STATE OF THE NATION

  The criticism about the violence waged against the foreign nationals in South Africa has been easily dumped by sister countries as a South African problem, how true? In 1994 to date, the South African borders has been flooding with foreigners leaving their countries to settle and for life-improvement opportunities. The borders since then has had security challenges and control of foreigners entering the country. There has been reports of undocumented illegal refugees entering the country’s loose border gates. Though majority of African countries pride themselves of independence from western forces, it has been a struggle to nightmare of the ongoing civil wars of black on black killings. The new South Africa had just tasted democracy and looking to improve the lives of its previously oppressed by the apartheid regime and to the infra-structure of their areas. The process of improving the lives of South Africans hasn’t been easy, they have found themselves having to compete with fo...

  As a journalism student in training at a university level, it doesn’t sit well with me to hear what we study might not be relevant in the near future. The current changes within the journalism profession has threatened and closed potential media houses in recent years and continues without fail. Journalism is a profession that acts as a watchdog in our societies and shape the course of life through educating and informing the societies of the world around them. What will become of our societies if this profession is let to decay? An improvement in an error of time shouldn’t be so disastrous by deliberately sweeping the existence of the only profession whose moral obligation is to serve society with the utmost profound purpose. The clear message even from the authorities is the strife and unjust laws imposed to journalism which seeks to limit its work and freedom. The recent turn of events by which journalism has taken is already reflecting badly in our society. Who will tell th...

  In the error of 1948 South Africa awakened to the news of separation act between black and white South Africans. The separation marks the beat of every South African’s heart wherever they are and whenever they are born, the stain of the history is there in relentless stare. We have since moved on and left our hearts behind that 1948 moment which flashes vividly like yesterday even to the new-born, the period that planted a permanent divide between South Africans economically, educationally and socially. The strides made by freedom fighters and sympathetic other citizens to erase the stain and culture of that separation gap can’t be ignored. However, we can’t be ignorant of the plangent hostility of the underlying remnants of the apartheid history and racial segregation which now manifests into untimely eruptions in different parts of the country by proudly unique citizens. The existence of race divisions is undeniable within the heart of every South African today who are constant...

  Year in and year out, matric students who don’t do well in their final matric exams have been subjected to the pressure of taking the blame for the fall. This has increased in a number of students opting to take their lives from the pressure they receive from friends, family, higher education institutions and members of the society. This doesn’t overlook the responsibility and accountability the matric students are expected to take charge, it is their future and responsibility to ensure readiness and competence throughout. The Department of Education in partnership with UMalusi the (quality assurance body of the education system) have been caught in unpopular grounds of low standards delivery. There shouldn’t be any exceptions with regards to compromising the standards of our education because of the impact it has in the performance of the affected students. Sadly, the students who have become yearly victims to the negligence of the governing bodies of education come from poor ...

  Education experts recommend study plan as vital while approaching exams as a guide and discipline device. Many students get tempted to use their holiday recess for fun and games, says Prof. Peliwe Lolwana, visiting Senior Researcher at Wits University. She adds that, students get tempted to forget about schoolwork as soon as they get a break. The sitting for matric exam final is different and challenging from other exams secondary phase students have written in the past and therefore needs more focus and time. We will be sharing from the education expert Prof. Lolwana for guidance as to what should be most important in the planning of the exam period and study. The purpose is to get the most information needed to pass your exams within the remaining time. It also helps the student to be more productive and enjoy the activity, says Prof. Lolwana. What should a matric student be doing now? Plan study groups with your peers, and draw a time to work and see if your peers will b...

Over seven hundred soldiers deployed in Cape Town’s notorious townships are said to curb crime and gang violence. Soldiers Have joined the police force in helping in the control of crime in the cape flats area where gang violence and serious crime has reached an outcry by the community standards. The soldiers have been briefed to be socially friendly as they are intensely trained to be ruthless in their conduct. They are said to follow the lead of the police who are in contact with the communities on daily basis. The cape flats have always been known for gang wars and crime but recent incidents have touched the attention of the national government that enough is enough. One is left to wonder about the response of the gang to the government decision to deploy soldiers in their hunt. The decision was made after 11 people were shot to death in Philippi in two nights in gang related fights. The concerned by the community is the involvement of the innocent people who get caught in cross fir...

  The stressful time for matriculants has arrived, what now? Understandable so it’s a new path, the last exam before getting to university. The anxiety has always been the same for all students over the years; our parents and grandparents had felt the same pressure. The good thing about this pressure is that, its normal and can be managed. If you look around in your family and friends, neighbours and other professionals within the community including your teachers, that should give you enough hope and courage. They have survived the exam period because it mattered to them more than anything they can ever imagine. The pressure should not burden you, it means you are doing something worthwhile and should up your game by believing in yourself and the possibility of your dreams. The best way to focus during this period is to surround yourself with people and peers who add value in your life. Always remember that, you are one of many and shouldn’t drown yourself in worry, ask for help a...