FEBRUARY 2015
Social | Economic | Political Minded Leaders
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
WHERE DO WE FIT IN? SONA & BUDGET TECHNOLOGY 4 STARTUPS? POLITICIANS ARE NO LONGER FAILING US
THE ERA WITHOUT FORGIVENESS RSA R19.50
2310-8827
CAN SAA FLY HIGHER? RELAX MZANSI SEX WORK ISN'T YET DECRIMINALISED
10 D
igits
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
On the Cover
INSIDE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 4
FEBRUARY 2015
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Spot light on State of Nation Editor's note-More to know Address and Budget speech Can SAA fly higher? 8 Can SAA fly higher?
6
Technology 4 startups The Era of Forgiveness Politicians are no longer failing us Relax Mzansi sex work isn't yet decriminalised
Technology for startups
12
IT News: Facebook hacked? 13
Drought drinks sugar The InSights
15
16
Talking SA in numbers
19
YOUTH: We do we fit in? Spotting SONA and Budget speech. 20 CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
CONTENTS
INSIDE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 5
EDUCATION AND POLITICS Faster Land reform
25
SOCIAL, ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE RELAX MZANSI Sex work isn't yet decriminalised
Suspended from SARS
Gauteng launched Paperless classroom 13
28 Politicians are no longer failing us, we are failing ourselves 27
Inside Lifestyle and Health
31
The era without forgiveness
33
When its not working, it is not working 35 10 Reasons why you won't make it
36
EDITORIAL
IN FEBRUARY | PAGE 6
“The need to speak the truth is not negotiable” Golden Komane
Ed
s ' r ito
e t o N
More to know! If you didn’t know, February is one of the imperative month for South Africa and its people. A month in which the scenery of our 2015 economic activities and governance are tabled and clarified. We hope for nothing but the best. The president of South Africa Jacob Zuma will be opening the soclaimed muddled place since the influx of red berets in parliament whereas the Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene will be telling us how we are looking in terms of numbers. Youth has the mandate of watching both State of Nation’s Address (SONA) and the budget speech and accustoming themselves with such events and its fruit. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
Four months ago, the Minister of Finance said that government had no option but to adjust expenditure and increase taxes so as to return to their fiscus to a sustainable path. The difficulties in both global and local economic environment as well as high level of government debt tapped a pressure. We are hoping to see and hear positive sentiments about the financial year of 2015 from both the minister and experts. Most of countries including South Africa are busy trying to reshape their economies after the global financial crises in 2008. According to National treasury’s website, Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene will be delivering budget speech on 25 February 2015 at 14h00. A week before the budget speech president Jacob Zuma would addressing the nation on the state of the country. We need more than assurance that things will work out soon. On average, the economy has grown at 3, 2 percent a year from 1994 to 2012 despite the global recession which claimed a million jobs. Youth in this became the mist in the sunny day, unemployment is haunting them down. I have one wish, may president Zuma and Nhlanhla Nene say something worth trusting about National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Lastly I would like to wish students a great semester and year ahead while encouraging lovers not love their partners on Valentine’s Day. Stay awake and lead. Peace, Love and Success
Golden Komane FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
LETTERS
IN FEBRUARY | PAGE 7
Letters to the Editor Letter
Dear Mr Editor-in-Chief Since I have been reading your magazine I have realized that knowledge is a tree that needs to be nourished on daily basis. Thanks for updating us even if some of the articles were summarized, only those who had an idea of what is going could understand. I remind you of the letter that I once wrote you on May 2014 cover story. I said the story was short but interesting. We need details Mr. Editor. Keep up the good work. Samuel, Mpumalanga
Respond
Our Important Reader, Samuel I am glad that someone out there is reading our magazine. Your support humbles the amazing team we have at Circle of Concern Magazine. I remember your first letter and thank you once again. Issues raised will be tackled as from today. Please check various articles in February 2015 issue and tell us what you think. I thank you. We love you at Circle of Concern Magazine. We are humbled
Editor-In-Chief Golden Komane
Email your letter to:golden@circleofconcern.co.za
PUBLIC
IN FEBRUARY | PAGE 8
CAN SAA FLY HIGHER?
Golden Komane and Andrew Sako
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
PUBLIC
IN FEBRUARY | PAGE 9
The leading carrier in Africa, South African Airways (SAA) is struggling with the going concern. The SAA Group is currently serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, SA Airlink and its low carrier, Mango within South Africa and throughout the continent. Even though its operations are ginormous, the parastatal is failing to impress its shareholder which is the government. SAA showed entrepreneurs that business isn’t only about the first line of the Income statement as some would have it, it’s more than its financials in particular. According to the financial results of 2013/14 financial year, the Group realised the revenue growth of 12 % from R27.1 billion to R30.3 billion.
The operating losses line is showing a decline despite challenging trading conditions the Group encountered the statement realised on the 30 January 2015 alluded. And subsidiary Mango reports recorded profit during the period in review. Don’t applaud them yet, there is more to learn. The increase in revenue and decline in operating losses does not concluded on the financial wellbeing of the company.
Intercontinental operations remained loss-making with a R235 million increase in operating losses to R1, 6 billion, according to their financial results. Routes to Beijing and Mumbai remain the unprofitable routes, reshaping them will help the state-owned company to improve performance. What we want the true reassurance that South African Airways will bounce back muscularly so. 8 days before SAA could present it financial results of 2013/14 financial year, Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene approved an additional guarantee of R6.488 billion for the parastatal, making the total guarantees granted to the airline to R14.4 billion. Weaker rand and high fuel prices during the financial year of 2013/14 had a negative impact on the performance of the airline.
PUBLIC
IN FEBRUARY | PAGE 10
Actually, the airline should bringing us money not us giving it money. Our economy has been struggling to recovery since the 2008 globally economic crises which stripped every country naked. SAA has been dependent on guarantees from its Shareholder (the South African Government) for several years and the delay in the release of the financial statements for the 2013/14 financial year is directly related to the continued weakness of the The Minister of Finance has company’s Balance Sheet and approved an additional due to the company being guarantee1 of R6.488 billion for technically insolvent. South African Airways (SAA), taking the total guarantees Where is the future of SAA? Will granted to the airline to R14.4 it be able to bounce bank under billion. Yes it is taxpayers’ current the leadership? The money, we need to know government should once again whether South African Airways review their investments in SAA can fly higher. and make recommendation or A guarantee is not a transfer of privatise it. money but allows an entity to borrow against it. It is an The guarantees the Minister gave undertaking that government to SAA include one the important will take on the liability of the condition of reviewing and entity’s debt obligation in the stressing testing jointly by event of a default. The full government and SAA of the dependency of the airline to the financial model and refined longgovernment drinks up the funds term turnaround strategy (LTTS). that could be used for public service like housing, small According to the statement businesses, education, poverty released by National Treasury the alleviation programme and volatility of the Rand has seen a infrastructure. decline in value of over 34 percent during the 2013/14 financial year and has placed local airlines at a disadvantage considering the fact that nearly 60 percent of all input costs are priced in foreign currency while forex revenues represent only 40 percent of gross income.
PUBLIC
The disparity when measured against international competitors places the business in a challenging competitive position; an increase of 2 percent in overall input costs impacted the bottom line positively. During the period in review SAA realised net hedging gains of R76 million compared to hedging losses of R84 million incurred in the previous financial year. The board (reconstituted last year October) and the airline management intent to lessen the reliance on guarantees and return the business to relative stability. Yes, we have been hearing that for the past years. Returning the airline back to sustainability need a strong wellexperienced and highly skilled team. What worries South African the most is the appointment of the former Mango chief executive office as the acting CEO of SAA Group. There are allegations that he only has matric. Ok, let’s leave that, the survival of the SAA doesn’t depend on individuals but on the team.
IN FEBRUARY | PAGE 11
The Minister of Public Enterprise Ms Brown Lynette and Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene must tell us why fatalities at the airline deserve state money more than any other projects. The SAA Group is no longer sustainable that’s why the government has to do something like privatising it maybe. The Longterm Turnaround Strategy has failed. The introduction of 90 Day Action Plan Status Highlights will not help either. SAA Group was literally broke. Governance and power issues within the Group are amongst the cause of the insolvency. Yes, reports can be written about the ins and outs of the airline but if the plans aren’t well executed then nothing is going to happen. Taxpayers are tired of the hide and seek played by the SAA and Minister of Public Enterprise. We will report more of the state of the SAA Group again on the April issue after the failure of the 90 Day Action Plan. SAA Group can never fly higher in the hands of the government.
TECHNOLOGY
Article supplied by CATHEL TECHNOLOGIES
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 12
TECH4BUSINESS
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Are we using what INTERNET is giving us?
Business is the survival of the fittest race which demands concentration and commitment. How we conduct it has changed drastically compared to 15 years ago. Access to information for market research purpose is now cheaper, this means that anyone with access to internet can do whatever he wants including starting a business.Yes we see start-ups everyday but the concerning question is, are they using what internet is giving them? There are plenty of business tools on internet especially from Google, for which any business or entrepreneur can use to take his business to another level. It is indisputable that internet has more people than any form of marketing globally. That’s where we start, marketing your product online without paying even a single cent. There is a Google map for example. You can list your business for free and all you need is a Gmail account to be able to access other tools like Hangouts. Is that difficult? And listing your website on search engines is also free, actually starting a business is free. If you are living in Tshwane then the cost of starting a business is much lower compared to my brothers and sisters in Maruleng Municipality in Limpopo. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FreeDigitalPhotos.net FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
TECHNOLOGY
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 13
One click that reaches more 17 million people in Africa and more than a billion globally. The world is so small, why aren’t we using that at our advantage? 11 years ago a 20 year old guy launched what is called a ginormous social network today, Facebook. All he needed at the beginning was a laptop and access to internet. Today as we speak, Facebook has supportive applications and tools to help small businesses and everyone. One of it be Shopify. Shopify is a powerful ecommerce website solution that allows you to sell online by providing you with everything you need to create an online store. And how about making money with those tools? Then go to YouTube today. YouTube allows people to discover, watch and share originally created videos online.It is a great resource for video advertising. If you didn’t know, you can earn some bucks by uploading your eye catching video but it has to generate a lot of traffic before. Opportunities are there but we just have to open the door for them.
If you don’t have website why not creating an online blog that looks like a website? Yes it’s free and anyone can create it regardless of IT knowledge or not. Small business can help themselves for free because you can post text, photos, videos, and many more on that blog. You can use Wordpress or Blogspot of Google. If you have not taken your business online then you are missing out. Internet is the new cool for business. While you are still hesitating, your competitor is meeting potential clients of which you could have met before him. Only those who are using the contents of internet are realizing extravagant revenues and easy customer engagement. If you are not online today, make sure that you come through before it’s too late.
IT NEWS
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Hacked?
Paperless classroom
Facebook denied the reports that it was hacked on 27 January 2015. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
Gauteng Department of Education MEC Mr Panyaza Lesufi launched paperless classroom in 7 school in Gauteng province. Learners received iPads which will be used in classrooms instead of hardcopy books and chalkboard. There were critics that technology will swallow the art in writing. From Circle of Concern Magazine, we welcome the technological age embraced by Panyaza Lesufi. Well done Gauteng province. FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
COMPANIES
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 15
Drought drinks sugar. Ofentse Maluleka
Mother earth deserves respect and care, as Environmental Editor of Circle of Concern Magazine would always say it. The drought that is currently striking KwaZulu-Natal province is either going to drink our sugar class or leave farmers at the survival mode. The food security question becomes a centre of debate as a result. For example 80% of the country’s sugar is grown in KwaZulu-Natal province while the share price of Illovo Sugar, the second-biggest producer plunged. The hope is to be blessed with rain before end of February. The shortage of rainfall led to a temporary closure of Umzimkulu mill for 2015 sugar milling season. On the media statement, the Managing Director of Illovo Sugar (South Africa) David Howells indicated that the significant CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
below average rainfall experienced in KwaZulu-Natal during the 2014 milling season have severely affected expected cane supplies for the forthcoming season. The unembellished frost in the Midlands region during the past winter damaged the parts of Illovo Sugar cane supply area. “To effect optimum asset utilisation, a decision has been taken not to open the Umzimkulu mill in the 2015 sugar milling season and to divert all Umzimkulu cane deliveries to Illovo's Sezela mill for processing. The additional transport cost of diverting this cane to Sezela will be borne by Illovo” according to the statement.
Sugar Cane Sugar cane is a large grass variety, which grows well in tropical and sub-tropical climates across the globe. It is harvested in the southern hemisphere between April and December when the cane is 12 to 24 months old. Illovo produces its own sugar cane and also partners with independent outgrowers who supply cane to the company’s factories. Good climatic and soil conditions in the group’s countries of operation, accompanied by irrigation from secure water sources, are ideal for the cultivation of high-yielding and good- quality sugar cane. The group produces more than six million tons of cane annually which, combined with deliveries from independent outgrowers, is used to manufacture sugar and downstream products sold in domestic, African regional, preferential and world sugar markets. The group has the milling capacity to produce more than two million tons of sugar annually. Source: Illovo Sugar
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
WATCHDOG
Exchanged marriage vows
INSIGHTS Tshwane executive mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa tight the knots with Georgia Shekeshe last month.The two had a traditional wedding ceremony in Atteridgeville last year.
Picture: GCIS
Underpressure The Minister of High Education Blade Nzimande is still worried over NSFAS problems at University mostly. Lack of funds results in exclusion some students from furthering their studies.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 16
Suspended
Picture: GCIS
SOUTH African Revenue Service (SARS) deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay has been suspended for a second time last month. He was informed of his suspension a day before of his labour clash with SARS.
According to www.bdlive.co.za, SARS had suspended Mr Pillay while it investigated allegations of gross misconduct against him over his role in the existence of a "covert unit� that had reportedly spied on President Jacob Zuma, conducted illicit surveillance and run a brothel.
Picture: SACP
Past Away
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
REVISE YOUR MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
THE TEAM
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE | PAGE 17
The Team
BE INFORMED
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Komane Golden | golden@circleofconcern.co.za JUNIOR EDITOR Molebogeng Mashobane | lebo@circleofconcern.co.za FINANCE EDITOR Kulani Mhlanga | Kulani@circleofconcern.co.za COPY EDITOR Marvin Malaka | m.malaka@circleofconcern.co.za EDUCATION AND SOCIAL EDITOR Harold Ncongwane | harold@circleofconcern.co.za WRITERS Ofentse Maluleka Andrew Sako Michelle Nchabeleng Lebogang Mabotha Thulani Masilela SUBSCRIBTION Sako Andrew | andrew@circleofconcern.co.za | 071 328 7107 ADVERTISING Golden Komane | golden@circleofconcern.co.za | 071 328 7107 PUBLISHER Circle of Concern Magazine
VIGILANT
Corruption ate R700 Billion over the last 20 years. South Africa has lost R700bn to corruption over the last 20 years, the Institute of Internal Auditors said on 28 January 2015."The cost of corruption in the last 20 years... we have lost R700bn," Chief Executive Officer of Internal Auditors Claudelle von Eck said at the launch of the Anti-Intimidation and Ethical Practices. Intimidations of their members when whistle-blowing concerned the Anti-Intimidation and Ethical Practices.
Claudelle von Eck, The Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
NETWORK
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 18
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
STATISTICS
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 19
Lets Talk SA In
Number
R700 Billion lost in corruption for the past 20 years The SAA Group has realised On unemployment number of employed growth in revenues by 12 % The persons in South Africa remained unchanged at (from 8540000 in the third of 2014 from R27,1 billion to R30,3 billion) quarter 8540000 in the third The Minister of Finance has approved an additional guarantee1 of R6.488 billion SAA, taking the total guarantees granted to the airline to R14.4 billion.
quarter of 2014. Employed Persons in South Africa averaged 5786179.45 from 1973 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 8669000 in the second quarter of 2014 and a record low of 3694977 in the first quarter of 1973. Employed Persons in South Africa is reported by the Statistics South Africa.
Source: TradingEconomics.com
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
South Africa Inflation Rate Slows to 5.3 % Petrol will cost less than R10 in coastal areas FIN24 Credit growth slows to 8.52% in December. FIN24 South Africa's cumulative trade deficit was R95.3bn in 2014, the SA Revenue Service says. FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
GOVERNMENT
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 21
State of Nation Addres
WHERE DO WE FIT IN?
Andrew Sako and Molebogeng Mashobane
BUDGET SPEECH FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
GOVERNMENT
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 21
One of the most moving and electrifying statement made by Jacob Zuma inspired us to write this article with no contradictions of who we are as Africans. Change will not come about without some farreaching interventions and couple of sacrifices. With the budget speech and state of nation address coming through in few days to come, we as youth need to understand where and how we fit in. It is not about what government can do for you but what you can do for this beloved country. Have you seen it that way? Youth in particular have been wondering where they fit within the context of the state of this country. It is not an issue of education which speaks life to us nor the funds the state is providing to younger entrepreneurs through its agencies, it is more than that. Where do we really fit in as youth? A question most has but aren’t sure whether those answers are correct or wrong or what. The beloved South Africans are for sure waiting for either President Jacob Zuma or Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene to say something worth trusting about Eskom, yes. Most want to know when the load shedding is going to stop so that they can stop being romantic with candles at every dinner. People want to engage what they directly experience in their lives. How about things that indirectly make us suffer, like the failure of crucial parastatals, poor governance, corruption, nepotism and political unrest in our parliament? And where do we fit in again? CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
“It is not an issue of education which speaks life to us nor the funds the state is providing to younger entrepreneurs through its agencies, it is more than that.” FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
GOVERNMENT
With the high rate of unemployment, we expect both the president and minister of finance to reassure the nation mostly youth that employment will be created through diverse solid policies. Unemployment of 24 per cent of the work force is still far too high and almost 70 per cent of that 24 per cent its youth.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 22
Overseeing such government action is crucial because we get to know what is it that needs to be done.
It is our duty as youth to see that job creation does not only remain a priority on National Development Plan document. We have been rated as the best policy-making country but the worst implementer. Overseeing such government action is crucial because we get to know what is it that needs to be done. You might not be part of the unemployment statistics but that doesn’t mean that you don’t fit in within the topic.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
GOVERNMENT
We are now making progress in overcoming infrastructure backlogs and investing for more inclusive growth and development. Public infrastructure investment will amount to R847 billion over the next three years the then Minister of Finance Pravin Gordan said. Do we really know what is it and can we tangibly see such? The lack of engagement by youth in government works produces future leadership problems and failures which negatively impact us.
Budget Day Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene will present the budget speech to Parliament on 25 February 2015, at 2pm. Budget documents will be available for purchase from 2 pm.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY | PAGE 24
We fit in within every context of government hence we are obliged by conscious to put our government under scrutiny. The growth and redistribution which are in the National Development Plan must be part of our weekend agenda wherever we are. We should be the watchdogs of government and seek accountability towards misunderstanding of some events or transactions. You fit it in to inspire and instill hope to hopeless Africans of who are victims of unlawful acts like looting at Soweto and misunderstanding. The excluded student at University of Pretoria because he can’t settle the outstanding amount. The marginalized living in a shack and has no running water or proper sanitation. Democracy is the government of the people by the people then we are those people. Let’s engage the State of Nation Address and budget speech while keeping in mind that we are the ones to liberate the destitute by fitting ourselves in government and business activities.
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
POLITICS
EDUCATION AND POLITICS | PAGE 25
Faster land reform
Report Team
Western Cape province: Rooibos tea is harvested in the fields, then crushed and separated, laid out to dry and packaged at Groenkol Rooibos Farm in the Clanwilliam district. Photo: Rodger Bosch,MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
One could say African National Congress (ANC) is now feeling the heat of fire started by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The land issue has been placed in a dusty and rusty shelf at Luthuli House for almost 20 years. It is understandable that the injustices of the past are not going to be fully-addressed in a blink of an eye but the ANC government failed its people on land reform, no one can contradict that. ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe on 28 January 2015 said the ruling party was calling for a cap on land ownership in the country. Yes we have been hearing that for the past 21 years but we need actions. ANC has no choice but to address these issues because the EFF will do that in a more unacceptable way as the say it. While ANC was quite on the issue of land reform, fighters were advocating for land grab which is not favourable.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
According to the statement issued by Mantashe, Lekgotla has called for more decisive and interventionist leadership from government to accelerate the pace of land redistribution. Extracted from Statement issued by Gwede Mantashe (www.anc.org.za) Lekgotla has resolved that there should be a ceiling on land ownership of a maximum 12 000 hectares or 2 farms for both natural and all forms of legal persons. Land ownership by foreign nationals will also be prohibited. They will however be able to access land through leaseholds. There will be compulsory declaration of land holdings by the propertied class. We have also called for faster implementation of the Agricultural Policy Action Plan and an extension of support services provided to smallholder farmers. The development of rural infrastructure remains a viable intervention to break the back of poverty in rural areas and thus Lekgotla has called on government to increase access to quality infrastructure, invest in agro logistics and provide access to finance and markets in the rural areas. FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
OPINION
EDUCATION AND POLITICS | PAGE 27
Freedom
CHARTER
By Komane Golden
freedigitalphotos.net
Politicians are no longer failing us, we are failing ourselves Few years ago I used to blame politicians for every poor infrastructure I came across. As the level of maturity grows I then realized that politicians failed us once and we, in return failed ourselves again and again. The first error is a mistake and how about the second one? You give me an answer. In three to four months to come we will be celebrating 21 years of democracy, in a nutshell we had five national elections. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
In 1994 majority of South Africans voted African National Congress (ANC) into power and that resulted in black people gaining power. The birth of democracy was most welcomed even though our people celebrated a lot and ended up forgetting to enforce crucial policies freedom fighters agreed on, for example freedom charter.
What did we do after realizing the mess our government left us in? Nothing than failing ourselves. In a practical way, we keep on giving certain political parties power even though they betray us. First betrayal is enough. Stop saying politicians are failing you if you keep on making the same decision when voting.
The restructuring of the new South Africa went wrong as a We cannot do the same results. The level of inequality thing and expect change. rose and that made us one of We just have to accept the the countries in world with truth and change our way. unacceptable inequality You know exactly that you according to gini coefficient. have been giving the same Certain policies were serving political party power even their personal certain elites or politically though came before connected blacks in particular. interests That’s the first case where yours. There’s no need of we are failing politicians failed us, I ruler, ourselves. abundantly agree. FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
RELAX MZANSI
LIFESTYLE | PAGE 28
RELAX MZANSI Sex work has not yet been decriminalised. O
n the 13 January 2015, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Honourable John Jeffery dismissed some facts about possible decriminalisation of sex. “The front page headline and the introduction to the article on the possible decriminalisation of sex work, on page 6 of today’s Sowetan newspaper, is factually incorrect and thus calls for clarification.” He said. The concern sex work was once on the public eye since 1994 and most people were clueless of the decisions or its building blocks towards reaching conclusion.
Section 20(1) (aA) of the SOA states that any person who has unlawful carnal intercourse or commits an act of indecency with any other person for reward, is guilty of an offence. Yes, you heard it right, buying sex is illegal. The Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 also contains provisions relating to prostitution as do municipal by-laws. The most recent legislative change was the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2007, section 11 which in addition criminalises clients.
CoC Magazine Research team
freedigitalphotos.net CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
RELAX MZANSI
LIFESTYLE | PAGE 29
In March 2012, the ANC Women’s League came out in favour of decriminalisation, and stated that they will campaign for this to become an ANC policy. We cannot conclude now because people who are legally authorise will release the conclusions on that matter shortly. Human rights issues are involved here. Would decriminalising sex help secure human rights and dignity, and make for safer work and living conditions for sex workers as ANCWL suggest? How about the spread of HIV/AIDS? Many believe that decriminalising prostitution would limit the power the police have on sex workers and it would stop the police or law enforcers from taking advantage of sex workers. Police enforcement is rigorous and police taking and accepting bribes by the police and their clients is common place. With high level of brutality by police that might be true. In April 2013, the Commission for Gender Equality also stated its support for decriminalization. They argued that current laws violate sections of the constitution, and that sex workers would be better protected if the law is changed. freedigitalphotos.net CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
RELAX MZANSI
LIFESTYLE | PAGE 30
According to the statement made by Jeffery, the South African Law Reform Commission undertook a study into adult prostitution and released its Discussion Paper on it in 2009. In its Discussion Paper of 2009 the Commission found that adult prostitution has been the subject of considerable public debate in South Africa. The topic remains an emotive one and opinions on prostitution are strongly polarised. Various submissions and comments were received and four possible options were suggested: Total criminalisation of sex work (inline with the current position) Partial criminalisation –such as decriminalising the sale of sex but not the buying. Non-criminalisation (the same as decriminalisation of sex work where sex work and related activities are no longer a crime) Regulation. This process is currently at an advanced stage and the final report of the Law Reform Commission will be formally presented to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services shortly. Once it has been finalised, public engagement will have to take place and various role-players as well as the public will have the opportunity to be involved in this process. Decriminalisation of sex working will only be beneficial to be debated after the final report of the Law Reform Commission. Mzansi can relax for now, Sex work has not yet been decriminalised. Do you want it to remain a criminal offence or be decriminalised? Write us a letter then. freedigitalphotos.net CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
WE CARE
LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH | PAGE 31
Lifestyle and health. Kgotso Matsetela
The two are natural bonds, inseparable.Lifestyle is a typical way of life of an individual group or culture.Its a combination of tangible or intangible factors.The tangible factors relating to quantifiable statistic population, while the opposite is the concern of the phychological parts of personal values, preference and outlooks. Enviroment forms part of the construction of lifestyle.Urban and rural eviroments have different lifestyles thus making your location an important aspect.Neighborhood affect lifestyle due to varrying degrees of affluance and proximity to open spaces.What lies beneath the core is based on an individuals identity and the perceiving of the world.How selective you are, your attitudes and values you attain is to our eyes the reflection of your lifestyle.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
WE CARE
The cornerstone of lifestyle construction is consumptions of behaviour which offers the possibility to create and further individualise the self with different products that signals different ways of life.Forging a sense of self and creating cultural symbols that resonate self with your personal identification, but not all aspects are voluntarily. Social surrounding and and the technical systems constrain choices of an individual while the symbols construct to others viewing from the outlook. Health is a dear freind of lifestyle, nature's bonds and so it goes that they complement each other in a big way.Health is the level of functional state of any living being on our universe, it goes from human, animals, plants to the air that we breath.The determinants of health are lifestyle, economic, social conditions and spirituality.Care intervention and back round surroundings are known to influence the health status of an individual as well. Maintainance of your physical and mental health are crucial to an individuals longevity.The deeper you go into it you come across the fact that health and lifestyle can be transmitted from generation to generation.Parents are the first teacher to a childs beind, making it that everything a parent do will likely reflect and be transffered to their child, that being it a good healthy lifestyle or a bad one.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH | PAGE 32
In general being free from injury,worry and pain is a reflection of a health thats is in good shape which holds not only the physical part but also the interpretation of the benefits of potraying a good lifestyle.While looking at the opposite of these reflects on the downside of health.As human beings we were given the upper hand upon choice of life known as the "will power".Being it negative or positive the choice made upon is rarely done consciously due to the twisted or lack of knowledge. Unawarely we often miss to see how health and lifestyle play a big part of our being on a daily basis.Not only does a well balanced healthier lifestyle bring out a happier soul, also it enriches ones spirit which by doing so builds a happy nation bringing a sense of calming with positiveness across the universe. Kgotso Matsetela.
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SOCIAL
LIFESTYLE | PAGE 33
The Era Without Forgiveness By Thabisile Mashabela
Central Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal province: Snompi Mnyoniuses red earth to protect her skin from the sun. Photo: Graeme Williams, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com
to show those people that did The generation that has material this and that to you when you success in mind, doing whatever were down and out, those at any cost to get that car and all people you think they owe you that it comes with it, I admire the your bright future. drive, wish it was placed in a more fulfilling place. As long as it’s all As we climb this As we climb this about them you will competitive ladder we always need competitive tent to lose ourselves, to buy, ask every time one is ladder we tent something that moment when the confused one goes buy light are off and to lose something to show off, I you're sober and mean how many pair of ourselves, alone in your bed, shoes do you need? something in that moment tells When you lack forgiveness, it you what to acknowledge and eats you up that in places when you start to get it, pride money can't reach. comes in and play its part. It’s not lonely at the top if you Look at the thin line, while you got there because you wanted competing to get the material to be, not because you want CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
SOCIAL
things, there are unseen things competing to get you, competing with your pride anger and lack of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not waiting for someone to come to your knees crying for your clemency, which is your pride's desire, forgiveness starts with you for needing peace, because when you don't have it. Well let’s just say the shop that sells peace is not opened for business. The things we need the most are inside of us, people don't know this because it takes a lot more to look and listen to what your soul is talking to you about, or maybe people are scared of the unknown. If people realize their intended human power, oil will be the last thing we would want to fight for. The lack of forgiveness destroys more than you, look at that video of the nanny beating a toddler like that, my first thought when I saw it( she needs to forgive her past) now the anger and pride led her to been seen as the monster to the world and landed her in prison. Those moments of abuse have now tagged other people that do not know the hell she lives in. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
THE ERA WITHOUT FORGIVENESS | PAGE 34
Have you noticed that we design our own heaven and hells? We get challenged the most by the things we don't want because we give that thing will always be there until you accept forgive and let it go and understanding that when you let go of something, you are saying even if I find myself in the same path, I will not be caged by my own emotions. If you have ever forgiven a person before, you know it’s more about yourself than the other person and accepting that what had happened could have not being different, and again the most powerful tool we human holds is the power to forgive. If you tell me that your pain is greater you cannot forgive, in pure translation, what you resist you persist, you are doing injustice to yourself. You are in the same jail as your rapist or the same bed your husband left you to sleep with another woman, you will live through it over and over in your mind that steals your joy and your faith. You even forget the last time you laughed, there is pain in the world. And the most beautiful things have come out of it in an art form, don't feed your anger to grow and expect a garden of roses from in, except only darkness.
Humans are the only creatures that kill its own kind, we are divided by class status colour body shapes location education weaves, we tear each other apart by things that have nothing to do with the works of our souls. What would happen if the same energy used to destroy could instead heal, who is profiting from all this misleading? Because only in business tragedy is seen as opportunity, what is the opportunity? The more people are kept in the distraction, the more we buy, we feed the monster and if anything breaks, don't have worry you have insurance...
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. Martin Luther King, Jr.
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
LOVELIFE
LIFESTYLE | PAGE 35
When its not working, it is not working. Life is unpredictable, you may be in a long term relationship or may have invested a lot in it however at some point you can find yourself unhappy.
Love Clinic
We are afraid of letting go, because there is a child involve, parents were introduced to the partner or maybe you have been together for 4 years or so. Happiness, trust and respect are the most needed inner dynamics which dictate a happy couple, as we embark to reality its rare to find a perfect relationship but the imperfection doesn't state that you have to stay when your not happy.
Find yourself Ask yourself questions that will simply measure your proceeding and investment into the relationship, ask if your happy?
By Mahlora Chokwe
Is this what you really want? Are you satisfied with the treatment? Do u get the respect u deserve?. If your answers are negative to what suppose and expected of a relationship then there is a problem. Relationship dynamics, positives and negatives should be measured by you as an individual, whether you want to engage to the kind of relationship or not. Every person is imperfect, however being free and being real are the most important things that should be accepted by your partner.
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FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
MOTIVATION
SUCCESS | PAGE 36
10 Reasons Why You Won’t Make It Harold Ncongwane
There are number of reasons why you won’t make it in life. I’m saying this not to discourage you from working on your dreams but to simply prove to you that you won’t make it if the following attitudes and behaviours are a part of your daily routine. I believe that although we may be confronted with life challenges that may make use to lose our focus, however we also can sabotage our own dreams and aspirations. freedigitalphotos.net CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
MOTIVATION
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1. Fear of failure and not taking risks Life is about taking necessary risks in order to reach the next level of wealth or success. There are different risks, I call them “excessive risks” and “calculated risks”. The excessive risk are those that are done without meditation ,in order words actions that are done without knowledge and a clear understanding of the outcome of our actions, for example, this is the risk that is taken by gamblers who end up losing their life fortune while they are trying to double their money. This is not the kind of risk that I would encourage you to explore. In contrast there is a calculated risk or what I also call a healthy risk. This occurs when we know what is at stake and what are we expecting to gain. If you want to go somewhere in life , you save to learn how to take healthy risks ,these are means that you have to step out of your comfort zone and explore new channels of generating income for instance. The fear of failure can hinder you from reaching your potential. I normally say to my colleagues that if you don’t risk then you won’t know the full extent of your abilities therefore you would not know what you can improve on in order to become the best. A bird knew that it could fly by testing the wings, so if you want to know how far your success is then you must test your ability. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
SUCCESS | PAGE 37
2. Listening to others There is nothing wrong with listening to others from advice, but sometimes there is also nothing wrong with not listening to some people, even if they may be established in their careers. People have different stories to tell, they tell these stories according to their own capabilities and coping strategies. You should choose what to take from their stories and what to reject in terms of how you do things in your life. In order words think carefully about what relates to your story and integrate it to your story. I had to make a remark about listening to others because sometimes we are told that we are not good enough to make it because we are not as bright, beautiful or talented as the next person and therefore we are compared to our counterparts. Sometimes you just have to pretend like they are not talking to us and do what we know best because if we listen to everything we hear about ourselves then we won’t make it.
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MOTIVATION
SUCCESS | PAGE 38
3. Procrastination There is a saying that procrastination is a thief of time. At first I could not relate to this proverb, until I started working and studying at the same time. I realized how I would postpone things like doing assignments and projects. By the end of a semester I would not know how I was using my time. The most joyful feeling in those days was the opportunity and leverage to postpone things. In most cases I would make the million dollar excuse “ I work very well under pressure” I now see that this statement is very selfcontradictory and one of the most laziest sentences that people use to run away from commitment.
5. Lack of experience and networking Another reason why you are less likely to make the cut is because of the lack of exposure to that subject .If you would like to start a business but you haven’t empowered yourself with the necessary skills or knowledge then your business is bound to fail. You would need to at least have some ideas that have been tested before you can spend all your money on a business idea, also part of the reason when you are trying to establish yourself without creating business networks. Think about, if you are operating in this manner, you are just like an individual who sails on a boat alone in a stormy weather. Another example is that you cannot sell paper clips if you are not connected to cooperate companies that deal with a lot of paper work and document filling. If you would like to sell paper clip then you would need to find reason why companies still need paper clips even though most companies are doing electronic filing by saving files in a computer.
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4. Self-doubt When you doubt your abilities and end up not acting on your goals, you are denying yourself an opportunity to be aware of your key strengths. Since you doubt yourself then you won’t take a healthy risk when it is necessary at some point i your life. People doubt themselves because they may have failed on previous events and they think that they will eventually fail in everything that they do. Self-doubt has a connection with the self-esteem since individuals who believe i themselves may have a high selfesteem. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
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MOTIVATION
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6. Stuck in the past If you are stuck in the past then there is no more reason why you should continue to live. It might be that when you were growing up, you were told that you won’t make it or you won’t make the cut, like I ‘m telling you now. Being stuck in a past is like to trying to operate your DSTV decoder with a DVD remote, it is not functional or effective to your life. Many of us have tried working on our careers or getting that business tender, because your previous attempts have be unsuccessful then we decide not to invest on similar opportunities that present themselves in the present moment because we think that our past will repeat itself. We are the products of our past however our past doesn’t determine your future. If you have been trying to get your business right for the past 3 years, then start reflecting on what you can change in your operations ,ask for support and mentoring from experienced individuals to empower yourself and your business operations, CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
SUCCESS | PAGE 40
7. Trying to be perfect In the past 3 years, I have realized that I was trying to be perfect in everything that I do. I thought that this was another side of being ambitious and goal driven, until I realized that I was putting a lot of pressure on myself. The shocking truth is that although I was trying to be perfect and excel in everything I do, I was not productive in my work. This is very ironic, but it is true. When you put a lot of pressure on yourself to perform you are hindering your next steps of progression because you have skipped your actual level excellence that you are supposed to operate under until you get to the next level of your progress. In other words if you know that you are not a computer expert but you try to be perfect, then you are not operating from the level of your potential and this might cause frustration because you are trying to operate in a level of a computer expert while your skills do not make you an expert yet. FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
MOTIVATION
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8. Not knowing to how deal with disappointments When we are confronted with unexpected circumstance there are 3 reactions that are most likely to take place. Its either you avoid the situation, you break down or you face it. Success stories are about the character to deal with disappointment and to confront challenges in life. You are bound to fail at some point in their life and it is entirely up to you how you view the situation. The ability to deal with disappointment refers to the character and an attitude of perseverance and viewing challenges with positive eye. Dealing with disappointments means to reflect on what went wrong and what you could do differently. Once you have understood what went wrong you will then be empowered to try a different approach to your challenge. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
SUCCESS | PAGE 40
9. Having general goals If you have goals that are too generic then you are at a risk of not achieving them. This refers to goals that vague and day dreaming type of dreams. Your goals need to be realistic, measurable and achievable. If you are still stuck in dreamland where you always tell yourself “I want to be successful” but you still can’t measure what is success then you are riding a train without knowing the distance to your destination. The best way to approach your goals is to say “After I have read the article in 5 minutes, I will then write down things that I want to change today on a piece of paper with a pen” You can now see that this goal is very specific and the next person would understand what do you want to achieve in the next 5 minutes. I challenge you to put yourself on a spot when you want to achieve a goal, it needs to be something that is both practical and realistic. FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11
MOTIVATION
SUCCESS | PAGE 41
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10. Day dream-“One day is one day” When I grew up, I used to hang around with friends who always and big dreams and great ideas of how the y would want to take over the music industry and become the next big thing since Michael Jackson. Some of the ideas they had were ideas that could make millions if they had the right support and knew how to implement them. CIRCLE OF CONCERN MAGAZINE
The fact is that if you do not implement your ideas then you are just like a toddler in preschool who always fantasizes about becoming a princess. The saying “one day is one day” was like a national anthem from where I came from and even today, some of the old people still use that phrase. If you want to become a success, then you need to start implementing your ideas. I can assure you that even though the greatest car designers spent a lot of time on that scratch ,but at some point that car had to be made it became a real physical object that started in the mind. If you are still day dreaming after reading thus article then you won’t make it. Although you shouldn’t panic if these actions are common in your day to day living, but I edge that you start working on them and do things differently. FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11