Bokabuddies rock the Activate! Leadership and Public Innovation campaign

February 6th, 2012

ACTIVATE

We would like to formally congratulate the 8 Buddies who were successful in their application for the Activate Leadership and Public Innovation campaign.

The BBR team is extremely proud!

For the next year they will attend training courses, participate in activities and complete assignments that will enhance their leadership- and innovation skills. Valuable knowledge will be bestowed upon them and I am sure that they will benefit tremendously from participating in this programme.

We wish you the best of luck for the year ahead. Keep the Bokamoso Ba Rona name flying high!

Below is a short Bio of each of the Buddies:

Baxolise Jnr Dlali

baxolise

Baxolise hails from the Cofimvaba rural area in the friendly province of the Eastern Cape. He currently resides in East London where he is the Executive Director and leader of the non-profit organization, Masifunde Together, which he founded in 2006.

Masifunde Together means ‘let us learn together’ and focuses on educating the youth through tutoring classes for High School pupils. His passion for and work with young people has enabled him to participate in various national and international youth concentric discussions, encounters and trainings. He is a sport fanatic and enjoys watching and playing Rugby, Cricket, Hockey and Table Tennis.

Facebook Friends: 909

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lusanda Melody Mfaxa

melody

This 26-year old lady is from De Aar in the Northern Cape. She has been living there with her family all of her life. Melody matriculated from the Monwabisi S.S.School. She is currently working at NEHAWU as regional administrator. One of her heroes is Itumeleng Khune. In her spare time she listens to Gospel Music and Reggae.

Facebook Friends: 506

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Vasha Thakur

vasha

This vibrant 21-year old is a student of Horticulture at the Durban University of Technology. Her hometown of Chatsworth in Kwa-Zulu Natal hosts the largest number of Indians in the world, outside of India. She is passionate about conservation and sees herself as an activist for the environment. Vasha enjoys listening to rock music, reading and making beaded jewellery.

Facebook Friends: 548

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Pearl Pillay

pearl

Pearl Pillay was born in Chatsworth, Kwa-Zulu Natal and currently studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. She is in her third year of studying Politics and International Relations. She is the President of Amnesty International at Wits and an avid activist for Greenpeace. As if this is not enough, she volunteers at the Chatsworth Youth Centre and she is a member of the Chatsworth Anti-Drug Forum.

Facebook Friends: 914

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Koko July

koko

This well-spoken and passionate young man comes from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. He matriculated in 2008 and still lives in Port Elizabeth. He is a Christian and looks to people such as Ghandi, Mandela and Obama for inspiration.

Facebook Friends: 724

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Karabo Klaas Monatisi

karabo klaas

Karabo was born in Morija, a town in Lesotho.  He lived in Khayelitsha and matriculated at the Joe Slovo Comprehensive School in 2002. He enrolled at the Rekenaarskool (Computer School) in Boland in 2005 and also completed his studies in Digital Video Editing at City Varsity in 2011.

Facebook Friends: 3339

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

George Booysen

george


George was born on the 26th of October 1992 in the windy and friendly city of Port Elizabeth.  He Matriculated from D.F. Malherbe High School in 2010. George is currently a dancer at Young Evolution. In his spare time he enjoys dancing, drama and debating.

Facebook Friends: 485

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Tony Mathipa

tony

Tony was born and raised in Soweto in Gauteng. He matriculated from the Mokgome Secondary School in 2007 and now lives in Kensington in Johannesburg. He is the President of the Non-profit Organisation, Youth for Human Rights South Africa. The organisation educates the youth about their human rights, based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Facebook Friends: 706

BokaBuddies Wall of Fame – November 2011

November 4th, 2011

SCHOOL

As part of National Government week, the Westonaria Public Library recently visited grade 6 pupils from Venterspos Primary School. The kids were excited to learn more about their government and were given the opportunity to discuss issues in their community.

Naturally, URTURN magazine was the star of the day and the kids really enjoyed their free copies!

BBR Summit update

October 21st, 2011

BBRDear Buddies

It’s been some time and I’m sure you wondering what’s up with the Bokamoso Ba Rona campaign! We are sorry for being so quiet about progress but assure you that we remain committed to the campaign and after some uphill battles we back on track!

Now I know you are all waiting for news on the Summit! Believe me; I can’t wait for it either because when it happens, its gonna rock the boat! Unfortunately, the PMP has had to postpone the event due to some challenges in the institution. Planning has however begun and it will be coming our way soon!

It is a very busy time of the year for Members of Parliament and we depend on them to make Summit a success. So, to plan the event properly, we need to make sure that all our stakeholders are available, willing and committed to the process!

We are therefore planning on having Summit early in 2012 and will keep you posted.

We thank you for your patience and your ongoing support… don’t give up, continue to contribute to the group, visit the Blog and stay relevant, stay empowered and stay the agents of change that you are!

I would like to invite you to send me stories, photos or reports on what you are busy with at the moment. Keep me updated on Facebook and Twitter (BokaBuddies) and don’t be shy to participate in some discussions and debates… every view counts!

Please feel free to let me know if there is anything else that we can help with.

Best wishes y’all
Lucky

Because I am a girl, the state of the world’s girls 2011- So What about Boys

October 13th, 2011

because-i-am-a-girlBecause I am a girl, the state of the world’s girls 2011- So What about Boys, makes for some appealing and interesting reading. This report shows that gender is also an issue affecting boys and men in our societies. What do we want…EQUALITY! When do we want it…NOW!

Download Youth Summary

Download Executive Summary

Out From the Shadows

October 13th, 2011

out-from-the-shadows

Children with disabilities are among the most marginalised in the world. Out From the Shadows is a well written academic piece about sexual abuse against children living with disabilities.

Download it here

Join the NPC Jam!

September 7th, 2011

Jam-doc

Hey buddies. The National Planning Commission (NPC) wants YOU to help shape South Africa’s vision and plan for 2030!

Register for the NPC-Jam now and become part of the hottest on-line brainstorming event in Africa! You also have a voice, make sure it gets heard! THIS IS GONNA BE BIG, so don’t miss out…

For more info read this!

to register for the NPC Jam click here

SPIER ARTS ACADEMY: three year full-time apprenticeship in Cape Town!

August 4th, 2011

If you have a background in Arts and would like to develop your skill, SPIER ARTS ACADEMY is offering a huge opportunity for a three year full-time apprenticeship in Cape Town! Check it out!
Closing Date: 30 September 2011.

Click here to download the application form
Send your CV to boka@parliament.gov.za

Good Luck*

SAA Emailer

BOR 10-12 :: Safe Environment, Citizenship & Free Expression

July 30th, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

My Responsibility in Ensuring the Right to Live in a Safe Environment
This right assumes the responsibility to:
• promote sustainable development, and the conservation and preservation of the natural environment
• protect animal and plant-life, as well as the responsibility to prevent pollution, to not litter, and to ensure that our homes, schools, streets and other public places are kept neat and tidy.
• In the context of climate change, we are also obliged to ensure we do not waste scarce resources like water and electricity.

My Responsibility in Ensuring the Right to Citizenship
The right to citizenship expects that each of us will be good and loyal South African citizens. This means that we are responsible for:
• obeying the laws of our country,
• ensuring that others do so as well, and
• contributing in every possible way to making South Africa a great country.

My Responsibility in Ensuring the Right to Freedom of Expression
The right to free expression is not unlimited, and does not allow us to:
• express views which advocate hatred, or are based on prejudices with regard to race, ethnicity, gender or religion.
• We must therefore take responsibility to ensure this right is not abused by ourselves or others, to not tell or spread lies, and to ensure others are not insulted or have their feelings hurt.

BOR 9 of 12 : : The Right to Freedom of Religion, Belief and Opinion

July 27th, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

The right to freedom of conscience places on me the responsibility to:
• allow others to choose and practice the religion of their choice, and to hold their own beliefs and opinions, without fear or prejudice
• respect the beliefs and opinions of others, and their right to express these, even when we may strongly disagree with these beliefs and opinions. That is what it means to be a free democracy!

The truth is, all of us are different. That is why we are called a Rainbow Nation. We have 11 official languages, with Sign Language being recognized as an official language of instruction in our schools. We have over 5 different types of religious groups with different belief systems and different perspectives, but that is precisely what makes our country such a special place to be in!

However, a lot of people do not tolerate these differences and end up hurting each other. That is why it is our task, as the youth of South Africa, to make others aware that it is OKAY to have your own beliefs and opinions, because that is the only way how we as a nation can grow! If we come together and offer our diverse viewpoints in a constructive manner, don’t you think it will contribute to a richer society?! If everything was the same, it would have been quite boring wouldn’t it? So let us respect the idea of “otherness” and use that towards our advantage! Variety is after all, the spice of life 

BOR 8 of 12 : : The Right to Own Property

July 27th, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

The right to own property places on me the responsibility to:

  • Respect the property of others
  • Take pride in and protect both private and public property, and not take what belongs to others
  • Give generously to charity and good causes, where I am able to do so.

Just think about it. You’re driving your dream car, live in your dream house and you’re enjoying the good life! Now just imagine someone gains entry to your house, steals your stuff and damages your car? Or you just bought this cool MP3 Player, decide to take it to school to show your friends, and someone steals it? How does that make you feel- angry and sad at the same time? Oh yeah!

As hard working young people (be it with your studies or in a work environment), we need to instill in ourselves a form of respect for our property and the property of others. Whatever we receive in life, can be taken away from us in a blink of an eye. That is why we need to look after our possessions! However, there is one other thing that is equally as important as receiving, and that is giving. Give to those that are less fortunate, assist those that need your help, because you might never know when you’ll need their help! They say charity starts at home, so look within your own community and you’ll be surprised at what you can do! Share your thoughts in the comments!

BOR 7 of 12 : : The Right to Freedom and Security of a Person

July 15th, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

The right to freedom and security of a person places on me the responsibility of:

  • not hurting, bullying or intimidating others, or allowing others to do so, and
  • solving any conflict in a peaceful manner

Let’s face it. We live in a violent society where people get hurt and get killed for no apparent reason. Everyday we hear about robberies, hi-jacks, shootings and this is quite scary! But I’m not merely referring to violence and crime here, no! In our schools and amongst our social groupings, we find those bullies and mean girls and boys that make us feel bad about ourselves. They tease us and call us bad names and this is not on! And if we don’t know how to handle an uncomfortable situation in a peaceful manner, things can get really ugly!

That is why we as the proud peeps of the South need to take a stand to ensure that this stops, right here, right now! We have to act in a responsible manner and protect those around us. Fighting does not solve the problem and we should equip ourselves and learn how to solve a bad situation in a respectful manner. Be a friend to someone else and you’ll get a friend in return! Help to protect those who cannot protect themselves and be a role model to other young people. Don’t intimidate others, emancipate them! Share your thoughts in the comments!


BOR 6 of 12 :: The Right to Education

May 27th, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

The right to education places on me the responsibility to:

  • Attend school regularly, to learn, and to work hard
  • Cooperate respectfully with teachers and fellow learners
  • Adhere to the rules and the code of conduct of the school

It concurrently places on my parents and caregivers the responsibility to ensure that l attend school and receive their support and places on my teachers the responsibility to promote and reflect the culture of learning and teaching in giving effect to this right.

At the recent Youth Dialogue Forum in Caledon, delegates representing the youth of South Africa interrogated the issue of education in South Africa. After the gap, take a glipse of a Plenary Session that sumarised some of the aittitudes to education in our country. What was most telling about the session was the education was decribed as the umbrella issue for all the problems faced by South Africa’s youth. Share your thoughts in the comments!

Read the rest of this entry »

BOR 5 of 12 :: The Right to Work

May 25th, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

This right carries with it the responsibility for all learners, parents, caregivers and teachers to:

  • Work hard and do our best in everything we do
  • Recognise that living a good and successful life involves hard work, and that anything worthwhile only comes with effort
  • Know that this right must never be used to expose children to child labour (proposed alternative: prevent children being exposed to child labour)

“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb”
Dr. Nelson Mandela (Former President of South Africa)

As simple as this statement may appear to be, it holds the innuendo that to progress in life, I need to do more than play F1 Grand Prix on PlayStation, mix more than just MXit and update more than just my statuses on Facebook. It refers to the one thing of life that has been around since creation itself and has never been known to be a cause for the loss of loved ones but rather the reason they wake up every morning, feed their families, send them to school and ensure that the debt collectors never discover their home addresses.

It’s WORK and it’s probably is the one thing that you need to apply for before you find it and perform better at it once you’ve found it to ensure that you are never without it again. 1994 ushered in a time where we could all be recognised as equal human beings before the law and receive the according treatment for which recently, on the 18th of May 2011, exercised a fruit, which is our right to elect our own municipal and government representatives whilst accepting the resulting responsibilities.

Read the rest of this entry »

BOR 4 of 12 :: The Right to Family & Parental Care

May 23rd, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

As young South Africans, we are privileged that our constitution is designed to protect the rights of children. According to the bill of rights, every child has the right to family care or parental care or to appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment.

The Bill of Rights should go further and explain the role of children in the family unit. Every right should be guided by a list of responsibilities. Young people should be equipped with knowledge and have a clear idea of their role in the family unit or household. This process will help improve their behavior and it will decrease the element of dependency in young people.

As young people, we have different responsibilities in ensuring proper family and parental care by building and maintaining good relationships with our parents. Children should allow parents to carry out their duties of parenting. They should allow parents to provide for them and thell them what to do.

Read the rest of this entry »

BOR 3 of 12 :: The Right to Life

May 13th, 2011

bill-of-responsibilties

The right to life places on me the responsibility to:

  • Protect and defend the lives of others
  • Not endanger the lives of others by carrying dangerous weapons or by acting recklessly or disobeying our rules and laws
  • Live a healthy life, by exercising, eating correctly, by not smoking, abusing alcohol, or taking drugs, or indulging in irresponsible behaviour that may result in my being infected or infecting others with diseases such as HIV and AIDS.

Everybody knows its fun to live on the edge and to bend the rules sometime or the other, right? We are youngsters and it’s thrilling to push the boundaries at times, that’s what being young is all about!! HOWEVER, there’s a thin line between playing it safe and crossing the line, as things can turn for the worse in an instant! Rather play it safe and act in a responsible manner. We are all responsible for one another, whether we like it or not and the decisions we make today has a lasting impact and will affect the rest of our lives!

Share your thoughts in the comments!