Constitution vs Reality

South Africa’s official languages are Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu and our constitution commits to taking practical and positive measures to elevate the status and use of minority languages while recognizing the historically diminished use and status of them. Our constitution also commits to creating conditions for development and use of not only all official languages and languages commonly used by communities and for religious purposes in South Africa but also to the respect and promotion of Sign language. Is our government really keeping their promises though? With only one television programme aimed at a deaf audience, their commitment seems anything but reliant. On paper, therefore, the constitution serves the rights and protection of minority languages but with little action and planning, this does not say much.

Not only do we have the right to be taught in the language of our choice (where reasonably practicable) but everyone also has the right to a basic and further education as well. The state, through reasonable measures, must make available and accessible the resources needed for individuals to further their studies. This, however, is not being done for the most part. Many children are caught in the cycle of poverty and therefore cannot afford school or college fees. Poverty is not the only factor influencing the lack of schooling though. Other factors include disability, availability, accessibility and also motivation or rather lack thereof. Why can our government not make financial provision for schooling where needed? After all, our taxes should be able to cover at least some of the expenses basic schooling entails or is it all going to the payment of certain hotel expenses by some of our ministers, namely Nathi Mtetwa, or BMW expenses by some of our political figures, namely Trevor Manuel?

empowerment

"After ministering to women all over the world, I think I can safely say that countless women struggle with feelings of worthlessness and a lack of confidence. This was certainly true in my life. After enduring many years of abuse as a child, my confidence level was severely affected. But over time, the Lord taught me many principles that have helped me overcome my past and become the confident woman I am today." (Joyce meyer)

Many resources are needed to be implemented for a more positive societal change. Not only do individuals need to shift their mindset despite their living and other economic limitation but more resources need to be available to them such as the completion and/or continuation of schooling and tertiary education, and especially safe, adequate and suitable living conditions. Women need a college-going spirit and culture. They need to be educated and taught that their education may lead to their independence, stability and empowerment. Women also need intensive social support systems which are more often than not disregarded and unestablished. Women need to realise their potential and realise that they are blessed by just being on this earth. We should dream big and aim for the best because we deserve the best!

More Face time, less facebook

Facebook- a hobby or habbit? Facebook- a pandemic or epidemic? I by no means negatively acknowledge Facebook but are we really spending enough time with those we love or are we spending all our free time blogging, twitting, 'mxiting' or 'facebooking'? What are we prioritizing and what are we disregarding? Facebook has its advantages such as being a form of new media, keeping us to date with events and news stories that we may not see or hear about elsewhere. But if this is consuming our thoughts and our instinctive reactions (sitting in class, infront of the telly, wherever- OUT COMES THE PHONE AND ON GOES MXIT OR FACEBOOK) then we should clearly reprioritize... Time management also seems to be key at this point and who we are is also influenced by who we are with.... Let's look at what's important to us, what should be and what actually is...