people are out of work and owning a business could play a critical role in easing unemployment.

So, how does one go about starting a business?

It’s easier said than done. Starting a business in South Africa is a daunting task. It is said that 80%-90% of all new start-up businesses fail within the first two years and of the remaining 10%-20% another 80% fail in the following three years. The 2-4% of businesses that survive the first five years will most probably be successful and exist for some time.

There are many people who dream of starting their own businesses. You might be one of them. So, the Men’s Voice aims to work you in navigating the obvious pitfalls. In this issue we will discuss the basics of getting started.

How much does it cost to open a company in South Africa?

You can register a company for R125 and apply to reserve a name of your choice for R50 at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission new online platform developed by CIPC. CIPC REGISTRATION All businesses need to be registered with CIPC. The CIPC is an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa, assisting with the registration of companies and intellectual property rights (trademarks, patents, designs and copyright). The type of business you choose will depend on the structure of your business.

These are the options: Sole Proprietor - a simple structure, also referred to as a sole trader, suitable where you are the only person in your business, trading as yourself.

Partnership - is where you are operating the business with between two and twenty partners, with each contributing to the business - the terms of which can be agreed between the partners, whether they be financial or otherwise.

Company or Pty LTD - where a legal entity is created with a separate liability from he owner/s. This is a popular option because the debts of a company generally belong to the company, and the owners are not at risk of losing their personal assets should the company run into financial trouble.

PROTECTING YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) Trademarks, Patents, Designs and Copyright form part of your company’s IP. These are administered by the CIPC. IP can be quite broad spanning any of your original ideas, inventions or artistic creations.

TAX It’s best to speak to your tax practitioner about the requirements for registering your business with SARS as well as other regulatory and statutory requirements. You need to register your business with the South African Revenue Services (SARS) regardless of its size. In the case of a Company or Pty Ltd, your business is automatically registered with SARS when registered with the CIPC. A guide to the different tax compliance regulations can be found on their website.

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ABCs OF DOING BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT

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lmost three-quarters of South African small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) do not do business with the government at any level.

This is according to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

The report found that 90% of the SMEs surveyed conducted less than 10% of their business with government at any level. Some 72% do not deal with government at all.

The Preferential Procurement Regulations offer new opportunities for SMMEs to participate in the government procurement process.

Here's how to benefit from doing business with government: Register with the Central Supplier Database (CSD).

This is a good starting point. It is database of all organisations, institutions and individuals who can provide goods and services to government.

The CSD provides up-to-date supplier information to procuring organs of state.

Key information needed includes banking details, tax information, company registration details, contact details and B-BBEE confirmation.

Sign up on the E-Tender Portal.

The portal provides a single point of access for any tender issued by public sector organisations in all spheres of government.

The portal also has tenders advertised in all national, provincial, metro, district and municipal departments. This includes those from state owned enterprises (SOE) and constitutional bodies. Information includes advertised, awarded, closed and cancelled bids as well as templates of bid documents.

B-BBEE CONFIRMATIONS SMMEs that qualify as exempt micro enterprises (EME) and black-controlled and owned qualifying small enterprises (QSE) are no longer required to obtain BBBEE certificates to confirm their status level.

Getting paid.

To ensure that you are not paid late first make sure that you are responding to a valid bid. This is due to a prevalence of fake tenders in South Africa.

Take care that the government department followed the correct bidding process when awarding the contract. Lastly, keep your tax affairs in order.

SUPPORT The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) provides business development and support services for small enterprises.Seda will give you all the information you need to start a business, including how to write a business plan, and once you have a business, to grow it.

The Department of Labour has useful tips for self-employment.

FUNDING Funding for various types of businesses is available through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) or the Department of Trade and Industry's Government Investment Incentives.

HOW TO FORGIVE YOUR FATHER AND GROW CLOSER TO GOD

By Eric Ballard ’m not going to try to sugar-coat this one, gentlemen. Forgiveness can be a tough pill for most of us to swallow. When someone hurts us in any way, our natural reaction is to hurt them back.

At least that’s what we want to do.

Possibly even up the ante and hurt them worse than they hurt us.

The idea of forgiving a wound can even seem like surrender. Like we let the other guy win. And when the ‘other guy’ is your dad, that forgiveness pill can become even harder to swallow.

For better or worse, our fathers played a considerable role in shaping the men we became. Your dad might have been fantastic, and he might have been a monster. He might not even have been around at all. Either way, he left a mark on you, and sometimes those marks need to be forgiven. It won’t be easy, but if we don’t want the relationship with our father to interfere with all our other relationships, including the one with our Heavenly Father, we have to forgive the old man. Here are some steps that might help.

Start with prayer It’s hard to pray for someone and stay angry at them. There’s something about bringing another person’s name to God that softens us to them. It could be one of the reasons Jesus told us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). He knew it was the fastest route to peace.

If you have any hard feelings towards your dad, pray for him. Ask God to forgive him and help you do the same.

Understand that forgiveness is never deserved Forgiveness does not mean forgetting about what was done to you.

And it doesn’t mean being okay with whatever pain was inflicted on you. Forgiving someone means not giving that person what he deserves. If someone hurts you, that person deserves to be hurt.

Not repaying him with the grief he gave you, that’s forgiveness.

Because you are reading this, you probably know a little something about undeserved forgiveness. You’ve probably experienced it from the Good Father above. Our thoughts, words, and actions break the heart of God every day. And every day, He offers us forgiveness. We don’t’ deserve it; we can’t deserve it. But He still gives it. He set the perfect example for us to follow, which leads us to the next point.

Forgive your father because God forgives The Bible commands us to forgive others just as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). And He’s not asking us to do something He wasn’t willing to do Himself. In reality, forgiving your father won’t be easy. As Jesus was being nailed to the cross, He actually asked God to forgive the men crucifying Him (Luke 23:34). In the middle of His execution, Jesus forgave His executioners. It’s crazy. Makes no sense. And that’s forgiveness in a nutshell. It doesn’t make sense

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from a worldly point of view. But we don’t belong to this world.

Forgiveness is for your benefit Dads have the remarkable ability to leave behind the kind of scars that never fade. I can’t pretend to understand anything about how you were raised under your father’s presence/absence. But I do know If we can’t find a way to let go of past wounds and forgive the man who put them there, we’ll never heal. We’ll live the rest of our lives in a fractured relationship with our earthly dad and our heavenly One. Forgiveness won’t ease the pain, but it can bring peace. It can bring healing.

Forgiveness is hard Don’t try to do it all by yourself. Ask God to help you. Pray for a heart that is open to forgiveness. Pray for God’s love because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). And never give up.

- manhoodjourney.org

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COMPETITION WATCHDOG WANTS WHATSAPP, FACEBOOK’S META TO PAY UP FOR ‘ABUSE’

By André van Wyk

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he Competition Commission referred Meta to a tribunal over alleged abuse of its dominance in the social media industry, TechCrunch reported.

The commission, which had been investigating claims of unfair conduct against the multi-billion-dollar firm since March 2021, recommended that Meta pay a fine of 10% of the U.S. company’s local turnover. The Facebook and WhatsApp owner allegedly threatened to block GovChat and its subsidiary #LetsTalk from using its WhatsApp Business Application Programming Interface (API).

GovChat is a startup that was launched in 2018 by the South African government and used the WhatsApp Business API to facilitate real time communication between government and citizens. According to government data, it had over 8.7 million active users.

The platform had additional functionality, like the processing of social security applications and distress support during the Covid-19 pandemic, while also being a source of alerts for civil complaints for issues like road maintenance. Further claims by the commission against Meta included “imposed and/or selectively enforced exclusionary terms and conditions regulating to access to the WhatsApp Business API, mainly restrictions on the use of data”.

According to Reuters, WhatsApp defended its exclusion of GovChat from its API over its alleged failure to comply with Meta’s terms of service. A statement from a WhatsApp spokesperson: “GovChat has repeatedly refused to comply with our policies which are designed

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to protect citizens and their information, preferring to prioritise their own commercial interests over the public. We will continue to defend WhatsApp from abuse.”

GovChat welcomed the action, noting that the matter is groundbreaking, being one of the few abuses of dominance cases ever to be prosecuted by the South African Competition Commission, and the first of its kind involving digital platforms and marketplaces.

CEO, Eldrid Jordaan said: “This sets a precedent for South African startups to continue on their mission, regardless of the headwinds.”

While Meta already faces antitrust action by several authorities, including the U.S., Britain and the European Union, this latest development comes just days after competition supervisory bodies from Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding that would act against barriers to the expansion of African digital platforms.

The social media giant’s history of its influence on African governments over the past decade has been noted in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal which saw the personal data belonging to millions of Facebook users being collected without their consent by the British consulting firm, predominantly to be used for political advertising. While the scandal had broader global effects, it also affected Kenya’s 2017 elections.

Then-managing director of Cambridge Analytica, Mark Turnbull, was covertly filmed

by UK broadcaster Channel 4 while describing the data firm’s influence over President Uhuru Kenyatta’s two pre-

vious election campaigns.

In 2021, Meta reneged on a commitment to appear before South Africa’s parliament to answer questions on “harmful misinformation”, Forbes wrote.

Former member of parliament and member of the Real Facebook Oversight Board - a proxy for the official Facebook Oversight Board - Phumzile Van Damme said: “It is clear that the company has something to hide and holds no respect for the people of South Africa, or those on the Africa continent.”

Van Damme also contrasted the firm’s non-appearance with the dangers seen in the Bell Pottinger scandal where the now defunct PR firm was accused of facilitating state capture by the Gupta family by inflating the reputation of a family-owned investment company, Oakbay Investments. The accusations developed into a major political controversy, leading to further claims of exploiting racial tensions in South Africa for commercial gain, before the firm’s eventual closure in 2017. - allafrica.com

The social media giant’s history of its influence on African governments over the past decade has been noted in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal which saw the personal data belonging to millions of Facebook users being collected without their consent by the British consulting firm, predominantly to be used for political advertising.

MAMKHIZE’S ROYAL AM CAUSING A ROYAL SHAKE UP!

By Staff Reporter nce upon a time, Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize had no interest in soccer. The sight of 22 men chasing and kicking an inflated pig skin did not appeal to her.

That changed when her son showed a great passion for football.

MaMkhize once told Sowetan: “I wasn’t even attracted to soccer.

I think it comes from the support I have for my kid because Andile has always been in love with soccer. He is the one we used to take to World Cup games and all those things.”

Her entry into professional soccer with her team, Royal AM, has been a game-changer of notein what is their first season in the South African top-flight league.

The club has been the PSL’s towering wunder kind this season. The Durban-based outfit appears to be, at present, on the right path to accomplish qualification to play in the CAF Champions League.

Award-Winners The coach of Royal AM,John Maduka, a former Malawian international, has earned his first honour as the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for February/March 2022. Maduka, who has been a head coach in the domestic league since July 2020 with Bloemfontein Celtic beat Marumo Gallant’s Dan Malesela, Cape Town City’s Eric Tinkler and Mamelodi Sundowns duo Manqoba Mnqgithi and Rhulani Mokwena, to win the award that was adjudicated by a panel of experts including football journalists, TV broadcasters and experts.

Royal AM obtained two victories out of their three games in all competitions in March and have not suffered any defeat since the turn of the year. Their last loss was to Baroka FC last December.

In the period of 7 February to 20 March, Royal picked up 11 points from the team’s five games, which started with a 1-0 home win over Sekhukhune United.

Royal then bravely fought back to draw 2-2 with Chippa United away from home, followed by an impressive 2-0 victory at SuperSport United in February.

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In March, Maduka’s side beat Swallows FC 1-0 and earned another 2-2 draw at Stellenbosch FC. Royal kept three clean sheets during this period.

Maduka said being chosen Coach of the Month was special to him, since it is the first time, he has bagged an award.

“The nomination itself was as good as winning and having to finally win the award is a great honour. Look at the coaches who were nominated! They are all great and to come out as a winner is a cherry on top. I have to thank my technical team, players, management and, above all, the chairlady for supporting me and always being there for the team.

“We couldn’t achieve all this if it was not for her. We will continue fighting until the end of the season to achieve our goals of maintaining our status in the league and finish as high as we can this season,” he said.

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