How far can transformation and reconciliation go? For some time now as South Africans we have been obsessed with this idea of transformation, and to a certain extent also the idea of reconciliation without really engaging on the practical implications of both ideas. The sad part of our obsession is that we have been talking at each other rather than with one another on these ideas.
The tendency has been to ridicule to say the least, those amongst our midst who ask critical and yet necessary questions as to why, for example we need to change names of institutions like Mangosuthu Technikon and Rhodes university. To some in the name of transformation these have been useless questions. The problem with this approach is amongst others, the fact that we are yet to agree on what we really mean by transformation. Put in another way, we are yet to be told on what transformation is and what it is not.
This is important because to my mind transformation at least as a word would encompass some sort of a change not only in appearance, but also in form; nature and character of whatever it is that is said to be transformed. I argue then that as South Africans we have tended to change the appearance of things, by either renaming them or by simply changing the personnel therein and thereof. The shortcoming of this is that we have forgotten completely the form; nature and character of these things. And more sadly in the process the reconciliation agenda has been swept aside. South Africans have we reached a place in our existence where we feel that we have reconciled and arisen above the race bar in particular? I don't think so, and I feel that if we continue to rename things like we are doing in the name of transformation we are not only narrowly defining our transformation agenda, but we are also execerbating divisions in our societies.
Reconciliation, or at least the spirit of reconciliation as embodied in the TRC, and ,most importantly on the founding provisions of our constitution expressly warn us against the evils uncontrolled anger and vengeance. We cannot be driven by the need to get equal and masquerade that as transformation. It is clear that upon close scrutiny most of the renamings of late have been, to my mind, inspired by the need to get rid of certain historical facts. I am not saying we should not rename places and institutions that disgrace the human dignity of our people but what I am saying is that history cannot only be told from one side - the position of the victor. If that is done then we are not telling history but some sort of a misplaced propaganda and/or ideology.
If we accept that Mangosuthu and Rhodes for example were bad people in history then we must let the historical archives speak for themsleves in that regard. Let the names of the institutions that are named after them remain so to remind us of that historical data. Is it not true that to know where we are going we must know where we come from? Rather instead of changing the appearance of these institutions let us focus our energies on changing their nature, form and character.
What good does it do to rename Rhodes to something else when the culture and practice of the institution stays the same. Is that not tantamount to appointing a black vice-chancelor to lead a totally white untransformed council, senate and deans of faculties? When then that VC is frustrated we are quick to say so and so has failed the transformation agenda. Nobody ever ponders the questions of the working arrangements that VC was confronted with. Is then this not politics without principles to use a Gandhi classification?
Our transformation agenda should not only be about power changing hands where it is synonymous with blacks taking over everything, but it must also be about the internal arrangements of whatever it is that is being transformed. In other words, we ought to have a holistic transformation agenda rather than the one we have now that focuses on the exterior and completely ignores the interior. If we keep on doing things in this manner then we are doing a dis-service to transformation as an ideal and effectively we do not have transformation but a process of reformation.
Now a process of reformation has negative consequences because it alienates others on a practical psychological level. And to add salt to injury it forever reminds the alienated groups of their alienation. Just how far can we reasonably strech transformation and reconciliation whilst guarding against the possibility of being pushed towards a vengeful agenda of reformation?
South Africa lets engage.
Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson, UBPA
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Mamela, the Chair speaks
Dear UBPA
On behalf of the executive and perhaps the general membership of UBPA, the Chair would like to take this opportunity to thank the membership of UBPA and as is custom also raise a couple of concerns.
If it pleases you, the Chair would like to thank all the associates of UBPA that made the trip to uThaka Secondary and executed their mandate as stated in our plan of action for this year. There is no doubt that UBPA is a playing ground of both heroes and heroines of immense talent and intellect. The Chair is convinced that the associates who were down there performed to the best of their qualities leaving no stone unturned. From this it can be inferred that the people at Wakkerstroom gained something from this experience and their lives would change for the better.
It goes without saying that we encountered a couple of shortcomings in this regard, and of course some perfectionists amongst our ranks were frustrated, but the Chair hopes that we shall learn from all that happen. Organisation is one of the most difficult things to do in modern day South Africa precisely because people no longer want to give themselves but always expect to receive something in return. As a reader in Black Consciousness and a scholar in politics generally the Chair often asks himself how would a leader like Biko, and others in this regard have dealt with the challenges we face today. Biko a medicine student at the University of Natal actually opened Zanempilo makeshift clinic in the Eastern Cape when he was under house arrest. Obviously he was assisted by other including Mamphele Ramphele. People the point here is that Biko and company did all of this out of their own initiative and expected nothing in return - yes, they also got nothing apart from death. The question then is how many of us lawyers, doctors, teachers and so on would give ourselves in this way?
To show that the Chair is not talking about and thanking fictitious people the following people deserve mention so to acknowledge the work they put in. As is custom ladies first.
Nozipho, Sikhwama, our Treasurer/ Organiser and Co-head of the education cluster thank you for having made the trip, and thank you for taking the subject of Biology in the vigor that you did. May you not tire and always respond positively to the missions of UBPA.
Fezeka, the DSG (the Chair won't mention the other portfolio you are Co-head of for the reasons that you know) you kept the fort and unfortunately ran out of fuel when the distance appeared to be demanding we say thank you for that. We shall pray that you receive strength from above to finish a task.
Mashudu, in the absence; or rather the late arrival of Sihle what would we have done with those hungry minds for the knowledge of Geography if it was not for you. The Chair sits here now and feels comfortable that he understands Geomorphology as nothing but the study of the surface area. This shows the determination you put into the subject that even a person passing by would have benefited from your insight.
Themba, the Chair is often accused of favouritism when it comes to you for but obvious reasons, but what would we have done with all those learners that wanted nothing but to drink in your mathematics fountain. Both the grade 11s and 12s benefited from your presence not only in the study of math but also the study of science, which were field that we struggle to tilt last year. We noted that you were the first to arrive on the premises of the school and that showed character and determination as you just kept on delivering on a day to day basis for the duration of the program.
Bongani, our SG the rule is simple only Mandela would spend 27 years in prison and come out to be hailed as the greatest leader of all time, but the rest of us must work and lead at the front. What economics would have been if it was not for your constant preparation.
Sihle, we noted your late arrival and the constant work you did therefrom. The Chair would hope nonetheless that you sorted out the thing about our contact details with the office of the Principal and that you shall do the necessary follow-ups in that regard. All UBPA demands of you is that once you have taken such an initiative it is only fair to see it to the end. It goes without saying that the Chair and the rest of UBPA membership shall assist you where needs be, all you need do is ask.
The Chair may have left others but that is not to say what they did was not noticeable, but time constraints do not allow the Chair to delve any deeper than this. Will the SG see to it that uMashudu has access to the constitution, that is if she still intends to enlist. It must be noted that the induction manual is still not complete and this means that we are yet to implement the resolutions of MEDUNSA. Will the SG get back to the Chair as to what actually happened with the Dance indaba that we were organising.
It goes without saying that we missed all those of our membership who could not make it for reasons beyond their control. UBPA can be conceived of as a mother with many grown up kids and when one of those grown up kids is not around UBPA gets worried. We hope that we shall be with you guys next time around. Mngomezulu you said that your profile on our website was not making you happy, so this is the time to send to the Chair the correct and proper information.
What has not been said in this mail will be said in the next. As UBPA we still hold the view that one round = one condom and one condom = one round. UBPA leads!
Comradely yours
Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson and Co-head of the education cluster, UBPA
On behalf of the executive and perhaps the general membership of UBPA, the Chair would like to take this opportunity to thank the membership of UBPA and as is custom also raise a couple of concerns.
If it pleases you, the Chair would like to thank all the associates of UBPA that made the trip to uThaka Secondary and executed their mandate as stated in our plan of action for this year. There is no doubt that UBPA is a playing ground of both heroes and heroines of immense talent and intellect. The Chair is convinced that the associates who were down there performed to the best of their qualities leaving no stone unturned. From this it can be inferred that the people at Wakkerstroom gained something from this experience and their lives would change for the better.
It goes without saying that we encountered a couple of shortcomings in this regard, and of course some perfectionists amongst our ranks were frustrated, but the Chair hopes that we shall learn from all that happen. Organisation is one of the most difficult things to do in modern day South Africa precisely because people no longer want to give themselves but always expect to receive something in return. As a reader in Black Consciousness and a scholar in politics generally the Chair often asks himself how would a leader like Biko, and others in this regard have dealt with the challenges we face today. Biko a medicine student at the University of Natal actually opened Zanempilo makeshift clinic in the Eastern Cape when he was under house arrest. Obviously he was assisted by other including Mamphele Ramphele. People the point here is that Biko and company did all of this out of their own initiative and expected nothing in return - yes, they also got nothing apart from death. The question then is how many of us lawyers, doctors, teachers and so on would give ourselves in this way?
To show that the Chair is not talking about and thanking fictitious people the following people deserve mention so to acknowledge the work they put in. As is custom ladies first.
Nozipho, Sikhwama, our Treasurer/ Organiser and Co-head of the education cluster thank you for having made the trip, and thank you for taking the subject of Biology in the vigor that you did. May you not tire and always respond positively to the missions of UBPA.
Fezeka, the DSG (the Chair won't mention the other portfolio you are Co-head of for the reasons that you know) you kept the fort and unfortunately ran out of fuel when the distance appeared to be demanding we say thank you for that. We shall pray that you receive strength from above to finish a task.
Mashudu, in the absence; or rather the late arrival of Sihle what would we have done with those hungry minds for the knowledge of Geography if it was not for you. The Chair sits here now and feels comfortable that he understands Geomorphology as nothing but the study of the surface area. This shows the determination you put into the subject that even a person passing by would have benefited from your insight.
Themba, the Chair is often accused of favouritism when it comes to you for but obvious reasons, but what would we have done with all those learners that wanted nothing but to drink in your mathematics fountain. Both the grade 11s and 12s benefited from your presence not only in the study of math but also the study of science, which were field that we struggle to tilt last year. We noted that you were the first to arrive on the premises of the school and that showed character and determination as you just kept on delivering on a day to day basis for the duration of the program.
Bongani, our SG the rule is simple only Mandela would spend 27 years in prison and come out to be hailed as the greatest leader of all time, but the rest of us must work and lead at the front. What economics would have been if it was not for your constant preparation.
Sihle, we noted your late arrival and the constant work you did therefrom. The Chair would hope nonetheless that you sorted out the thing about our contact details with the office of the Principal and that you shall do the necessary follow-ups in that regard. All UBPA demands of you is that once you have taken such an initiative it is only fair to see it to the end. It goes without saying that the Chair and the rest of UBPA membership shall assist you where needs be, all you need do is ask.
The Chair may have left others but that is not to say what they did was not noticeable, but time constraints do not allow the Chair to delve any deeper than this. Will the SG see to it that uMashudu has access to the constitution, that is if she still intends to enlist. It must be noted that the induction manual is still not complete and this means that we are yet to implement the resolutions of MEDUNSA. Will the SG get back to the Chair as to what actually happened with the Dance indaba that we were organising.
It goes without saying that we missed all those of our membership who could not make it for reasons beyond their control. UBPA can be conceived of as a mother with many grown up kids and when one of those grown up kids is not around UBPA gets worried. We hope that we shall be with you guys next time around. Mngomezulu you said that your profile on our website was not making you happy, so this is the time to send to the Chair the correct and proper information.
What has not been said in this mail will be said in the next. As UBPA we still hold the view that one round = one condom and one condom = one round. UBPA leads!
Comradely yours
Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson and Co-head of the education cluster, UBPA
Monday, June 9, 2008
Asibuyele Olwimini Lwebele UBPA
Ngibingelele abahlonishlwa kuqala! Bahlonishwa impela isingisi
sesisonile
sonakele qobo lokonakala.
Ngiphinde ngiqale nje ngokuzixolisela kubahlonishwa ngomlayezo
engawuthumela, iqiniso lithi angivumelani nokwenziwa kwabanye bethu
nabo
ngabantu njengathi ngakhoke mabangabulawa, kafushane nje abacelwe
kahleukuthi babhekise amabombo lapho izinkaba zabo zasala khona.
Ngiphindi
ngiveze ukudabuka okukhulu kwabanye bethu abese bethole omakhohlisana
babo
abangabokudabuka eZimbabwe ngithi alwehlanga lungehlanga, akuqali
ngathi
futhi soze kugcine ngathi!!! Kodwa ke into ebingenza ngize ngibe
nalolugqozi lokuthumela loya mulayezo indlela nabo bese benza ngayo
ngoba
nakhu abanye buthu bebonakalisa ukubazwela okukhulu.
Ngiphinde futhi ngibonge nendlela uSihlalo aphendule ngayo omunye wethu
uMr B ubesethanda ukulahleka noma engatholisisi ezinye zezinto.
Ngithande
nakokhulu lapho umucacisela ukuthi akayiwowonke umuntu okufanele aye
ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme okukanye aye eMEDUNSA,Wits noma eUJ
BAVUMELEKILE ABANTU UKUTHI BAYE NASE NEWCASTLE COLLEGE ngoba nakhona
kunemiphumela emihle kuphela nje kusezandleni zakhe umuntu ukuthi ufuna
ini. Ngamafuphi nje asiphoqi abantu ukuthi baye ezikhungweni zemfundo
ephakeme kodwa sisiza abantu ukwazi ukuthi bangaya kanjani khona.
Anisiboni mina isidingo sokuthatha umuntu ongenamali eyanele ngimuphoqe
ukuba azokwenza umsebenzi wamaphayiphi phecelezi iplumber eWits bese
enza
unyaka owodwa bese ehlulwa izinkiga zemali ayekele engatholanga ngisho
isitifiketi sodwa nje, kanti lomuntu ayeyosithola isitifiketi e kolishi
bese asebenzisa ingqondo aphumelele empilweni azeke afike emazingeni
aphezulu. Ngizixolisele bahlonishwa sengithinteke kakhulu ngoba
ngingakhuluma kushone ilanga ngaloludaba. Ngithembe nokuthi
nizowuzwisisa
lomlayezo engizama niwuzwe.
Sisekelo sihlalo angazi noma wawuthola yini umlyezo wami ukuthi ngizoya
ekhaya ngomhlaka 27-June ngisemile kuyo iBiology (Maths, Science) kodwa
ke
ngokungabi bikho komncedisi we Agriculture ngizinikela ekuyenziseni.
Ngiphinde ngakhuluma noSabza wathi naye uzimisele ekuncediseni impela
eZibalweni nakuyo iScience.Uthe uzoya emakhaya ngomhlaka 22-June,
uzimisele ukuqala kunye nani bahlonishwa. USihle naye ngokunjalo uthe
uyoqala kunye nani usemile futhi kuyo i-Geography yakhe. U-SG yena
angazike ukuthi wayaphi sengafunga yena. Wonder n Innocent ngoba
sebexolisile. uSihlalo ngokunjalo usebekile. Angazike abanye bengizama
ukwenza izinto zibe lula ngalabo engaziyo ngabo.
Sibonge sisekelo sihlalo ngokusivuselela ngobuthina bethu impela bese
ngineminyaka ngingabhali nje indaba ngolwimi lami lwebele.
Nikhonze kubobonke omakhelwane lapho nabantwana bayakhonza!!!!
Yimina ozithobayo
Nozipho Khumalo Usikhwama nomxhumanisi (TG/O),UBPA
Innocent Mlambo ubhale wathi:
Ngizothanda ukuthatha lethuba ngizwakalise ukudumala kwami ngokulotshwe
uMaKhumalo mayelana nokuhlaselwa kwabantu bagaphandle(kwamanye
amazwe). Ngizothanda futhi ukuthi ngiyibeke obala nje lento.Angihambelani
nommbono wakho MaKhumalo. Kodwa futhi angivumelani nokuthi abantu
bakwamanye amazwe bazichancasele kuleli. Akusilona iqiniso ukuthi wonke umuntu
ohlala e-Ningizimu nefrika, uyi South African. Uma phela kunjalo kusho
ukuthi wonke umuntu ohlala nesigebengu naye uyisigebengu. Ukugcizelela
kulokhu ngingaphinde ngibuze ukuthi ukuhamba uphinde uhlale nomuntu
obhemayo kusho ukuthi uyabhema yini nawe? Uma kungenjalo ngizosho ngithi
abantu base Zimbabwe abaseZimbabwe, nabaseNigeria ngokunjalo.
Ngamafushane nje ngizothi abangaxoshwa ngalendlela kodwa kumele bona bahambe.
Kusale abanemvumo yokuba bahlale kuleli.
Sengihamba nje ngizothanda ukusebenzisa lethuba ngokuba ngixolise,
ngokuthatha isikhathi eside ukuloba lokhu. Kodwa ngezinkinga eziningana
enginazo ngizothanda ukusho ukuthi kulamaholidi azayo, kungenzeka ukuthi
umuntu ofana nami noma lona oyimi u-qobo angaphumeleli ukuya-ngasekhaya.
Loyo- naloyo ozokhona ukuya ngasekhaya ngicela ukuthi enze okumele
akwenze, kungalandelwa abantu ngemuva bencengelwa ukuthi basize lapho
kumele basize khona.
Send my love to your families and most importantly: look after
yourself.
Innocent Mlambo
NB: Innocent Mlambo Co-heads the portfolio of Projects and Campaigns at UBPA
On Youth Day (June 16) Mlambo wrote:
This coming monday , the 16th of June is national Youth Day. On Youth
Day we celebrate the heroic actions of young people who took to the
streets of Johannesburg in protest of an oppressive system of government 32
years ago, in 1976.
In the face of apartheid's brutality, these learners joined together,
voiced their unhappiness and set in motion the march towards the freedom
which we finally received in 1994.
The struggle for freedom was fought by students, parents, teachers,
workers and the broader community, who supported the students in their
demand for a political voice. Armed with placards, a strong will and
determination, they fought the might of armed police and soldiers.
It is so important that in remembering what happened 32 years ago, we
continue to celebrate our freedom and reflect on how far we have come as
young South Africans in reversing the damage caused by apartheid. One
want to urge you as the future of South Africa, as our future leaders,
politicians, educators and business men and women, let us rededicate
ourselves to the achievement of the democratic ideals which the youth of
1976 stood up for. Let us be as strong willed and as determined to
stand up for what we believe in. Let us stand united, peacefully and
whole-heartedly against the evils in our society, in our homes, on our
playgrounds and in our hearts.The South Africa we live in today is still the
beautiful land it has always been, but is littered poverty, crime,
racism and violence. In 1976 South Africans just like you and me fought
extremely hard for the democratic education that we receive today. Your
education and your democracy is you right, a
right that thousands of people suffered for. Our rights give us
wonderful opportunities which will become powerful tools that will serve us
our whole lives. However with this great power, we must remember the
great responsibilities, to serve ourselves, our country, our parents, and
most of all the democracy for which we fought so hard.
Please do not fool yourself or your partner be wise because AIDS kills,
one wise man explicitly revealed that "one condome = one round and
one round = one condom" Be Faithful!!!
Innocent Mlambo
Co-head Projects and Campaigns, UBPA
sesisonile
sonakele qobo lokonakala.
Ngiphinde ngiqale nje ngokuzixolisela kubahlonishwa ngomlayezo
engawuthumela, iqiniso lithi angivumelani nokwenziwa kwabanye bethu
nabo
ngabantu njengathi ngakhoke mabangabulawa, kafushane nje abacelwe
kahleukuthi babhekise amabombo lapho izinkaba zabo zasala khona.
Ngiphindi
ngiveze ukudabuka okukhulu kwabanye bethu abese bethole omakhohlisana
babo
abangabokudabuka eZimbabwe ngithi alwehlanga lungehlanga, akuqali
ngathi
futhi soze kugcine ngathi!!! Kodwa ke into ebingenza ngize ngibe
nalolugqozi lokuthumela loya mulayezo indlela nabo bese benza ngayo
ngoba
nakhu abanye buthu bebonakalisa ukubazwela okukhulu.
Ngiphinde futhi ngibonge nendlela uSihlalo aphendule ngayo omunye wethu
uMr B ubesethanda ukulahleka noma engatholisisi ezinye zezinto.
Ngithande
nakokhulu lapho umucacisela ukuthi akayiwowonke umuntu okufanele aye
ezikhungweni zemfundo ephakeme okukanye aye eMEDUNSA,Wits noma eUJ
BAVUMELEKILE ABANTU UKUTHI BAYE NASE NEWCASTLE COLLEGE ngoba nakhona
kunemiphumela emihle kuphela nje kusezandleni zakhe umuntu ukuthi ufuna
ini. Ngamafuphi nje asiphoqi abantu ukuthi baye ezikhungweni zemfundo
ephakeme kodwa sisiza abantu ukwazi ukuthi bangaya kanjani khona.
Anisiboni mina isidingo sokuthatha umuntu ongenamali eyanele ngimuphoqe
ukuba azokwenza umsebenzi wamaphayiphi phecelezi iplumber eWits bese
enza
unyaka owodwa bese ehlulwa izinkiga zemali ayekele engatholanga ngisho
isitifiketi sodwa nje, kanti lomuntu ayeyosithola isitifiketi e kolishi
bese asebenzisa ingqondo aphumelele empilweni azeke afike emazingeni
aphezulu. Ngizixolisele bahlonishwa sengithinteke kakhulu ngoba
ngingakhuluma kushone ilanga ngaloludaba. Ngithembe nokuthi
nizowuzwisisa
lomlayezo engizama niwuzwe.
Sisekelo sihlalo angazi noma wawuthola yini umlyezo wami ukuthi ngizoya
ekhaya ngomhlaka 27-June ngisemile kuyo iBiology (Maths, Science) kodwa
ke
ngokungabi bikho komncedisi we Agriculture ngizinikela ekuyenziseni.
Ngiphinde ngakhuluma noSabza wathi naye uzimisele ekuncediseni impela
eZibalweni nakuyo iScience.Uthe uzoya emakhaya ngomhlaka 22-June,
uzimisele ukuqala kunye nani bahlonishwa. USihle naye ngokunjalo uthe
uyoqala kunye nani usemile futhi kuyo i-Geography yakhe. U-SG yena
angazike ukuthi wayaphi sengafunga yena. Wonder n Innocent ngoba
sebexolisile. uSihlalo ngokunjalo usebekile. Angazike abanye bengizama
ukwenza izinto zibe lula ngalabo engaziyo ngabo.
Sibonge sisekelo sihlalo ngokusivuselela ngobuthina bethu impela bese
ngineminyaka ngingabhali nje indaba ngolwimi lami lwebele.
Nikhonze kubobonke omakhelwane lapho nabantwana bayakhonza!!!!
Yimina ozithobayo
Nozipho Khumalo Usikhwama nomxhumanisi (TG/O),UBPA
Innocent Mlambo ubhale wathi:
Ngizothanda ukuthatha lethuba ngizwakalise ukudumala kwami ngokulotshwe
uMaKhumalo mayelana nokuhlaselwa kwabantu bagaphandle(kwamanye
amazwe). Ngizothanda futhi ukuthi ngiyibeke obala nje lento.Angihambelani
nommbono wakho MaKhumalo. Kodwa futhi angivumelani nokuthi abantu
bakwamanye amazwe bazichancasele kuleli. Akusilona iqiniso ukuthi wonke umuntu
ohlala e-Ningizimu nefrika, uyi South African. Uma phela kunjalo kusho
ukuthi wonke umuntu ohlala nesigebengu naye uyisigebengu. Ukugcizelela
kulokhu ngingaphinde ngibuze ukuthi ukuhamba uphinde uhlale nomuntu
obhemayo kusho ukuthi uyabhema yini nawe? Uma kungenjalo ngizosho ngithi
abantu base Zimbabwe abaseZimbabwe, nabaseNigeria ngokunjalo.
Ngamafushane nje ngizothi abangaxoshwa ngalendlela kodwa kumele bona bahambe.
Kusale abanemvumo yokuba bahlale kuleli.
Sengihamba nje ngizothanda ukusebenzisa lethuba ngokuba ngixolise,
ngokuthatha isikhathi eside ukuloba lokhu. Kodwa ngezinkinga eziningana
enginazo ngizothanda ukusho ukuthi kulamaholidi azayo, kungenzeka ukuthi
umuntu ofana nami noma lona oyimi u-qobo angaphumeleli ukuya-ngasekhaya.
Loyo- naloyo ozokhona ukuya ngasekhaya ngicela ukuthi enze okumele
akwenze, kungalandelwa abantu ngemuva bencengelwa ukuthi basize lapho
kumele basize khona.
Send my love to your families and most importantly: look after
yourself.
Innocent Mlambo
NB: Innocent Mlambo Co-heads the portfolio of Projects and Campaigns at UBPA
On Youth Day (June 16) Mlambo wrote:
This coming monday , the 16th of June is national Youth Day. On Youth
Day we celebrate the heroic actions of young people who took to the
streets of Johannesburg in protest of an oppressive system of government 32
years ago, in 1976.
In the face of apartheid's brutality, these learners joined together,
voiced their unhappiness and set in motion the march towards the freedom
which we finally received in 1994.
The struggle for freedom was fought by students, parents, teachers,
workers and the broader community, who supported the students in their
demand for a political voice. Armed with placards, a strong will and
determination, they fought the might of armed police and soldiers.
It is so important that in remembering what happened 32 years ago, we
continue to celebrate our freedom and reflect on how far we have come as
young South Africans in reversing the damage caused by apartheid. One
want to urge you as the future of South Africa, as our future leaders,
politicians, educators and business men and women, let us rededicate
ourselves to the achievement of the democratic ideals which the youth of
1976 stood up for. Let us be as strong willed and as determined to
stand up for what we believe in. Let us stand united, peacefully and
whole-heartedly against the evils in our society, in our homes, on our
playgrounds and in our hearts.The South Africa we live in today is still the
beautiful land it has always been, but is littered poverty, crime,
racism and violence. In 1976 South Africans just like you and me fought
extremely hard for the democratic education that we receive today. Your
education and your democracy is you right, a
right that thousands of people suffered for. Our rights give us
wonderful opportunities which will become powerful tools that will serve us
our whole lives. However with this great power, we must remember the
great responsibilities, to serve ourselves, our country, our parents, and
most of all the democracy for which we fought so hard.
Please do not fool yourself or your partner be wise because AIDS kills,
one wise man explicitly revealed that "one condome = one round and
one round = one condom" Be Faithful!!!
Innocent Mlambo
Co-head Projects and Campaigns, UBPA
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Concerns and Answers
First and foremost i would like to know to the members
of the organisation what actual operation know your status mean
to them,If you guys have the same meaning as I am, which is to know
your status then I am afraid.Why?
let's assume if one of our members get results of being HIV positive what
we as members will do to support that individual. Some asinine can say alot.
I don't think some of us can be able to support that individual when is ill especially with HIV And AIDS
while we can't even support the so-called friends back at home to come to Higher institutions like Wits,Medunsa and Uj
For instance our chairman[Thulani] got his friend[Nkosinathi] at home who was passionate about studying until he lost hope,no support NO1.
another one Fezeka got
people like lindo and her sister Mpumie what she has done to show support to them,no support NO2
Another one which is our secretary[Bongza] he got people like Lucky or LUKIE what he has done to assist this man since they were struggling together
to get a school they even went to Mzo campus together, nothing done
OK let's assume that all this people mentioned above they don't have requirements to for their prefared courses,the those guys done to help them to
improve those result.
So then it is impossible to support someone when is ill especially the one who is not friend when you can't
even assist your friend, I am sorry but is true.
Actually personal I SUPPORT THE OPERATION but guys please lets convience each other that we will be able to support each other
even in bad times.
Mr B.
From the four corners of the office of the Chairperson of UBPA, from deep the valleys of uThaka where UBPA gets its inspiration and relevance from, from the Chair to the associates, from one member to another; Mr B you must be answered in a holistic way that is far removed from personal attacks and prejudices. This is in response to your correspondence of the 4th of June 2008.
It is trite from a Chairperson's point of view that when a member, who clearly appears to be concerned raises such bread and butter issues; he must be responded to in haste one must say. Mr B in some of what you have raised you stand to be corrected, and obviously some of the issues you have raised must be thought hard, and it is for this reason that the Chairperson is not going to rubbish your mail but will treat it as if you have hit a bull's eye and respond accordingly. Our associates should if they are going to respond also do the same, let us rather focus on the merits and not be too defensive on this because we may end up attacking one another and losing perspective.
Mr B, be corrected the people we wanted to bring to tertiary institutions are not necessarily our friends. Some of us are way senior people to befriend matriculants in case you have forgotten the Chair matriculated five years ago. It follows from this reason that the Chair can't really have friends down there as he knows only a hand full people from a distance who all but grew in front of him. The Chair's friends are all the dedicated and determined associates of UBPA and the like. The matriculants are then fellow country boys and girls of ours who we feel indebted to share the little we have as far as academia and development in the broader sense is concerned. The Chair hopes this will make sense and you shall accordingly see why you stood to be corrected on this issue.
Mr B, let us briefly looked at the real reasons why the trips failed. It was not because UBPA failed her "Friends" as you incorrectly put it. but it was because there was no will power on the powers that be to meet UBPA half way on this matter. When the SG and the Chair first spoke about this issue to Mr Xulu, we were told right there and then that this was an impossible task. It was only December early January then. But UBPA persisted on this issue, Lindo tried her best to implement the suggestions by the Chair but she was a grain of sand in a desert, this is why UBPA has then created a portfolio of projects and campaigns to better coordinate all our projects and campaigns although that portfolio at the moment looks disgruntled and is failing to deliver, but it is still our portfolio and we must reinforce so it becomes useful. On this matter those of us who tried did our best and failed on this battle, but rest assured as long as the Chair is around UBPA will win this war, and Chair will see to it. Just in passing, you know Mr B had you also played a proactive role in this matter perhaps things would have turned out differently because what you now doing is tantamount to being an arm chair critic. UBPA we are all wise after the fact and that should change.
Allow the Chair to quickly touch on the TNJ issue. The Chair is afraid to say that you stand to be corrected again on this issue. For your information TNJ completed his ancillary nursing qualification and because there were many issues competing for his attention he decided to get himself full time employment at the municipality. The Chair is convinced that TNJ didn't give up on any thing, the man just wanted to be a father to his kid, a husband to his girlfriend and a son to his mother. A father that could take responsibility and a son that could say "Mama ulele nje udleni namuhla", surely no one can fault him on that. The man took a conscious decision. It must be made clear that not every person who enters tertiary is tertiary material and thus not everyone who enters varsity will succeed, you should know this. UBPA then says we target development holistically, we acknowledge the importance of education, but we still want our people to work so as not to be redundant. Not so associates? Tertiary is tough and yes we can't all be Clinical Psychologist Mntambo, educational Psychologist Mlambo, medical Doctor Nkwanyana or Khumalo, accountant Mtshali or teacher Mngomezulu for example. Mr B the Chair assures you TNJ is content with his life at the moment he thinks he made a wise move.
On the issue of one testing positive. If you have paid particular attention on the whole process of VCT you would know that the support an individual requires start from that individual himself accepting his status and this is why people are psychologically prepared first for this possible outcome before tests are made. Once an individual accepts his status that individual will care less whether UBPA supports him or not, if anything that individual will construe UBPA's lack of support as arrogance and ignorance of the pandemic. Research shows us that even with the best support in the world if an individual himself has accepted his status all will be in vain. The UBPA led by the current executive will do everything reasonably possible in its power to lend a hand to any one who needs a hand under any conditions. Not so associates. The DSG will tell you correctly so that as a slogan UBPA lives, UBPA leads no where does it says UBPA judges people.
As UBPA associates we are joined by a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood because we share the same history of class and the same aspirations for the future. The Chair remains convinced that if we help one another then definitely the tomorrow will be brighter than the today. Sure, the Chair can't speak on what happened to Luki or Lindo for that matter but the Chair will tell you that not succeeding into getting to tertiary is not the end of the world, some people have never set foot in a tertiary institution but are more successful than any of us will ever be. The Chair's brother matriculated last year and didn't make it to tertiary this year, will that then be grounds to say to the Chair how is he going to help others if he can't help his own brother? No, if you are thinking like this you are missing the point and as Gandhi would say science without consciousness will be your demise. UBPA is convinced that testing oneself is a proper thing to do, DSG as a slogan for our know your status campaign the Chair submits people must be aware after testing whatever the result that one round = one condom, and one condom = one round; not so? Let us be safe from HIV, from drugs, from poverty and mental indignation. In the words of Biko the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the brain of the oppressed. UBPA let us think and act like the leaders that we are.
Mr B the Chair hopes that this answers your concerns, if not let us engage further.
UBPA lives, UBPA leads all hands on deck as we accelerate the holistic development of Uthaka and her people.
Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson, UBPA
06 June 2008 On the topic the Chair wrote:
Open Letter to UBPA
From the Education Portfolio
This is an open protest to UBPA in general but specific portfolios in particular, our attention is targeted to, where appropriate the Media Publicity and the Projects Campaigns portfolios respectively. As the education portfolio it fell well within our duties and obligations to organise and oversee the education strategy for the coming winter classes as the project appears in our plan of action for the year. We devised such a strategy and posted to the relevant parties for their considerations. It goes without saying that they were also required to perform their complementary duties in line with what we have submitted. The Projects and Campaigns portfolio was required to transport our strategy on its merits to the relevant parties.
The Media and Publicity portfolio were supposed to create hype and advertise us well. Not so associates? You know to those of us who understand the power of advertising will tell you in the words of one writer that business without advertising is like winking at a beautiful girl in the dark where no one else can see you but yourself. This is irrespective of how well the plan is, if it is not properly advertised then it is not adequately exposed to the minds of the people. The Projects and Campaigns portfolio was also suppose to collect data on our behalf, the very same data the DC is now requesting and supply this data to us so we can devise a proper time line and time table. We are not saying it is now too late for the Campaigns and Projects to execute this obligation, but what we do submit is that we are being frustrated.
The Chair in his correspondence as Co head of the education cluster has made submission to this effect so is the TG in her highly controversial submission that read South Africans were justified in showing acts of Barbarism in the attacks of foreign nationals. We as Co heads have discussed this amongst ourselves and came to the conclusion that we operate in an environment where certain portfolios were making it difficult for us to do our work effectively. We still plead with our associates to be conscious of this as we make it an official complain against the cited portfolios. Our associates can then guide us into how best can we deal with this situation. This should be a collective effort but it is clear that certain people are not coming to the party. Having said that, we plead with our associates to still supply the needed information to the Campaigns and Projects Cluster.
The Chair will attempt to avail himself as from the 22nd of June if not sooner but definitely not later. The program must run for two weeks and on this point we need to agree associated and all attempt to be there at least for the duration of the program. The Chair would further like to believe that this is the day the SG is also making his way down. Mr SG there is safety in numbers and the Chair would like to embark on an ambitious mission of using a different mode of transportation, like a train or a bus. Are you keen to adventure so you can join. UBPA the current economic climate we are facing makes it trite that we save and tighten our belts as tight as we can. The reserve bank has said it, so is the Chair of UBPA.
The Chair further feels it fitting to share with UBPA that he is now credited and alleviated to the status of co founder member of the Black Lawyers Association (student chapter - Wits University). Without blowing his own trumpet, the Chair is about to be further promoted to the position of Chairperson in BLA's executive. For UBPA all this means that the Chair is to further develop his skills that will allow him as a leader to make the smaller person feel even greater in the words of one writer. Is this quotation not correct SG? It is UBPA's mission to represent uThaka on every stage possible and both the Chair at BLA and the DC at the Med. Council will pursue this mission to its bitter end. The challenge associates remains to represent UBPA on the highest platform possible as a student - at your graduation.
UBPA all hands on deck as we pursuit this mission. UBPA leads, UBPA lives - One round = one condom, one condom = one round. Let our associates be safe, never do what the Chair will not do. Associates, if you can't be safe in your doings at least be careful.
Thulani Nkosi
Co-head Education cluster and Chairperson UBPA
of the organisation what actual operation know your status mean
to them,If you guys have the same meaning as I am, which is to know
your status then I am afraid.Why?
let's assume if one of our members get results of being HIV positive what
we as members will do to support that individual. Some asinine can say alot.
I don't think some of us can be able to support that individual when is ill especially with HIV And AIDS
while we can't even support the so-called friends back at home to come to Higher institutions like Wits,Medunsa and Uj
For instance our chairman[Thulani] got his friend[Nkosinathi] at home who was passionate about studying until he lost hope,no support NO1.
another one Fezeka got
people like lindo and her sister Mpumie what she has done to show support to them,no support NO2
Another one which is our secretary[Bongza] he got people like Lucky or LUKIE what he has done to assist this man since they were struggling together
to get a school they even went to Mzo campus together, nothing done
OK let's assume that all this people mentioned above they don't have requirements to for their prefared courses,the those guys done to help them to
improve those result.
So then it is impossible to support someone when is ill especially the one who is not friend when you can't
even assist your friend, I am sorry but is true.
Actually personal I SUPPORT THE OPERATION but guys please lets convience each other that we will be able to support each other
even in bad times.
Mr B.
From the four corners of the office of the Chairperson of UBPA, from deep the valleys of uThaka where UBPA gets its inspiration and relevance from, from the Chair to the associates, from one member to another; Mr B you must be answered in a holistic way that is far removed from personal attacks and prejudices. This is in response to your correspondence of the 4th of June 2008.
It is trite from a Chairperson's point of view that when a member, who clearly appears to be concerned raises such bread and butter issues; he must be responded to in haste one must say. Mr B in some of what you have raised you stand to be corrected, and obviously some of the issues you have raised must be thought hard, and it is for this reason that the Chairperson is not going to rubbish your mail but will treat it as if you have hit a bull's eye and respond accordingly. Our associates should if they are going to respond also do the same, let us rather focus on the merits and not be too defensive on this because we may end up attacking one another and losing perspective.
Mr B, be corrected the people we wanted to bring to tertiary institutions are not necessarily our friends. Some of us are way senior people to befriend matriculants in case you have forgotten the Chair matriculated five years ago. It follows from this reason that the Chair can't really have friends down there as he knows only a hand full people from a distance who all but grew in front of him. The Chair's friends are all the dedicated and determined associates of UBPA and the like. The matriculants are then fellow country boys and girls of ours who we feel indebted to share the little we have as far as academia and development in the broader sense is concerned. The Chair hopes this will make sense and you shall accordingly see why you stood to be corrected on this issue.
Mr B, let us briefly looked at the real reasons why the trips failed. It was not because UBPA failed her "Friends" as you incorrectly put it. but it was because there was no will power on the powers that be to meet UBPA half way on this matter. When the SG and the Chair first spoke about this issue to Mr Xulu, we were told right there and then that this was an impossible task. It was only December early January then. But UBPA persisted on this issue, Lindo tried her best to implement the suggestions by the Chair but she was a grain of sand in a desert, this is why UBPA has then created a portfolio of projects and campaigns to better coordinate all our projects and campaigns although that portfolio at the moment looks disgruntled and is failing to deliver, but it is still our portfolio and we must reinforce so it becomes useful. On this matter those of us who tried did our best and failed on this battle, but rest assured as long as the Chair is around UBPA will win this war, and Chair will see to it. Just in passing, you know Mr B had you also played a proactive role in this matter perhaps things would have turned out differently because what you now doing is tantamount to being an arm chair critic. UBPA we are all wise after the fact and that should change.
Allow the Chair to quickly touch on the TNJ issue. The Chair is afraid to say that you stand to be corrected again on this issue. For your information TNJ completed his ancillary nursing qualification and because there were many issues competing for his attention he decided to get himself full time employment at the municipality. The Chair is convinced that TNJ didn't give up on any thing, the man just wanted to be a father to his kid, a husband to his girlfriend and a son to his mother. A father that could take responsibility and a son that could say "Mama ulele nje udleni namuhla", surely no one can fault him on that. The man took a conscious decision. It must be made clear that not every person who enters tertiary is tertiary material and thus not everyone who enters varsity will succeed, you should know this. UBPA then says we target development holistically, we acknowledge the importance of education, but we still want our people to work so as not to be redundant. Not so associates? Tertiary is tough and yes we can't all be Clinical Psychologist Mntambo, educational Psychologist Mlambo, medical Doctor Nkwanyana or Khumalo, accountant Mtshali or teacher Mngomezulu for example. Mr B the Chair assures you TNJ is content with his life at the moment he thinks he made a wise move.
On the issue of one testing positive. If you have paid particular attention on the whole process of VCT you would know that the support an individual requires start from that individual himself accepting his status and this is why people are psychologically prepared first for this possible outcome before tests are made. Once an individual accepts his status that individual will care less whether UBPA supports him or not, if anything that individual will construe UBPA's lack of support as arrogance and ignorance of the pandemic. Research shows us that even with the best support in the world if an individual himself has accepted his status all will be in vain. The UBPA led by the current executive will do everything reasonably possible in its power to lend a hand to any one who needs a hand under any conditions. Not so associates. The DSG will tell you correctly so that as a slogan UBPA lives, UBPA leads no where does it says UBPA judges people.
As UBPA associates we are joined by a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood because we share the same history of class and the same aspirations for the future. The Chair remains convinced that if we help one another then definitely the tomorrow will be brighter than the today. Sure, the Chair can't speak on what happened to Luki or Lindo for that matter but the Chair will tell you that not succeeding into getting to tertiary is not the end of the world, some people have never set foot in a tertiary institution but are more successful than any of us will ever be. The Chair's brother matriculated last year and didn't make it to tertiary this year, will that then be grounds to say to the Chair how is he going to help others if he can't help his own brother? No, if you are thinking like this you are missing the point and as Gandhi would say science without consciousness will be your demise. UBPA is convinced that testing oneself is a proper thing to do, DSG as a slogan for our know your status campaign the Chair submits people must be aware after testing whatever the result that one round = one condom, and one condom = one round; not so? Let us be safe from HIV, from drugs, from poverty and mental indignation. In the words of Biko the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the brain of the oppressed. UBPA let us think and act like the leaders that we are.
Mr B the Chair hopes that this answers your concerns, if not let us engage further.
UBPA lives, UBPA leads all hands on deck as we accelerate the holistic development of Uthaka and her people.
Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson, UBPA
06 June 2008 On the topic the Chair wrote:
Open Letter to UBPA
From the Education Portfolio
This is an open protest to UBPA in general but specific portfolios in particular, our attention is targeted to, where appropriate the Media Publicity and the Projects Campaigns portfolios respectively. As the education portfolio it fell well within our duties and obligations to organise and oversee the education strategy for the coming winter classes as the project appears in our plan of action for the year. We devised such a strategy and posted to the relevant parties for their considerations. It goes without saying that they were also required to perform their complementary duties in line with what we have submitted. The Projects and Campaigns portfolio was required to transport our strategy on its merits to the relevant parties.
The Media and Publicity portfolio were supposed to create hype and advertise us well. Not so associates? You know to those of us who understand the power of advertising will tell you in the words of one writer that business without advertising is like winking at a beautiful girl in the dark where no one else can see you but yourself. This is irrespective of how well the plan is, if it is not properly advertised then it is not adequately exposed to the minds of the people. The Projects and Campaigns portfolio was also suppose to collect data on our behalf, the very same data the DC is now requesting and supply this data to us so we can devise a proper time line and time table. We are not saying it is now too late for the Campaigns and Projects to execute this obligation, but what we do submit is that we are being frustrated.
The Chair in his correspondence as Co head of the education cluster has made submission to this effect so is the TG in her highly controversial submission that read South Africans were justified in showing acts of Barbarism in the attacks of foreign nationals. We as Co heads have discussed this amongst ourselves and came to the conclusion that we operate in an environment where certain portfolios were making it difficult for us to do our work effectively. We still plead with our associates to be conscious of this as we make it an official complain against the cited portfolios. Our associates can then guide us into how best can we deal with this situation. This should be a collective effort but it is clear that certain people are not coming to the party. Having said that, we plead with our associates to still supply the needed information to the Campaigns and Projects Cluster.
The Chair will attempt to avail himself as from the 22nd of June if not sooner but definitely not later. The program must run for two weeks and on this point we need to agree associated and all attempt to be there at least for the duration of the program. The Chair would further like to believe that this is the day the SG is also making his way down. Mr SG there is safety in numbers and the Chair would like to embark on an ambitious mission of using a different mode of transportation, like a train or a bus. Are you keen to adventure so you can join. UBPA the current economic climate we are facing makes it trite that we save and tighten our belts as tight as we can. The reserve bank has said it, so is the Chair of UBPA.
The Chair further feels it fitting to share with UBPA that he is now credited and alleviated to the status of co founder member of the Black Lawyers Association (student chapter - Wits University). Without blowing his own trumpet, the Chair is about to be further promoted to the position of Chairperson in BLA's executive. For UBPA all this means that the Chair is to further develop his skills that will allow him as a leader to make the smaller person feel even greater in the words of one writer. Is this quotation not correct SG? It is UBPA's mission to represent uThaka on every stage possible and both the Chair at BLA and the DC at the Med. Council will pursue this mission to its bitter end. The challenge associates remains to represent UBPA on the highest platform possible as a student - at your graduation.
UBPA all hands on deck as we pursuit this mission. UBPA leads, UBPA lives - One round = one condom, one condom = one round. Let our associates be safe, never do what the Chair will not do. Associates, if you can't be safe in your doings at least be careful.
Thulani Nkosi
Co-head Education cluster and Chairperson UBPA
Friday, May 16, 2008
Project Know Your Status
UBPA
TO: UBPA at large
FROM: Mtshali W.B, DSG
SUBJECT: Suggested ideas
DATE: 14 May 2008
My dedicated associates, this document serves as a memorandum entailing just a few ideas concerning the "know your status campaign".
I'm going to be very explicit on this matter.The following ideas I think will make some sense on you guys.
The date that I believe will best suit this event is the 16th of June,as we all recall that it actually has a significant meaning to us.
The soccer stadium,I believe is huge enough to accomodate the Esizameleni dwellers.
Pamphlets informing the comunity members about the function should be prepared and distributed to them,via each and every local shop/spaza, which I believe is the most easily accessible point for people.I can design them once we've reached consensus about the contents of the event.
There should be atleast two tents;one basically focusing on VCT, pre and post counselling.The other one will contain things like(1) performances by local artists-from music,poetry and 'INDLAMU'.(2)motivational speakers(3)our representatives stimulating the awareness of UBPA (4) what's the next step after matric.,f
Local entrepreneurs should be invited,and should be approached to contribute whatever they might be able to help with.
Guys,I hope you will farmiliarise yourself with this bunch of ideas.I think I have said enough for the day.
Thank you!
TO: UBPA at large
FROM: Mtshali W.B, DSG
SUBJECT: Suggested ideas
DATE: 14 May 2008
My dedicated associates, this document serves as a memorandum entailing just a few ideas concerning the "know your status campaign".
I'm going to be very explicit on this matter.The following ideas I think will make some sense on you guys.
The date that I believe will best suit this event is the 16th of June,as we all recall that it actually has a significant meaning to us.
The soccer stadium,I believe is huge enough to accomodate the Esizameleni dwellers.
Pamphlets informing the comunity members about the function should be prepared and distributed to them,via each and every local shop/spaza, which I believe is the most easily accessible point for people.I can design them once we've reached consensus about the contents of the event.
There should be atleast two tents;one basically focusing on VCT, pre and post counselling.The other one will contain things like(1) performances by local artists-from music,poetry and 'INDLAMU'.(2)motivational speakers(3)our representatives stimulating the awareness of UBPA (4) what's the next step after matric.,f
Local entrepreneurs should be invited,and should be approached to contribute whatever they might be able to help with.
Guys,I hope you will farmiliarise yourself with this bunch of ideas.I think I have said enough for the day.
Thank you!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tactics & Strategies of UBPA - Implementation
At the meeting held at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on the 13th of October 2007, the membership of UBPA resolved that the values of UBPA will be commitment; punctuality; respect; excellence and leadership. All these values were ways in which UBPA would serve Uthaka and her community with distinction. To this day UBPA remains committed to these values. Each associate by virtue of membership will be expected to be committed to the cause of UBPA. The same associate will be an individual of high morals as far as punctuality; respect, excellence and leadership are concerned.
The Chairperson in his first ever briefing as such sought to touch on these values at the meeting of the 28th of December 2007 by citing the first president of the ANC Youth League, Anton Muziwakhe Lembede. The quote by Lembede cited by the Chair read:
“As the youth of South Africa you are not called to peace, comfort and enjoyment but to hard work, struggle and sweat. We need young men and women of high moral, stamina, integrity, courage and vision. In short, we need warriors. This means that we have to develop a new type of youth – one with discipline, trained to endure suffering and difficulties. It is only this type of youth that will achieve the national liberation of the African people.”
The Chair remains convinced that UBPA needs the kind of youth as associates that Lembede wanted for South Africa. In that briefing the Chair continued and quoted Karl Marx who said:
“Every Generation has its own mission – they can either fulfill it or betray it.” – Karl Marx Das Kapital.
Again, the Chair is convinced that the youth of UBPA in line with the values of UBPA, its aims and objectives and the constitution will find their own mission in this day and age at Uthaka and fulfill that mission. In any event as UBPA we are bound by the constitution, section 3 to be precise to find our mission and fulfill it so to leave by the aims and objectives of UBPA.
Uthaka Brain Power (UBPA) will always have an annual Plan of Action which will be developed by all the associates and adopted at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Plan of Action will become one of the most significant issues to be discussed and debated at the AGM.
This Plan of Action will be informed by the culture and values of UBPA having regard to the aims and objectives of UBPA. The Plan of Action will always be consistent with the constitution of UBPA, and by all means will be practical and implementable.
Impracticality, ambiguity, and over ambitious will be sufficient grounds to dismiss any proposed Plan of Action at the AGM by the associates. A practical Plan of Action is one that is responsive to the challenges facing the community of Uthaka in general and the youth in particular. It then follows that in developing a practical Plan of Action the associates will have to scout, as is one of the fundamental values of UBPA, for problems and challenges that Uthaka is facing. The associates will then have to come up with ways to address the challenges that Uthaka is facing taking into consideration the resources available to UBPA.
Uthaka for many years has been a depressing place not only to live in but also to be associated with and for that reason it has become a standard practice and a norm that people who are bread and buttered at Wakkerstroom are shy to say so. With a name like Esizameleni to describe a residential area, who can blame them? UBPA aims to bring pride and patriotism to the sons and daughters of Uthaka by placing Wakkerstroom on a map. In the words of one struggle icon popularly known as Mzala by his cadres “history [does not like] blank pages so everything must be told”. History does not also like passiveness so things must be done so they can one day be told, this is a mission of UBPA and will be reflected on all its annual Plans of Action.
Apart from being practical and operable, UBPA will always have a Plan of Action that is supported and committed to by all associates. Associates will support UBPA’s Plans of Actions simply because no Plan of Action will ever be imposed on UBPA and her associates, but every Plan of Action will be developed and deliberated on by all associates. More importantly, all associates are progressive people who are hell bound on seeing lasting change at Wakkerstroom and will support and commit themselves to an Plan of Action that drives or at a minimum seeks to drive that agenda – the agenda for lasting change.
It should never be forgotten nor taken for granted that UBPA is driven by successful; dedicated and determined individuals. Being a member of UBPA entitles one not only to be called an associate and all the advantages that go with that, but also entitles one to be a member of this vibrant family of successful individuals. UBPA as a family takes care of her members as best as practically possible. Any struggling associate at UBPA has a right and an obligation to come forward with whatever problem they may be facing and UBPA will do its best to assist in that problem. The problem members may be faced with may range from academic to psychological stress that is as a result of the demands placed on us by tertiary institutions.
It is the objective of UBPA that it shall always be a relevant source of power and inspiration to the youth of Wakkerstroom.
Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson, UBPA
The Chairperson in his first ever briefing as such sought to touch on these values at the meeting of the 28th of December 2007 by citing the first president of the ANC Youth League, Anton Muziwakhe Lembede. The quote by Lembede cited by the Chair read:
“As the youth of South Africa you are not called to peace, comfort and enjoyment but to hard work, struggle and sweat. We need young men and women of high moral, stamina, integrity, courage and vision. In short, we need warriors. This means that we have to develop a new type of youth – one with discipline, trained to endure suffering and difficulties. It is only this type of youth that will achieve the national liberation of the African people.”
The Chair remains convinced that UBPA needs the kind of youth as associates that Lembede wanted for South Africa. In that briefing the Chair continued and quoted Karl Marx who said:
“Every Generation has its own mission – they can either fulfill it or betray it.” – Karl Marx Das Kapital.
Again, the Chair is convinced that the youth of UBPA in line with the values of UBPA, its aims and objectives and the constitution will find their own mission in this day and age at Uthaka and fulfill that mission. In any event as UBPA we are bound by the constitution, section 3 to be precise to find our mission and fulfill it so to leave by the aims and objectives of UBPA.
Uthaka Brain Power (UBPA) will always have an annual Plan of Action which will be developed by all the associates and adopted at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Plan of Action will become one of the most significant issues to be discussed and debated at the AGM.
This Plan of Action will be informed by the culture and values of UBPA having regard to the aims and objectives of UBPA. The Plan of Action will always be consistent with the constitution of UBPA, and by all means will be practical and implementable.
Impracticality, ambiguity, and over ambitious will be sufficient grounds to dismiss any proposed Plan of Action at the AGM by the associates. A practical Plan of Action is one that is responsive to the challenges facing the community of Uthaka in general and the youth in particular. It then follows that in developing a practical Plan of Action the associates will have to scout, as is one of the fundamental values of UBPA, for problems and challenges that Uthaka is facing. The associates will then have to come up with ways to address the challenges that Uthaka is facing taking into consideration the resources available to UBPA.
Uthaka for many years has been a depressing place not only to live in but also to be associated with and for that reason it has become a standard practice and a norm that people who are bread and buttered at Wakkerstroom are shy to say so. With a name like Esizameleni to describe a residential area, who can blame them? UBPA aims to bring pride and patriotism to the sons and daughters of Uthaka by placing Wakkerstroom on a map. In the words of one struggle icon popularly known as Mzala by his cadres “history [does not like] blank pages so everything must be told”. History does not also like passiveness so things must be done so they can one day be told, this is a mission of UBPA and will be reflected on all its annual Plans of Action.
Apart from being practical and operable, UBPA will always have a Plan of Action that is supported and committed to by all associates. Associates will support UBPA’s Plans of Actions simply because no Plan of Action will ever be imposed on UBPA and her associates, but every Plan of Action will be developed and deliberated on by all associates. More importantly, all associates are progressive people who are hell bound on seeing lasting change at Wakkerstroom and will support and commit themselves to an Plan of Action that drives or at a minimum seeks to drive that agenda – the agenda for lasting change.
It should never be forgotten nor taken for granted that UBPA is driven by successful; dedicated and determined individuals. Being a member of UBPA entitles one not only to be called an associate and all the advantages that go with that, but also entitles one to be a member of this vibrant family of successful individuals. UBPA as a family takes care of her members as best as practically possible. Any struggling associate at UBPA has a right and an obligation to come forward with whatever problem they may be facing and UBPA will do its best to assist in that problem. The problem members may be faced with may range from academic to psychological stress that is as a result of the demands placed on us by tertiary institutions.
It is the objective of UBPA that it shall always be a relevant source of power and inspiration to the youth of Wakkerstroom.
Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson, UBPA
Road Map for Operation June
UBPA it is a sad day indeed that we are greeted by a memo from the DSG apologising in advance for his non availability. The TG/O and the Chair as co heads of the education portfolio have been dealt a big blow as far as the plans for the winter program are concerned. The blow is severe and fatal as the Chair was already in a process of compiling a road map for the education portfolio. The road map itself is complete and now must be submitted to UBPA for approval taking into consideration the
latest from uHlabangane of course. Let the gods of uThaka be with UBPA and prevent any further apologies of non availability. The road map will be followed by the time table.
Those who didn't make it to the induction common sense would dictate that they have now requested the notes, briefings or the minutes of that induction from the SG, so as to know what decisions regarding their portfolios were taken; and more so, the extent in which those decisions affect them. For this road map the education cluster will request that both the media and publicity assisted by the projects and campaigns portfolios will play their role as discussed and agreed at the induction.
Road Map for Education Portfolio (Operation June - Principles)
We, the heads of the education portfolio hereby submit that as
principles of operation June UBPA would:
1. Need to know who is going. By this we require the exact time of
availability of our associates. We however advice our associates to avail
themselves as soon as reasonably possible so we may have an impact and
the desired outcome. Fezeka submitted her availability days some time
ago but, DC it won't hurt to submit again and we hope that all our
associates will this time follow suit.
2. Each one of us must be available to do at a minimum two subjects and
this excludes languages. We therefore then request our associates to
start brushing up on the subjects that they did in their schooling years
so to be better prepared for this task.
3. The time table to follow this road map will have to start by content
subjects and end each day with the languages.
4. To be effective and reach our desired goals, uThaka must as a matter
of urgency make more classes available for us to use. The situation we
are envisioning here is one that says for example, if the DC and the
TG/O teach Biology in the morning and Mr Mabhedla and Mr Dladla follow
suit then we must have four classes available to these guys with reduced
students. Research every where proves that where there are fewer
students per class per teacher the learning outcomes tend to be desirable.
Our teachers in training would know this.
5. As a matter of principle, it must be known by our associates that
none of us will be teaching new things but will only assist in the
preparation of revision and the mock trial. This is to avoid conflict with
their teachers. We don't want a situation where by the time they learn
something they already say to their teachers UBPA was here and they said
this is how it must be done. Can the education portfolio get an Amen on
that?
6. Motivation remains amongst our top priority. For this reason, we the
education cluster would mandate the SG to get Wonder the first year at
UJ to make an appearance on certain days at uThaka so to be the model
of UBPA's motivation course. Guidance is also key on this point.
7. The education cluster would like to ask each and everyone of our
associates to get a couple of application forms from their respective
institutions. We must leave them with something even if they don't apply
after we have left but perhaps an application may inspire some at least
mentally.
This Road Map we believe is implementable, now can the media and publicity portfolio play its role here. DC, may you also get your projects and campaigns portfolio to do its job here. in the period of 14 days (2 weeks) we the education cluster will expect a briefing from the relevant portfolios. We expect the projects and campaigns portfolio to report to us that they have spoken to the powers that be and we have support and encouragement from the top, and that we shall get the logistical support we need in terms of making the classes, dusters, chalks and other educational means we may need available. Time is no longer on our side.
With respect to the availability of associates we give the projects and campaigns portfolio 7 days (1 week) to authoritatively tell us who is available. Like a well oiled machine we hope that as portfolio members we all shall be cooperative.
TG/O please also apply yourself on this road map in case the chair has left something out. For your prompt reply on this road map, the education portfolio will await.
Thulani Nkosi
Co-head Education Affairs, UBPA
Chairperson, UBPA
latest from uHlabangane of course. Let the gods of uThaka be with UBPA and prevent any further apologies of non availability. The road map will be followed by the time table.
Those who didn't make it to the induction common sense would dictate that they have now requested the notes, briefings or the minutes of that induction from the SG, so as to know what decisions regarding their portfolios were taken; and more so, the extent in which those decisions affect them. For this road map the education cluster will request that both the media and publicity assisted by the projects and campaigns portfolios will play their role as discussed and agreed at the induction.
Road Map for Education Portfolio (Operation June - Principles)
We, the heads of the education portfolio hereby submit that as
principles of operation June UBPA would:
1. Need to know who is going. By this we require the exact time of
availability of our associates. We however advice our associates to avail
themselves as soon as reasonably possible so we may have an impact and
the desired outcome. Fezeka submitted her availability days some time
ago but, DC it won't hurt to submit again and we hope that all our
associates will this time follow suit.
2. Each one of us must be available to do at a minimum two subjects and
this excludes languages. We therefore then request our associates to
start brushing up on the subjects that they did in their schooling years
so to be better prepared for this task.
3. The time table to follow this road map will have to start by content
subjects and end each day with the languages.
4. To be effective and reach our desired goals, uThaka must as a matter
of urgency make more classes available for us to use. The situation we
are envisioning here is one that says for example, if the DC and the
TG/O teach Biology in the morning and Mr Mabhedla and Mr Dladla follow
suit then we must have four classes available to these guys with reduced
students. Research every where proves that where there are fewer
students per class per teacher the learning outcomes tend to be desirable.
Our teachers in training would know this.
5. As a matter of principle, it must be known by our associates that
none of us will be teaching new things but will only assist in the
preparation of revision and the mock trial. This is to avoid conflict with
their teachers. We don't want a situation where by the time they learn
something they already say to their teachers UBPA was here and they said
this is how it must be done. Can the education portfolio get an Amen on
that?
6. Motivation remains amongst our top priority. For this reason, we the
education cluster would mandate the SG to get Wonder the first year at
UJ to make an appearance on certain days at uThaka so to be the model
of UBPA's motivation course. Guidance is also key on this point.
7. The education cluster would like to ask each and everyone of our
associates to get a couple of application forms from their respective
institutions. We must leave them with something even if they don't apply
after we have left but perhaps an application may inspire some at least
mentally.
This Road Map we believe is implementable, now can the media and publicity portfolio play its role here. DC, may you also get your projects and campaigns portfolio to do its job here. in the period of 14 days (2 weeks) we the education cluster will expect a briefing from the relevant portfolios. We expect the projects and campaigns portfolio to report to us that they have spoken to the powers that be and we have support and encouragement from the top, and that we shall get the logistical support we need in terms of making the classes, dusters, chalks and other educational means we may need available. Time is no longer on our side.
With respect to the availability of associates we give the projects and campaigns portfolio 7 days (1 week) to authoritatively tell us who is available. Like a well oiled machine we hope that as portfolio members we all shall be cooperative.
TG/O please also apply yourself on this road map in case the chair has left something out. For your prompt reply on this road map, the education portfolio will await.
Thulani Nkosi
Co-head Education Affairs, UBPA
Chairperson, UBPA
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