SA Rocks

SA Rocks is proudly and positively South African. If you read this blog you’ll know that. But at the same time I am not ignorant or blind and many times in the past I have spoken about troubles that SA incurs.

This is one of those times.

It is Rape Awareness Week at Rhodes University. The below comments were sent to me via Facebook by a friend of mine.

On Wednesday 30 April, myself and 149 other female Rhodes University students will be taping our mouths shut from 7am until 6pm in solidarity with women who have survived rape. We will go without food and water for the whole day. At present in South Africa, rape rates are soaring with little or no acknowledgment from the government about the crisis on our hands. The levels of violence against women are intolerable and the lack of support structures for survivors of violence worsens an already poor situation. At present, every 26 seconds a woman in South Africa is raped. Of those, only 1 in 9 reports the rape. Of those women, few are successful at trial because they are put on trial by prosecutors and asked why they wore what they did, said what they did or went where they went. This is not acceptable. The continued violence against women must be stopped.

On Wednesday, please take the time to think about those women who are brave survivors of violence, rape, hatred, subordination and oppression. This violence takes place under the facade of democratic freedoms that we are believed to have here. Do not practice quiet diplomacy – speak out about this violence.

‘When you don’t speak out against injustice, you are complicit in its perpetuation.

Jen Thorpe

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Then pitch me your idea.

I am looking for someone to take control of the theme for SA Rocks for a week. I’ll need you to motivate why you want to blog on SA Rocks. What posts you might have in mind, lined up or want to plan and a promise that you can bash out 5 posts in 5 days! (Yes, it’s a tough job) Even if you don’t think you can get to 5 posts in 5 days and only have 3 in mind, let me know!

All posts will be viewed and approved by me before posting just to ensure that they are in line with the outlooks and opinions of this blog.

I have a few themed weeks lined up in my mind and I am working on them, but they take time and I feel that I should maybe open up SA Rocks a bit more to other thoughts, ideas, interests and writers.

You don’t have to be a blogger you just have to have a passion for SA, writing and an area of interest that might work on SA Rocks!

Use the “Contact” section in the navigation bar above to send through your ideas.

After a brief chat with a friend, I’ve decided to add in some incentive. If you are the chosen blogger for the week I’ll throw in a block advert for the week that you write for SA Rocks. If there is more than one guest blogger, the one with the most reads collectively will get a months worth of ad space on SA Rocks!

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Marcel Oudejans, magician and corporate entertainer, has been invited to give a presentation at an international magic convention in India at the beginning of May. Marcel received a personal invitation from one of the top illusionists in India, Gopinath Muthukad, who will be hosting the convention. Vismayam 2008 will be held from 1 to 4 May at the Academy of Magical Sciences in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala.

Marcel will be speaking alongside notable presenters such as Jorge Blass, an illusionist from Spain who has appeared in a number of television shows, and Reed McClintock, a pioneering close-up and stand-up performer from the USA. The conference organisers have billed Marcel as a “new-generation magician” and a “leading figure in the corporate entertainment sector”.

For the rest of this post visit Perform Marketing.

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Ed’s note: Today’s blog is yet another great sumbission from a reader! I like the idea and in essence the below does what SA Rocks is trying to do, we just use different media to portray a message.

Here’s a video to see in the post:

Dear SA Rocks,

I dont know if you have heard about this but it seems like there aren’t many South African events on this day.I am not even sure if any of the South African TV channels are broadcasting it.

Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to create a better future.

In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it’s easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that – to help people see themselves in others – through the power of film.

On May 10, 2008 – Pangea Day – venues in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro will be linked to produce a 4 hour program of power films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music.

More importantly, the program will be broadcast live to the world through the Internet, television, digital cinemas, and mobile phones.

Of course, movies alone can’t change the world. But the people who watch them can. So following May 10, 2008, Pangea Day organizers will facilitate community-building activities around the world connecting inspired viewers with numerous organizations which are already doing groundbreaking work.

Please take a look at the following videos for more information. I have also created a facebook group for South Africa.

How the idea was born

You tube Vids

Pangea Day

Kenya Sings For India

Japan for Turkey

Main Web Site

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Ed’s note: Rouvanne from peakperformance sent me the below post explaining that his mind was reeling and that I should edit it if need be. I haven’t touched a thing. This is really one of the best posts that I have ever published on this site. I love the concepts Rouvanne talks about and I love the way he has constructed the post. Thanks Rouvanne!

There are crises going on all over the world in terms of global warming, fights for or against democracy, religion, economics, medical diseases that threaten humanity, and they seem to be gathering speed at an ever increasing rate as the years fly past.

A few things in the recent media got me thinking. Zimbabwe and dots; Australia and brains; and Nelson Mandela and the Elders – though they might be worlds apart, it started a process of imagining a South Africa looking after its own future and hopefully also inspiring other nations, particularly African, to follow suit.

I think it was firstly Robert Mugabe’s reference to English Prime Minister Gordon Brown just being a “tiny dot” in the world that got me thinking. I am just a dot in the world, and damn proud of being here too. I was born of two dots; I have 3 sibling dots; I am fortunate to have found a sexy dot to spend my life with; and we’ve had so much fun that we even produced another two dots ourselves. So counting all my dots together, we’re getting closer to being a small blob, in this world.

Then secondly this past weekend, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd co-hosted the Australia 2020 Summit, inviting 1000 (dots) artists, scientists, corporate chief’s, unionists and central bankers, to come up with 10 great ideas that’ll improve life in Australia by 2020.

And thirdly, last year President (dot) Nelson Mandela, with funding from (dots) Peter Gabriel and Sir Richard Branson, created The Elders who, using “their collective experience, their moral courage and their ability to rise above nation, race and creed, … can make our planet a more peaceful and equitable place to live,” said the former South African ‘presidot’. A subtle introduction of ubuntu to the world stage by both Branson and Mandela…

This jumble of ideas led me to realise that in every society there are individuals that are recognised as being the experts in their particular fields. Many are the intellectuals of our day, who have dedicated themselves to the study of specific fields in the sciences, arts, and economics; from the obscure, to the popular. Surely these people have ideas that their valuable education has given them the ability to see and work out, which should be considered seriously in creating viable alternative means of solving the problems we face collectively.

Education is a valuable privilege, but what is the use of these people being ignored while we debate due to political and popular thoughts in what can mostly be considered as a fight for more power or to satisfy our greed? Regardless of how you had the privilege of your education, what is the use of having it if you are not going to benefit society around you, and those that come after? It is your duty as a citizen of this world to share the knowledge that you have gained.

A database should be created (a Muti? a Wiki?) in which these models and ideas could be available for the use of humanity, for the people of South Africa. And it doesn’t have to come from any government – it should be sponsored by big business, by caring philanthropists, organisations and individuals who benefit from society around them – which is basically all of us, isn’t it. It’s taking social and corporate responsibility to a new level; admitting that without all the tiny dots in the world, we all would be nothing.

Over 9000 ideas were submitted to the Aussie summit from the public, defined by PM Kevin Rudd as, “Today we are throwing open the windows to our democracy to let a little bit of fresh air in.” Rudd set 10 themes for discussion: productivity, economy, sustainability and climate change, rural Australia, health, communities and families, indigenous Australia, creativity, governance and Australia’s future in the world.

I think that this could come up with some blobbing great ideas; as a gift to the people, a true and proudly South African “Think to Thank”. Ideas to take us into the future.

Rouvanne

http://peakperformances.co.za

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Ed’s note: This post is a submission by Mike Smith.

If there is one thing South Africa has is sport – lots of it and the perfect environment in which to participate. The Sani2c is an example, a South African multi-day stage race that tours from the foot hills of the Drakensberg to the breaking sea at Scottbrugh – crossing South African lands of beauty and splendour.

What makes South Africa so special in sports events like this one, is not the fast paced competitiveness or the absolutely phenomenal organisation (although these things are resoundingly present), it’s the camaraderie, the people and the countryside. Only South Africa could host an event that traverses such diversified environments. From mountainous grasslands, through rough thorn-veld and on to the tropical vegetation of the South Coast. We have it all!

While passing through some of the most memorable of sites, the people are the key feature of the Sani2c. The one thousand competitors and over three hundred support crew not only make the race but resonate South African spirit. Laced with cultural diversity of language and situation, everyone is never the less a potential friend. When racing, the most you are likely to say to your partner or competitor is “how the legs”, “slow down” or many other four letter combinations that need not be recorded – nevertheless, these are the people who you can walk away from the event feeling like you know better than any friend!

The most astounding aspect of all, is that the race travels through some of South Africa’s poorest communities without trouble or a hint of danger. Considering the fact that millions of Rands worth of equipment makes its way through a population of little wealth one would expect a dismal response. Instead, the people of the area line the single tracks – screaming and shouting in support of the cyclists. Glen and Mandy Haw, the race organizers, are responsible for this to a large degree as they funnel money back into the communities.

South Africa is abundant with opportunities and the blessing of unsurpassed beauty. The Sani2c takes full advantage of this, allowing competitors to experience our countryside and reap rewards it has offer. Sport isn’t just something we have in abundance; it’s something we can use to develop this wonderful country.

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I just read a post with some interesting results on Engadget. Basically, 61% of Americans that participated in the poll and were old enough to vote (18) said that they would vote via SMS. 8 out of 10 (80%) of people who participated and were under the age of 18 said that they would also vote with their phones.

In a country (SA) struggling with voter apathy and overwhelmed with mobile activity I think this is a very interesting question.

I think that if I had almost 100% certainty that the voting polls on my cellphone were above board and would work then I would probably vote via SMS.

Would you?

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Ed’s note: This post is a contribution from Sheena Gates. She was apparently on the verge of leaving our stunning country but chose not to. Here are her reasons why:

I was leaving for Australia. I had my bags packed, my tickets ready and my family there waiting for me. Then one morning I woke up and thought ‘what the hell am I doing?’. I love Africa. I love my country and its people. There are things in this place that only we could ever understand, such as:

The Vern. Vernon Koekemoer. A phenomenon only available to understanding by Saffers. Shopping for birthdays at the robots. Anything from undies to umbrellas or coat hangers are available at a street vendor near you! Places called ‘Moedersfontein’ and ‘Jakobsdaan’. What beauties. Men wear platform shoes down in Bloem and have shirts shinier than any other girl I know. We are the one nation where Mullet hairdo’s are accepted as the norm, and having buck-teeth can like to be okay.

Our people have learned the art of over-coming. Mug us at the beach? its okay, next time we go back we won’t carry anything with us. Rape us in the home? Its okay, because every single girl I know has a can of Mase and/or a baseball bat nearby the bed. Presidents to be sing Umshiniwam, and its okay – because we make fun of it and post pictures all over facebook. We’ve learned the art of rising above, and keeping our sense of humour.

Our nation may be young, stubborn and maybe even a little bit slower than the rest, but you know what? We’re stronger. We’re funnier. We’re going places and we stick together. Our country is more beautiful than most, and our people the most welcoming and hospitable. Aside from the minority of criminals, we have more spirit and oomph than any other.

I love South Africa, and I’m so excited to start over in a new part of it. Here’s to being a Saffa!

*Disclaimer – this post is a contribution from a contributor and might not entirely represent the views of SA Rocks.

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I had the enormous privilege last week of stepping in to lecture at UCT, in Dave Duarte’s place (which is VERY daunting I must tell you! He has people sitting in the aisles). The sheer size of the class is staggering, some fiercely bright Commerce students sparkling between those that aren’t there for anything other than obligation, this course being part of the core curriculum. There’s a saying that when 1 teaches, 2 learn, and never more so than this experience for me.

I tend to hang out, real.world & virtually with pioneers who operate actively in the participation economy and I had some assumptions crashed mercilessly. For example: when I asked one of the classes who uploads videos to share on Youtube, NOT ONE hand went up 8-*
I was floored!
With the ease with which we can shoot video on mobile phones?! I was speaking to a born.digital crowd for goodness sake. Or maybe not. Thanks to Telkom bottlenecking our bandwidth and charging like an enraged bull for communications, we don’t have the freedom to connect and share that we could. This has stunted our growth horribly, and leaving South Africa trailing behind, holding onto some tatty old has.been echo from the 80′s/90′s of economic empowerment of the elite.

Isolation creates mutants (think Galapagos) which may be good in part, in that we have to be more resourceful & creative about making a plan. Or we could lose our brightest minds who choose the path of least resistance, and head for a culture where greed of the few doesn’t impede the productivity and potential of a whole nation. Developing nations are the ones who can benefit MOST from the emergence of freely shared tools, global distribution, online commerce and opensource everything. What will it take to get the vampires from draining the life from this country?

Someone needs to point out how ubuntu is counter.intuitively one of the most progressive, enlightened and profitable economic models humans have experimented with. Like the resurgence of yoga, many global thought leaders (even Clinton LOL!) are vaunting the sexiness of this ancient African philosophy: where doing good & doing good business aren’t mutually exclusive.

It isn’t a communist delusion, but healthily democratic, and shares the best aspects of the ‘net – transparency, collective problem-solving, opensource sharing and co.creating culture serve the individual as well as the whole. Realising and amplifying the possibilities that tech.enabled innovation coupled with the natural ubuntu-like culture it engenders may be our last hope, not just in SA, but as a species.

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The comment below was posted on blog post on SA Rocks by Akona Ndungane. It really made my day:

Hi

I stumbled on this blog only a few hours ago and I am filled with tears
I am part of a group travelling the globe for a year for an alcohol brand, fun and exciting yes, but here’s the part that kills me.

We are all from different, me being the only South African, I meet so many people everyday, I used to love telling them I am from South Africa.
Now I have to brace myself for either being told how beautiful and dangerous it is, or that they know someone who used to live in SA and left because things are so bad, or that they heard white people aren’t safe. Or meeting South Africans that have left and have nothing good to say. I have never in my 23 years been exposed to people without pride in SA. My heart breaks into a million pieces as my bubble is burst almost everyday.

I had never left my country before, sad as that may sound, and I’m experiencing something amazing, but I don’t have the strength anymore, to argue with ignorant people, who probably get their info from people born from this brilliant country but have no gratitude or praise for it. I almost don’t think there is a need to leave, the world is great, but SA has everything I need and love

Thank you for this blog
This is what will keep me going for the next six months until I get home
Thank you

This is why I started blogging and more specifically why I started SA Rocks. Thank you Akona!

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