A proud diverse University

HERITAGE MONTH: Logo of
the Heritage month.
Source:sahistory.org.za

UJ proud of being a diverse University

September is Heritage month and the University of Johannesburg (UJ), as usual could not sit by and do nothing. The University of Johannesburg celebrates heritage month each and every year. The University’s aim for doing this annual event is to bring their students, staff and everyone involved together and celebrate their unique cultures as one. It also tries to make awareness to students so that they are proud of who they are and where they are from.

This year, this amazing event was held on the 28 September 2012 at the University’s main Campus, Kingsway campus. Almost all students from the University were proudly wearing their different and unique traditional outfits. There were stalls for each country were one would go and taste that countries food for free. There was competition for different countries to show case what they offer, and at the end winners were selected for best stall, best dance, best food and many more.

THE PROUD UNIVERSITY: The
University of Johannesburg logo
Source:sahistory.org.za

Some of the countries that were proudly represented on this excellent event were:

v  Zimbabwe

v  South Africa

v  Angola

v  Swaziland

v  Congo

v  Nigeria

v  Mozambique

University of Johannesburg has really changed this perception of people thinking that they cannot survive with people from outside the country. The event really brings the staff and students closer together as not just people who are from the same institution, but the people who are all proud of who they are and can accept others for who they are. This event helps students and staff to embrace and respect each other. Make them to appreciate their identity and share it with others.

Family day events in prisons



A PLACE FOR SECOND CHANCES: The
logo of the correctional services
Source:olx.co.za



We all make mistakes in life and we all deserve second chances. The Department of Correctional services is trying by all means possible that the people who are sentenced get the punishment they deserve, but at the same time helping them to become better individuals when they finish their sentence in prison. All prisoners have family days either once or twice a year.

It was on the 24 September 2012, Heritage day when I went to a family day in Leowkop prison. I was so amazed that even the people who have wronged the community get a chance to be with their family and friends inside the prison without the weirdly supervision from the prison warders. They were so free, looked so innocent and very neat with their orange uniform. They get a chance to freely talk with their family and friends. There are tents, chairs, Dj’s, Jumping castles, Braaing stands and many other things that are organized for that special day for them to be happy.

A lot of people have the perception that prisoners are devils and do not deserve a chance to go back to the society. They believe that if you are from prison you do not deserve to be treated like a human being. Prisoners go to jail because they broke the law or for many other reasons, but some of them go to prison for something they are not even guilty of.

The rehabilitation activities that the Department of Correctional services has in prisons are aimed at helping prisoners deal and accept that they are now in jail. The activities are aimed at helping them forget about many things but focus on themselves. These activities also educate them about life, give them skills and make them aware that they need to be better people for themselves and their families.

DISCOVERING OF TALENTS: Prisoners
who are doing a Theatre play. Source:olx.co.za

These activities, depending on which prison is it include:

v  Sewing

v  Boiler making

v  Computer skills

v  Cooking skills

v  Soccer

v  Choir

Studies have shown that even if other prisoners when they are set free go back and do the same or worse mistakes in society, but majority of them learn from their mistakes and become better and responsible individuals when they get out. I think that a lot of campaigns need to be done to change people’s perception about prisoners.

spring fiesta music festival

After the massive success of last year’s event, SPRING FIESTA returns with their enthralling synthesis of mind blowing visuals & festive beats at SA’s most prestige’s party playground…Wild Waters Complex in Boksburg. Soul Candi LIVE and Big Brother Productions team up again to create a dance floor memory that you will never forget. On 22nd September 2012, SPRING FIESTA will feature over 40 hand picked stars of the South African dance scene to perform on 4 stages feeding your party spirit

With winter just about over, this year's spring season kicks off to the tune of the second annual Spring Fiesta Music Festival. Last year, nearly 8000 house, hip hop and kwaito fans fed their party spirits at this event. This amazing event is mostly targeting students and the youth as a whole, as they deserve a break from books and work. It also tries to change the perception that as a student you can only focus on your books and nothing else. 

Some of the artists who will be performing:

HERE IT IS: Some of the artists who will be
rocking the Wild Waters. Source:imixwell.com




• The Layders
• Giggs Superstar
• Crazy White Boy
• DJ Kent
• LiquiDeep
• Mi Casa
• Black Coffee
• The Layabouts

Education is the key to all doors of sucess

It takes the whole village to raise a child. The National Book Week is an event celebrated all across the country. This year it was held from 3-8 September 2012. Schools, Municipalities and libraries all hosted diverse and unique activities to reinforce the fun of reading and books. The South African Book Development Council (SABDC) initiative is in proud association with the Department of Arts and Culture. Read more

THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY:
Kids who have started taking reading
and writing serious. Source:Ning.com

The title for the event was "Read a book, share a book", and it aimed at promoting the joy of reading among South Africans of all ages. The main event was hosted in the Eastern Cape this year from the 6-8 September 2012 in Port Elizabeth(now known as Nelson Mandela Bay). It is very nice to see that even our celebrities are making this event one of their first priorities, as they are our role models and have a way of persuading us to do certain things.

National Book week is slowly but surely becoming a new platform for people to voluntarily help in making sure that all South Africans get a chance to be educated. I think the National Book Week is fast becoming a premier reading event and a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) tool for the book industry. This event gives a chance to each individual to lend a helping hand, showing humanity (Ubuntu) by participating and making sure that more and more South Africans can read and write.

This initiative also creates awareness of every individuals indispensive role in society. If you did not know about this event its unfortunate for you because it has passed already, but you can look up for it again next year. South Africans lets all try to make a difference in other peoples lives especially through education, as we all know that its the only key to success.

Miss world and the power of social media

 A persons image and reputation is very important, as it has an impact on how people see and respect you as an individual. Your image can either break you or pave a way of success for you in the industry in which you are in. Your reputation has a way of determining your future in one way or the other. A big break turns into a nightmare for the 23 year old Wen Xioa Yu from Liaoning, China. She was crowned Miss World on the 18 August 2012.

This spectacular event was held in Ordos, China in the City of Mangolian. Wen became the center of controversy since she was crowned Miss World 2012. Her desire for the title was "When I was young I felt very lucky because so many people helped me, and I hope in the future I can help more children to feel lucky", said Wen. Sadly just after she was announced Miss World, the Social media networks like Facebook, Twitter and Miss China related articles went viral, as many people opposed her winning. Critics accused her of being rigged. Comments from people also pointed out that she won only because of favouritism. Read more

AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT: Miss World 2012
Wen Xioa Yu, from China
Source:www.fashionnstyle.com

Contestants for Miss World were given activities to do in order to gain points, and Wen did  not even win any of those activities. The activities and the winners for those activities were as follows:

• Modelling clothes for 1436, won by South Sudan
• Beach fashion, won by Wales
• Social media activity (to post photos), won by India
• Sports woman, won by Sweden

People complained that this is the second time Miss World was held in China and even the last time they hosted the event in 2007, the winner was from their home town. What kind of an incident is that? Another comment made it clear that the judges were no fair and wise in choosing the winner. People are saying there is no more credibility, fairness and transparency in such events. Judges should be impartial, free from prejudice, and not be affected (sic) by the screaming crowd, which the judges of Miss World 2012 did not have any of the above mentioned. 

I just wonder how Miss Yu feels about these opinions and criticisms after she thought she also deserved the title and gained it with hard work and determination. Will this affect her image in a good or bad way? Did she really deserve the title and if not, who is to blame for her winning of Miss World 2012???

A dissapointment to many

A MAN THEY WERE ALL WAITING FOR: George Michael
during his perfomance at the Olympics closing ceremony
Source:mirror.co.uk

It is not easy to start relationships, hence it is very important that once you start one you should maintain or sustain it. Many people would agree with me that when you have set a high standard, you must make sure that you do not in anyway lower that standard or disappoint the people you have made happy before.

It is quite sad and disappointing that the 2012 London Olympics Organisers failed to do that regarding the closing ceremony. With the breath-taking Opening ceremony that we all witnessed, the closing ceremony just left us tired and confused. We all were expecting the same or more vibe as the Opening Ceremony. Its a pity to the NBC (National Broadcasting Agency) News as it spent much time listening to people's complaints about the coverage provided. The NBC unfortunately chose to cut performances from the closing ceremony, costing U.S (United States) fans the chance of seeing their favourite stars like:


AFTER THE HANDING OVER: Eight minute segment celebrating
Rio's mix of culture, music and dance brimging a carnival atmosphere.
Source:.bbc.co.uk/news

• Kate Bush
• Muse
• The Kinks' Ray Davies
• Royal Ballet

The supporters were disappointed indeed as only one performance of George Michael was shown/published. The moment were volunteers received a standing ovation was also cut by the NBC, and the reasons for the cuts remain extremely controversial. While the big ratings make NBC feel good about their efforts that also means more people witnessed the network dropping the ball throughout the entire Olympics. Read more

Many people were left amazed and hanging by the closing ceremony and are unfortunately not looking forward to any other upcoming events such as this one. When the Olympics were held in Beijing and in Ethens, many artists were given a chance to perform unlike in London, where only London artists were given a chance to perform and showcase their talents. Its quite clear that this set a bad image and reputation for the NBC and the event organisers, but the question here is that will they gain people's trust and confidence again on their upcoming events???

An Opening to remember

OLYMPIC RINGS:  Representing both the Olympics and the Industrial
 Revolution are lit and lifted during the Opening Ceremony
Source: komonews.com

"Isles of wonder" was the title for the London 2012 Olympic Games. It was by no doubt that the Organisers of this event were well-trained, very skilled, passionate and determined individuals. This amazing ceremony accommodated everyone from children to old-aged people.

All people around the world from those who were watching the ceremony on their TV Screens to those who got an opportunity to witness it personally, surely felt the spirit of Olympics and witnessed the unforgettable moments of the opening ceremony. I can surely say that the Vibe was everywhere around the world. I am also sure that most people if not all can agree with me that this Spectacular opening ceremony was perfectly organised and media relations and media coverage was also generated in time. Everyone around the whole world was well aware of this Event long before it actually took place. Read more

Among the Countries that are taking part in the Olympics is:

• USA
• South Africa
• China
• Great Britain
• Russia
• France

SPECTACULAR LOGO: The 2012 London Olympics
games official colours. Source:komonews.com

Even myself was overwhelmed and very impressed by the opening scene as the stadium transformed into the British Countryside 'Green and pleasant', which included real farmyard animals.
"Our Isles of wonder salutes and celebrates the exuberant creativity of the British genius  in an Opening ceremony  that we hope will be as unpredictable and inventive as the British people", said Danny Boyle, Artistic Director of the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.