Features (Amanda Nkwinika)

12 • IMBO/ ISSUE 27/ '14 '14/ ISSUE 27/ IMBO/ • 13
ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
African leaders and their people. “I couldn’t,
in good conscious, live in such a country, so it
was either Cyrilina or exile.”
CYRILINA RAMAPOSER
Masello’s satirical alter-ego, Cyrilina
Ramaposer is a “fat cat playgirl extraordinaire”
and former member of the all-girl group
‘Capital Lubricants’, alongside Tokyolina
Sexdolphin and Patricia Motsepe.
A fierce and unapologetic singer in search
of stardom, Cyrilina is a representation of the
so-called ‘fat cats’ currently in the country’s
leadership structure who would rather opt
for capital gain over their ‘personhood’
responsibilities of looking after the people and
addressing important issues. A manifestation of
her frustration, Cyrilina is Masello’s own creative
critique of the disconnection between South
African leaders such as Ramaphosa and the
greater population. The fact that that he
[Ramaphosa] would accept the nomination
to serve on the highest executive position is
evidence of the disconnect that is central to
Masello’s frustrations.
‘MAKARENA ON MARIKANA’
In her first single, ‘Makarena on Marikana,’
Cyrilina “celebrates the wealth and
decadence of some of South Africa’s leaders
who would rather turn the country into a
McDonalds drive-thru than be troubled by the
voices of mineworkers and the unemployed.”
Loaded in content, the video features Cyrilina
T
he idea of an artist mincing their words or
keeping their real opinion to themselves
is not a novelty in the entertainment
industry. Asked to comment on delicate
matters, a “no comment” or watered down
version of what is really meant is usually the
default stance for most public figures, except
Masello.
THE ACTRESS
Masello Motanapitsi Ya Legola is a South
African actress, singer, poet and writer. Best
known for her roles in popular local series
such as Home Affairs, Yizo Yizo, Isidingo, The
Pure Monate show and Scandal!, Masello
also enjoyed a year long stint co-hosting the
SABC 2 art and culture magazine show, Artcha.
The ease with which this phenomenal actress
is able transform from one role to the next is
WHEN ONE BECOMES TWO.
Amanda Nkwinika
Standing up against all that is wrong; Masello chooses to express herself
through her alter-ego, Cyrilina Ramaposer.
only but a reflection of the impeccable talent
she possesses. In 2011, Masello starred in the
critically acclaimed film, ‘A million colours’ where
she played Sabela, the long lost lover of
childhood star, Muntu Ndebele from the 1976
classic, ‘e’Lollipop.’
THE ACTIVIST
There is only one word that best describes
Masello, and that is passionate. Her passion
and commitment to her country has seen her at
the forefront of many protest actions against
the political and social ills faced by many
South Africans. In an interview for the blog
‘Africa is a Country’, this actress turned activist
speaks vehemently about her opinions on the
state of politics in South Africa and the massive
social and economic injustices suffered by
the masses as a consequence of these. Not
content with merely collecting pay checks
for her acting and performing gigs, Masello
chooses to voice her opinions on national
broadcasters such as Radio 702 because for
her, “silence represents complicity in injustice.”
THE BIRTH OF CYRILINA
When the SAPS opened fire on protesters
at the Lonmin mine in the Marikana region,
Masello reacted very strongly to this. However,
it was when businessman Cyril Ramaphosa
was elected as deputy president of the
ANC just ‘barely a hundred days after the
massacre’ that her aversion for the ruling
party grew even further. This is because
Ramaphosa serves on the board of one of
the companies that operate the Marikana
mine. This move by the ANC represented for
her, a gigantic disconnection between South
standing over cardboard fashioned cut-out
graves with the caption “WILDCATS” imprinted
on them. No points for guessing that these
graves are meant to represent the miners who
lost their lives on that fateful day while the
government chose to overlook the situation
and focus on other matters.
While some might find Masello’s means of
expression a bit extreme and somewhat
disrespectful to the prominent political figures
being mimicked, a quick reflection on the
state of the nation can only inspire admiration
and praise at Masello’s active citizenship
and bravery in taking a stand through her
launching of Cyrilina- and more recently Julia
Malema- given ‘celebrity’ status.

POP CULTURE POP CULTURE
A WARM EMBRACE FOR GAYS
Amanda Nkwinika
While others commended their bravery in
going against what is considered ‘normal’,
traditionalists and zealots remained steadfast
in their disapproval of this ‘un-African’ act.
The supposition that ‘homosexuality is foreign
to African tradition and culture’ (thus deeming
it un-African) has been supported by countless
individuals in an effort to undermine the LGBT
community. Central to this homophobic rhetoric
is the claim that homosexuality is ‘inconsistent
with African values’ and is something that was
adopted from the ‘West’.
However, anthropological research looking
at homosexuality in African society finds that
“in pre-colonial African societies, same-sex
relationships were often constituted through
informal rites of passage.” In South Africa, the
exodus of men from rural areas to Johannesburg
during the gold rush saw a notable proliferation
of ‘mine marriages’ (also known as ‘Hlobongo’)
which occurred between senior men with
power in the mine structure and young boys.
Does this then not answer the question, that
homosexuality is not un-African?
A PROGRESSIVE CONSITUTION
Despite traditional anti-homosexuality
sentiments upheld by many African states
such as Cameroon, Gambia, Malawi, Nigeria,
Uganda and Zimbabwe amongst others,
South Africa’s constitution is considered one
of the most progressive in the world, the first in
the world to outlaw discrimination based on
sexual orientation and fifth to permit same-sex
marriage.
However, this was not always the case. The
apartheid government was just as hostile to
the LGBT community as it was to ‘non-whites.’
Consequently, homosexuality was considered
a crime punishable by a seven year jail
sentence and the law was frequently used
to outlaw and harass the LGBT community’s
events and political activities. Nevertheless,
post-apartheid South Africa saw various
statutory laws put in place to protect the rights
of the LGBT community. In 1998, parliament
passed the Employment Equity Act that
protected homosexual South Africans from
labour discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation while the constitutional court (in
2002) afforded same-sex couples the same
rights as married spouses in matters of adoption.
In 2006, the Civil Union Act which allowed for
same sex marriages came into force.
South African society has dealt with homosexuality better than most developing
nations. Not only is the government and its policy protecting homosexuals but society
itself has shown a positive acceptance of this phenomenon.
O
ver the years, homosexuality
and what it means to be a
homosexual has gone through
many transitions in South Africa.
Although fairly traditional, South African
society is slowly embracing this distinct
difference in sexuality shared by a certain
portion of the population. Is gay the new
black? Or are South Africans just becoming
increasingly accepting of members of the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual
(LGBT) community?
is BEING GAY UNAFRICAN?
When Tshepo Modisane and Thoba Sithole
- a young gay couple from KZN- decided
to tie the knot in a traditional ceremony
less than a year ago, a plethora of mixed
reactions poured in from everywhere.
A PROGRESSIVE PEOPLE
Taking a look at the type of content now being
broadcasted on local TV, one generally gets a
sense of how tolerant South African society has
become. From celebrities being open about
their homosexuality to the exponential increase
in the number of storylines featuring homosexual
characters, homosexuality has shifted from being
something completely foreign to us to being a
part of our daily dialogue.
Popular local TV soaps and drama series such
as Generations, Isidingo, Intersexions, Rhythm
City etc., have incorporated homosexual
characters into their scripts and this has resulted
in a collective cognitive awakening about
what homosexuality is, what it means to be a
homosexual and perhaps most importantly,
that homosexuality is not a threat to traditional
notions of masculinity or traditional gender roles
and therefore should not be something that is
feared.
While icons such as Brenda Fassie and
Robert Whitehead led the way for the LGBT
community by living openly as bisexual and gay
respectively, many in this fraternity are now able
to follow suit and heterosexual South Africans
are proving liberal enough to be accepting of
these minor inconsistencies.
BIGOTRY A THING OF THE PAST
Perhaps we are a tolerant nation because of
our past? Having suffered through many years
of systematic discrimination on the basis of
arbitrary factors, we have come to understand
what discrimination means and the ramifications
it has. As Gen-Y, living as a part of a global
community, we simply refuse to let such minor
differences dictate who we choose to interact
with and this popular culture of acceptance
marks the height of this defiance.

INDULGENCE INDULGENCE
farming IN THE CITY.
Home to The Barn and The Deck restaurants, the Irene dairy farm
boasts a rich history, an enchanting beauty and delectable cuisine.
Amanda Nkwinika
Running it as a subsistence farm, the van de
Byl family opened the farm up commercially
in 2000 through the establishment of a small
tea garden. In 2004, the infamous ‘The Barn’
restaurant was established as an extension of
the tea garden to keep up with the increasing
demand. ‘The Deck’ restaurant followed soon
after as a slightly more upmarket option for
people who might seek a quieter outing. Now
an iconic landmark in the Centurion country
side, The Irene Diary farm also features a Diary
shop which offers homemade produce as well
as scrumptious certified raw milk and cream.
FEEL
Although in the same vicinity, the two
restaurants are distinct and magnificent in their
own right and bear only minor similarities. The
atmosphere at The Barn is incredibly homey
and inviting. With chickens wandering around
as you enjoy your meal, one is also fortunate
enough to have a close view of the most
adorable monkeys and luxurious black and
white swans.
The Deck is slightly smaller (seating 54) but
also more sophisticated. Unlike the Barn− that
has larger tables perfect for families and large
groups− the Deck is a little more intimate but
still affords the diners the same spectacular
view of the farm.
TASTE
The menus in these two restaurants offer a
little something for everyone. With a more
family orientated limited a la carte menu,
The Barn offers everything from burgers and
pizzas to toasted sandwiches and scrumptious
deserts. The restaurant serves an affordable
hot breakfast buffet on weekends and also
offers breakfast items that are on the menu
such croissants and muffins. The buffet service
worked well for me because it allowed for
families to move about, which gave the place
a more relaxed and family friendly atmosphere
The Deck offers a full a la carte menu from
Monday to Sundays. Although the food is
similar in its homey feel, the presentation and
variety is different given the difference in the
two restaurants. Anything from open Spanish
omelettes, roasted pork belly or Nisswa salad
is served at The Deck and diners can also
enjoy a delectable wine selection.
PERFECT FOR
What makes the Irene Dairy farm work is not
only the great food and ambiance, but the
fact that there’s a little something for everyone.
Families can relax at The Barn and old friends
can enjoy a quiet meal at The Deck. Since the
farm is still fully operational, the guests also get
the opportunity to witness the cows come in
and get milked in the afternoon, which is an
experience many city dwellers don’t expect.
Amazing restaurants and homemade produce
store aside, the farm is also available for small
functions, kitchen teas, kid’s birthday parties,
weddings and even conferences. The Irene
dairy farm is the perfect place to visit for
anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the
hustle and bustle of everyday life without
having to leave the city.
A
s I approach the entrance, the sharp
contrast between the city behind
me and the farm ahead becomes
increasingly apparent. The vast
green, barn style buildings and distinct scent
of manure and ripe fruit were the first sign of a
farm and everything else after that was just a
welcomed pleasant surprise. Nominated for a
2013 Rosetta award, The Deck restaurant is
recognised by the Restaurant Association of
South Africa as one of the top six Best Country
Restaurant venue in South Africa.
OVER A CENTURY OF MAJESTY
Situated in the south of Pretoria, the Irene Dairy
Farm has been in operation since 1895 when
it was bought by Albertus van de Byl, great
great great grandfather to the current owners.

FEATURE PROFILE FEATURE PROFILE
Amanda Nkwinika
LUDWICK MARISHANE
This young inventor is hardly sees opportunity in man's impending water crisis.
into his own hands to ensure the preservation
of our limited resources. Inventor of DryBath−
a “non-water based substitute lotion for the
whole body”− Ludwick is the epitome of an
inspirational Gen-Yer and future leader.
ACURIOUSMIND
Born in Motetema− a rural village in the Limpopo
province− Ludwick moved to Johannesburg to
live with his father at the age of eight. An inherently
bright mind, he graduated top of his class in
primary school and later moved to Maryvale
College. In 2004, Ludwick was awarded as the
Gauteng Provincial, Science and Technology
Olympiad.
Having attained financial freedom, Ludwick’s
father− Stanford Malatji− was able to provide
young Ludwick with great schooling that
contributed to his entrepreneurial mindset.
“My father was able to provide me with great
schooling and the ethic of always pushing myself
to do more. My dad ignited my entrepreneurial
passions in my first year of high school.”
This passion, coupled with his love for science,
saw young Ludwick embrace his curiosities and
formulate his own biodiesel fuel and a ‘healthy
cigarette’ (made from the camellia sinensis
plant) while in the 9th grade. The following year,
he attempted to author, and publish a mobile
dictionary and later a nationwide security
magazine.
GETTINGCLEANWITHOUTTHEFUSS
Like the classic tale of a serendipitous light bulb
moment hidden in an inconspicuous occurrence,
Ludwick first got the idea for DryBath while
sunbathing with friends. Being too reluctant to
take a bath, one of his friends rhetorically asked
why a lotion that can eliminate the need for
bathing had not yet been invented; little did he
know that Ludwick would rise to the challenge.
Offering the same hygienic protection one
would expect from ordinary baths, DryBath is “an
effective body sanitizer” that can be applied
like a lotion. Eliminating the need for constant
(and perhaps unnecessary) baths and showers,
DryBath will play an instrumental role in alleviating
the ballooning water crisis.
A young invention, DryBath has the potential to
T
he industrial revolution saw an
exponential increase in the mass
production of goods which drove
the culture of consumerism now
characteristic of modern day society.
This need to consume more than is necessary
has unfortunately resulted in numerous issues
pertaining to sustainability and a potential
shortage of resources in light of the rapid rate of
consumption. It’s no secret that our fresh water
reserves are shrinking due to environmental
issues of receding glaciers and pollution
amongst others. So while some corporations
and individuals choose to bury their heads
in the sand in hope that things will change,
inventor, inspirational entrepreneur and future
leader, Ludwick Marishane is taking matters
have an insurmountable impact on societies
and indeed the world. According to Ludwick,
DryBath empowers those in poorer communities
by removing their ‘dependency on stagnant
communitywaterinfrastructure’,whichmeansthey
can still achieve a lifestyle of personal hygiene.
On the other hand, for those in wealthier
communities, DryBath is a ‘convenient way to
save time and also decrease the unhealthy
practise of unnecessary daily bathing.’
According to the Department of Water Affairs,
South Africa will need R570 billion for investment
in the water value chain in the next 10 years.
The impact of water scarcity on crop farming
will soon be one of South Africa’s biggest
problems according to the Mail and Guardian.
The invention of DryBath in light of South Africa’s
water crisis further highlights the appropriateness
of this invention.
NOORDINARYGEN-YER
In 2008, Ludwick founded Headboy Industries;
a company which he envisions will be the first
in South Africa to serve the “sole operation of
developing ideas and commercializing them in
the market.” With a firm belief that success comes
from “one’s ability to learn and pursue their
passions,” Ludwick has a passion for helping
those around him pursue their passions. He
believes that what will propel SA’s gen-Y is the
understandingthatbeinganentrepreneurgoes
beyond just starting a business; it’s also about
having the ability to identify and capitalize on
all types of opportunities.
,,
,,
DryBath empowers those
in poorer communities
by removing the
‘dependency from
stagnant community
water infrastructure

FOCUS PROFILE FOCUS PROFILE
Amanda Nkwinika
A CHAMPION IN AFRICAN
LITERARY DEVELOPMENT
Shaping the development of multilingual literacy amongst young children,
Xolisa Guzula is a major driver of literacy development in South Africa.
A
frica’s Gen-Y is currently facing a
monumental challenge. As parents of
the next generation, the preservation
of African languages and culture now
lies in their hands. Against the backdrop of a
gruesome African history that saw the exploitation
of African resources and her people, the value
of developing and entrenching African culture
has long been established. Xolisa Guzula was
faced with this difficult task when raising her own
children yet lead by example when she raised
to the challenge through teaching her kids to
read and write in three languages, including their
mother tongue.
ANEARLYSTART
With a passion for developing literacy in young
children especially in African languages, Xolisa
Guzula is an early biliteracy teacher, community
trainer, researcher, children’s literature translator,
story teller and developing author.
She was born and raised by her grandmother
in rural Eastern Cape and her fondness and
passion for reading began from a very young
age. When her mother moved to the Limpopo
province to teach, she subscribed to a book
service for Xolisa which meant constant complete
submersion into the world of books from pre-
school all the way through to high school. Her
literary selection slowly grew to include novels,
drama books, magazines and even isiXhosa
classics such as ‘uDike noCikizwa’, ‘Ityala
Lamawele’, ‘Buzani kuBawo’, ‘uNojayithi Wam’ and
‘Ingqumbo yeminyanya.’ Since her grandmother
could not read, Xolisa became her go-to-girl for
all communication between her and her mother
who lived in Limpopo. She frequently read and
wrote letters on her grandmother’s behalf and this
sharpened her passion for literature even further.
THEVULINDLELAREADINGCLUBS
This love for literature saw Xolisa become one of
the founders of a network of community literacy
clubs called the Vulindlela Reading clubs.
The aim of these clubs is to “create conditions
in community settings which inspire, promote
and support reading for enjoyment and the
development of reading habits in mother tongue
as well as additional languages amongst
children and adults.” Through these clubs, children
are empowered to become literate and indeed
biliterate in ways that ‘help them to realise their
own individual potential to the fullest extent which
will ultimately allow them full and equitable social
participation in all aspects of life.’ The work done
by Xolisa is the epitome of language and cultural
preservation because learning one’s African
language is an integral part of claiming one’s
African identity. Additionally, given the literacy
challenges faced by South African schools, a lot
of children now have a fighting chance given the
supplementary opportunities they receive at the
Vulindlela reading clubs.
CHALLENGESASAPARENT
Like many other African language speaking
professionals, Xolisa bought a home in a suburb
where isiXhosa is not spoken. This meant that
her children could not have the opportunity to
learn their mother tongue as it was not offered
in nearby schools. To make matters worse, the
constant interaction with children who preferred
English over their mother tongues meant her
children were often influenced in this regard.
Specialising in children’s literacy and biliteracy
development at work, Xolisa understood the
importance of having children− especially hers−
learn their mother tongue and that was when she
decided to keep her children at home until the
age of three as this meant she could personally
teach them their mother tongue. In no time, her
children could read and write in both English
and isiXhosa and their repertoire grew to include
Afrikaans when they started formal schooling.
EDUCATINGANATION
Xolisa is also a trustee of the Little Hands Trust
which supports initiatives that promote reading for
enjoyment. The trust also mentors African literary
artists including writers, illustrators and editors
amongst other things.
Literacy development should be an integral part
of any society that seeks to progress beyond its
potential. Moreover, biliteracy development is
especially important in African societies if they
seek to preserve their cultures and entrench
their identity. The beauty of Xolisa’s work lies in
its empowerment of South Africa’s youth and
providing solutions for the cultural preservation
problem faced by Africa’s Gen-Y.

CAMPUS CONNECT CAMPUS CONNECT
Amanda Nkwinika
The state of nursing colleges in South Africa is a cause for concern but the 2013
Nursing Summit offers a glimmer of hope.
NURSING COLLEGES: misled?
I
n response to a question put forward by the
Democratic Alliance’s health spokesperson
Mike Waters, Minster of Health Dr Aaron
Motsoaledi conceded to the shocking
state of nursing colleges in South Africa. This
apparent crisis enveloping nursing colleges is
placing major strain on the South African public
health system due to a staggering shortage
in registered and skilled nurses. What are the
causes of this crisis and more importantly, is
there hope in sight?.
THE DIPLOMA VS THE DEGREE
In a recently article published by Africa
Health Placements (AHP), a number of issues
surrounding the nursing college crisis were
addressed. Amongst these, a distinction
between nursing qualifications was made and
some reasons concerning the problematic
nature of the diploma qualification were
identified. According to the article, Diploma
qualifications (which take on a more
practical based-approach unlike the four-
year theoretical degree) are problematic
in that they produce under-qualified and
under-motivated nurses. However, registered
nurse Emily Melk responded to this by stating
that this was not necessarily the case as the
taxing work environment is a more directly
contributing factor. Supporting her assertion,
Melk highlighted that a nurse that goes into
practice needs an adequate balance of
both theoretical and practical knowledge
because in many cases, she has had to train
nurses with ample theoretical knowledge but
lacked any practical skills.
The trouble with the nursing diploma
qualification is that in some cases, it is offered
by unregistered colleges that attract school
leavers who are armed with inadequate
information and financial difficulties. They enter
these colleges which are unregistered and
therefore not regulated by proper curriculum
and standards and the result in an output of
nurses that struggle to cope in the professional
environment.
DEARTH RESOURCES
At a nursing summit held at the Sandton
Convention centre in 2013, a scarcity of
resources was also identified as a great factor
that has exacerbated the crisis enveloping
nursing colleges in SA. According to the
strategic plan released after the summit, clinical
training departments which are responsible for
training nursing students during/after college
no longer exist in a majority of health care
institutions. This means that a number of nursing
students are not receiving the adequate
clinical training they require in order to gain
the relevant skills they need.
Additionally, nursing colleges in SA should
ideally have over 4000 staff to be able to
run efficiently yet they are currently operating
with half that number which translates to
45.5% of the optimal level. Lastly, according
to the released strategic plan, ‘there is
insufficient management and supervision of
nursing students’ in nursing colleges and also
a general lack of clinical role models. When
nursing students are faced with these issues, the
result is often times dissatisfaction with clinical
facilitation that is central to their training and
this leaves them feeling unprepared to fulfil
their roles properly.
WHO’S MONITORING THE PROGRESS?
While nursing colleges− like any other
educational institution− need to be inspected
regularly to ensure that they meet the
requirements set by the state, Dr Motsoaledi
acknowledged that only 19 colleges had
been inspected since 1998 with the most
recent inspection occurring in 2004. As a result,
“nursing education and training in SA is poorly
coordinated and integrated”, is characterised
by substantial inequity regarding human and
physical plant resources and the product
output (i.e. graduating nurses) is falling short of
the required number per annum.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR HEALTH CARE IN SA?
A crisis in nursing colleges naturally entails a
crisis in the health care system. As it stands,
South Africa has a notable shortage of
registered and skilled nurses and this is
further aggravated by the attrition of nurses
who choose to practise abroad. This has
drastically undermined the health care system’s
effectiveness as it is often unable to deliver
quality services to those who need it.
If anything, it seems obvious that the first step
lies with the department of Health in ensuring
that nursing colleges around SA are inspected
on a regular basis. This will help ensure that the
set standards are being met and additionally,
that the courses offered are accredited by
the South African Nursing Council. Moreover,
if the recommendations put in place at the
nursing summit are implemented, then the state
of these colleges should get better. Such
recommendations include putting in place
a national framework on nurse educator
development with dedicated resources and
the establishment of a national policy on
student status and funding model for students
in nursing programmes amongst other things.

LIFE SKILLS
Amanda Nkwinika
POWER Lunch caller
He knows he’s guilty, why is he wasting our time?
TJDR55877
Lunch time with Azania and soul food is on the menu. A delicious serving of scandal,
heart-to-heart conversations and inspiring South African stories. Just a warning though, sometimes
the truth is hard to swallow. For your daily serving of laughter and tears, tune into POWER Lunch:
Weekdays from 12pm to 3pm.
98.7 FM Pretoria/Johannesburg • 103.6 FM Johannesburg South/Soweto
• 107.2 FM East Rand • 104.4 FM Vereeniging/Vaal
D
ealing with a terminal illness is no easy
task. From the moment you receive the
news, life as you know it will change
forever. Not only is the prospect of
death and the sense of life heightened, but
the agony of living through the mental, physical
and emotional changes will become a part of
your life, woven neatly into everyday activities.
Whether dealing with your own terminal illness
or that of a family member, here are a few steps
that can help make the process a little more
bearable.
FIND SOMEBODY TO TALK TO
Speaking to a professional or personal friend is
one of the most important steps one can take
in dealing with a life threatening diagnosis.
The period of receiving the diagnosis is
often followed by crisis and confusion, so
understanding your illness and its nuances can
be helpful in clearing the uncertainty. To some
extent, understanding your illness can help you
feel like you can deal with it better. Therefore,
talking to a health or mental health professional
can help during this step. Additionally, a friend
or family member you can share everyday
experiences and changes with will help relieve
the stress and burden of the illness, thus, it’s
important to find somebody to talk to.
DO THE THINGS YOU ENJOY
As far as your illness will allow, it is important
that you keep doing the things you enjoy, or at
least carrying on with your pre-illness activities.
A lot of newly diagnosed individuals report
an overwhelming sense of loss of control over
their lives. However, doing the activities you
did before the illness can help you maintain
some level of normality in your life and give
you a sense of control. Whether it’s getting
massages, complementary therapies, cycling
or meditation, keep doing what you do.
CREATE A PRACTICAL SUPPORT NETWORK
In anticipation of your illness progressing, it will
be worthwhile to establish a network of people
who can help with daily tasks should you be
unable to do them alone. Picking up groceries,
paying bills or doing laundry might prove
challenging as your illness progresses. Speak
to family members, friends or care givers about
the possibility of them helping you when the
time comes. Performing this task before hand
means that your wellbeing will be handled on
your own terms, and it can also free up some
time to indulge in the activities you enjoy.
SEE THE PERSON, NOT THE ILLNESS
If a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal
illness, you are also affected by the illness. The
same emotions of anger, shock, resentment
and denial may be present in you too, but
it is important to see the person and not the
illness. Although you might have to treat them
differently because of physical changes,
remember not to change the way you interact
with them. Be ready to listen and talk about
the elephant in the room when it’s necessary
for them.
LIVING WITH A
TERMINAL ILLNESS
Dealing with terminal illness may be a little more
bearable with these simple steps.

108•IMBO/ISSUE27/'14 '14/ISSUE27/IMBO/•109
MUSICBOOKS
REVIEWS REVIEWS
Amanda Nkwinika Bongani Mawonga
A
s societies evolve, so do the skills required to
survive. It used to be that for hunter and gatherers,
coordination, speed and a keen eye for fertile
soil suitable for farming improved the chances
of survival. It also used to be that Gen-Y needed more
than just technical skills to survive; a good education and
mastery of a skill was the little extra required to secure
suitable employment and ultimately, survival. However, with
the working environment becoming increasingly chaotic and
volatile, the skills characteristic of successful people are also
quickly changing.
The 8th offering from local author and motivational speaker
Rinus Le Roux, ‘Back Yourself’ is an easy-to-digest offering
that sheds light on the skills the next generation (Gen-flux)
will need to survive the current transformation in the business
climate. According to Le Roux, “the ways in which we have
defined success, survival, education and mastery up to now
have since expired.” Highlighting the skills and competencies
that will propel the next generation employer and employee
alike, Back Yourself reads like a conversation and will leave
you feeling empowered and with a new-found sense
of direction. From shedding light on how to improve and
diversify your skills, making considerable moves in pursuing
your passions or even establishing your personal brand, Le
Roux shares practical and applicable information essential
for everyone with their sights set high.
T
he digital age has made it increasingly possible for
music lovers and producers to get their music out
there. The product of a steamy bedroom studio
session can quickly turn into a viral internet sensation
consumed by a number of people. The value of knowing
and understanding copyright essentials and how copyright
laws affect the contemporary music industry is essential for
anyone looking to succeed in today’s music industry.
Before you lay your vocals on that sick sample you
downloaded online, know whether or not you have
clearance for it. Music Law in the Digital Age is a cutting-
edge guide that gives insight into the ins and outs of
copyright law. Answering numerous questions about fair
compensation of creative works, control over who sells your
music online and the legality of creative mash-ups amongst
others, the book is an excellent updated review of music law
issues of the 21st century. “Whether you are an artist, lawyer,
entertainment website administrator, record label executive
or student,” this book will help you understand how copyright
law affects you and how you can use it your benefit.
Allen Bargfrede is an entertainment and technology
attorney and also assistant professor of music business at
Berklee College of Music.
BLACK AND WHITEMUSICLAWINTHEDIGITALAGE-ALLENBARGFREDE&CECILY
MARK
T
wenty-three year old Ghanaian born singer Tina
Destiny (J Jorm) is a versatile artist that is setting a new
trend infested with a unique and distinguishable
flair. This young and talented star is said to be a
breath of fresh air in the Ghanaian music scene in the
contemporary afro pop music genre. Ghanaian radio is
yet to catch up with her latest released single ‘Inspiration’
off of her album, Survival which is currently causing
pandemonium in the blogosphere. Given that she has is
new to the Ghanaian music industry, the response from new
fans has been staggering.
J Jorm began singing at church in her hometown and then
leaped onto the Afro pop scene when she became a
backup vocalist for underground artists such as DJ Soul
and Anglado. Although often misinterpreted by her
audience as a Soul House musician, she considers herself
an Afro pop musician who has a versatile music style.
‘Inspiration’ is a catchy sing-along love song and judging
by its reception, Africa must definitely keep an eye on this
rising star. Her new material is due to be released in May
and is expected to showcase what she’s got to offer.
T
alented South African singer, songwriter and
composer, Donald Moatshe is back with the
release of his third album. This highly anticipated
album, ‘Black and White’, was released less than
a month ago and has been making waves in the local
music scene. Featuring R‘n B giant Kenny Lattimore, the
album also features collaborations with local artists such
as Big Nuz and Bucie. Keeping to his style, the new album
“speaks about the darker and brighter side of love, life and
relationships.” Not only has “Crazy but amazing” been a
trending topic on twitter but the single has been topping
local charts and as he puts it, “highlights what it feels like to
fall in love.”
Following the success of his previous album, ‘Train of Love’,
Donald walked away a big winner at the 2013 Metro FM
music awards (MMAs). Although he did not take home any
awards at this year’s MMAs and was only nominated in the
Best music video category for his single Your Joy, his new
album is expected to reach gold, keeping the standard
from Train of Love. Donald was nominated for Best
International African Act at the 2013 BET awards.
"We are very excited about Black & White; and about
working with a wonderful artist such as Donald Moatshe –
we are eager to see what the future holds for this brilliant
musician", said Pino Di Benedetto from Universal Music
South Africa.
BACK YOURSELF- RINUS LE ROUX RISING STAR STRAIGHT FROM GHANA

Features (Amanda Nkwinika)

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