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Launched in Gauteng on the 28th of May 2010, Kasi Times is a pioneering magazine that seeks to upend social stereotypes of young South Africa. Through business, career, fashion, lifestyle, art and culture, and success stories, we have reintroduced to new ‘young adult’ to South Africa in a vibrant form that had never been seen before: telling our own stories and presenting a colourful, more rounded view of what it means to be modern, forward-thinking and South African in the 21st century.
Kasi Times showcases success stories, aiming to motivate, inspire and empower a new generation of go-getters seeking to make their mark in business, in their careers, and in their lifestyles. It showcases trendsetters and the vivacious lifestyle of young South Africa with all its rich complexities.
Drawn to the notion that every black South African is connected to ekasi in one way or another; it’s one thing that binds us – a thread that grounds us and sets the benchmark of the heights we want to reach in our lives. Our pages reflect the diversity of the black South African, with contributions from all over the country and an inclusive audience that continues to grow exponentially.
Kasi Times lauds the urbanites, the kasi-rooted change-makers, visionaries and all the inspirational men and women who exemplify what it means to be proudly South African in an ever-changing global community.
Breaking the Mould
Unperturbed by globalisation, we are the cosmopolitan South African generation. Spurred on by creative prowess we are rapidly emerging as visionary entrepreneurs, firmly anchored in our culture. We uniquely embody a quiet sophistication, enriched by our shared historical traditions.
Masters on the edge of a cultural revolution, we move beyond a dictated destiny to reach deep within ourselves and cultivate a new generation.
Our new mould is undeniably dynamic, evolving and unequivocally South African without apology. We walk proud, optimistic, our future clearly defined, as South Africans, and burning bright.
We deliver cutting edge information on business and entrepreneurship, health and relationships, personal finance and careers, arts and entertainment, food, fashion and beauty as well as the personal challenges and achievements of young black people. We give our more than 150,000 readers all the information they need and want-from their perspective and in their own voice.
Yet KASI TIMES is more than a magazine. Young people look to us to help them enhance and transform their lives. The information that KASI TIMES provides is life-changing: young people are empowered and, in the process, they advance not only their individual lives but also the quality of life for others. For all these reasons, KASI TIMES has evolved into a publication that embodies the hopes and aspirations of young people.
Features:
Each month, KASI TIMES provides a diverse array of articles that offer an in-depth look at issues of particular importance to young South Africa. Our features cover careers, business advice, success stories love and family relationships, fashion, beauty, entertainment, finance, career issues, and personal growth. Each month we also feature YOUNG, GIFTED AND TAKING OVER, a profile of a rising star with an inspiring success story.
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Age Group: 18 to 34
The magazine’s target demographic is predominantly young, urban followers. They are young, ambitious, professional, creative and entrepreneurial. They are determined to “make it”- with or without tertiary education. They are very aware of themselves and of the world around them and are determined to make a statement. They aspire towards affluent living as a reward for their hard work. They are black, literate and relatively comfortable with technology. This consumer segment is talented and has great potential. They have big dreams and see the world differently, and they believe they can be a success.
http://www.kasitimes.co.za/about/
16 September 2011
14 September 2011
Biko- 'Some African cultural concepts'
This is an excerpt from the I write what I like book by Steve Bantu Biko. This paper is titled: 'Some African cultural concepts'
Since that unfortunate date - 1652 - we have been experiencing a process of acculturation. It is perhaps presumptuous to call it 'acculturation' because this term implies a fusion of different cultures.
In our case this fusion has been extremely one-sided. The two major cultures that met and 'fused' were the African Culture and the Anglo-Boer Culture.
Whereas the African culture was unsophisticated and simple, the Anglo-Boer culture had all the trappings of a colonialist culture and therefore was heavily equipped for conquest.
Where they could, they conquered by persuasion, using a highly exclusive religion that denounced all other Gods... Where it was impossible to convert, fire-arms were readily available and used to advantage.
Hence the Anglo-Boer culture was the more powerful culture in almost all facets. This is where the African began to lose a grip on himself and his surroundings.
Since that unfortunate date - 1652 - we have been experiencing a process of acculturation. It is perhaps presumptuous to call it 'acculturation' because this term implies a fusion of different cultures.
In our case this fusion has been extremely one-sided. The two major cultures that met and 'fused' were the African Culture and the Anglo-Boer Culture.
Whereas the African culture was unsophisticated and simple, the Anglo-Boer culture had all the trappings of a colonialist culture and therefore was heavily equipped for conquest.
Where they could, they conquered by persuasion, using a highly exclusive religion that denounced all other Gods... Where it was impossible to convert, fire-arms were readily available and used to advantage.
Hence the Anglo-Boer culture was the more powerful culture in almost all facets. This is where the African began to lose a grip on himself and his surroundings.
Letter from the Editor
1. I'm coming off a marathon editing binge; fourteen hours straight that lasted until the wee hours of the morning and began well before noon. Two vastly different writers, writing in vastly different completely distinct styles and genres. The words and ideas behind both are brilliant, informative and well thought out. Both are excellent writers. Both needed editing. Although, in this case, I am using a simplified version, writers tend to get a word or phrase stuck in their brain, usually something a bit out of the ordinary and then use it over and over and over again. It is a subconscious thing, and it is not intentionally done, but to fresh eyes reading a manuscript; it sticks out like the proverbially sore thumb. One had a character 'clearing his throat' before almost every comment. It was catching; soon most of the characters seemed unable to utter a word without 'clearing their throat.' There were no surrounding circumstances to necessitate said action, indeed, I think it was an effort to avoid saying 'said' or 'interrupted' yet again. It is one of those things where the author is simply too close to see the repetition. Even if writing a full blown novel, reading it aloud will help the writer to find these insidious little buggers and replace them.
2. Spell-check. I am not sure why this is even an issue. It would seem to me that a writer would run this as a matter of course, not unlike putting a period at the end of a sentence. It finds incomplete sentences --which the author may or may not choose to keep. But it also helps the writer see the mistakes where the brain moved faster than the fingers could keep up. After an edit is completed, an editor will run one to be sure that in the course of editing, words are notinadvertentlycombined, and as a last defense against those squiggly lines underneath words. It helps make sure punctuation (at least commas and the like) are used correctly.
3. Proofread. Spell-checkers are a computer program that runs on a computer. Proofing is done by a human, with a brain that (still) in many ways surpasses a computer. Its the proof reeder that will find the words that may be spelled correctly, but are knot the correct word in the situation. Their the won thing that is guaranteed to make an editor tare their hare write out of they're heads! Imagine reading 350 pages of the previous few sentences. Why won't editors say these things? It really is neither politic nor anything thing other than self-serving and tension relieving to do so and can get you fired.
4. . . .um... Ellipses. Those 'dot dot dot' pauses or periods of indecision. Here is a good time to remember the age old maxim: all things in moderation. The Chicago Manual of Style states, "Ellipsis points suggest faltering or fragmented speech accompanied by confusion, insecurity, distress, or uncertainty." The Manual contrasts ellipses with dashes, which it states should be reserved for more confident and decisive pauses. Ellipses are not. . . an excuse to write (or get away with) an incomplete . . . sentence; a thought, perhaps, but never . . . a sentence. To quote the book Grammar for Dummies, "Using ellipses in this way can get annoying really fast." Oh, and in a written one-sided phone conversation, it is actually four dots . . .three followed by a period.
5. With that then, they went and jumped off a cliff. Unless you are writing a 5000 word paper with a word count and you ran out of inspiration/time/or ideas, word combinations like the one starting this section, or 'to that then' are just empty words.
6. Editors won't tell you that you really are not as good a writer as you think you are because they know that encouraging you is the best way to get a writer to realize that, indeed, they do need to revise, rewrite, edit and revise again.
7. Editors also will not tell you that you are stupendous, phenomenal or excellent, because then you won't want to revise, rewrite, edit and revise again.
8. We won't tell you about the really funny mistakes that got by you because while we think they are hysterical, chances are, you won't and will feel insulted. Seems often times writers have a low threshold for being able to have a sense of humor about their mistakes.
9. We aren't trying to change your 'vision' when we suggest changes. You may have 'plotholes' littering your wordscape. You might have written a novel and then condensed a final fight scene into two paragraphs. You might have run on sentences that spiral around, going nowhere and be saying something in two hundred words that really can be said in fifteen and yet you are too close to see that and simply don't get that reading sentences that go on and on and on can lose a reader and totally turn them off to your book and besides reviewers will completely bash your book if you do it; so don't!
10. Chances are, they will not tell you when you are totally wrong about something, because most writers never think they are. Their mother, who is an English teacher, or their sister's brother-in-law's uncle's ex-wife's best friend said it was the best book in the world and they of course may be right, but they don't know what will sell, how to market it or have their reputation on the line. It doesn't matter to them.
Short, sweet and simple: if you are lucky enough to be in the position to be able to avail yourself of an editor's advice, give it a good hard consideration, think about it with an open mind and you just may find that they really do, in the long run, have your best interests in mind.
2. Spell-check. I am not sure why this is even an issue. It would seem to me that a writer would run this as a matter of course, not unlike putting a period at the end of a sentence. It finds incomplete sentences --which the author may or may not choose to keep. But it also helps the writer see the mistakes where the brain moved faster than the fingers could keep up. After an edit is completed, an editor will run one to be sure that in the course of editing, words are notinadvertentlycombined, and as a last defense against those squiggly lines underneath words. It helps make sure punctuation (at least commas and the like) are used correctly.
3. Proofread. Spell-checkers are a computer program that runs on a computer. Proofing is done by a human, with a brain that (still) in many ways surpasses a computer. Its the proof reeder that will find the words that may be spelled correctly, but are knot the correct word in the situation. Their the won thing that is guaranteed to make an editor tare their hare write out of they're heads! Imagine reading 350 pages of the previous few sentences. Why won't editors say these things? It really is neither politic nor anything thing other than self-serving and tension relieving to do so and can get you fired.
4. . . .um... Ellipses. Those 'dot dot dot' pauses or periods of indecision. Here is a good time to remember the age old maxim: all things in moderation. The Chicago Manual of Style states, "Ellipsis points suggest faltering or fragmented speech accompanied by confusion, insecurity, distress, or uncertainty." The Manual contrasts ellipses with dashes, which it states should be reserved for more confident and decisive pauses. Ellipses are not. . . an excuse to write (or get away with) an incomplete . . . sentence; a thought, perhaps, but never . . . a sentence. To quote the book Grammar for Dummies, "Using ellipses in this way can get annoying really fast." Oh, and in a written one-sided phone conversation, it is actually four dots . . .three followed by a period.
5. With that then, they went and jumped off a cliff. Unless you are writing a 5000 word paper with a word count and you ran out of inspiration/time/or ideas, word combinations like the one starting this section, or 'to that then' are just empty words.
6. Editors won't tell you that you really are not as good a writer as you think you are because they know that encouraging you is the best way to get a writer to realize that, indeed, they do need to revise, rewrite, edit and revise again.
7. Editors also will not tell you that you are stupendous, phenomenal or excellent, because then you won't want to revise, rewrite, edit and revise again.
8. We won't tell you about the really funny mistakes that got by you because while we think they are hysterical, chances are, you won't and will feel insulted. Seems often times writers have a low threshold for being able to have a sense of humor about their mistakes.
9. We aren't trying to change your 'vision' when we suggest changes. You may have 'plotholes' littering your wordscape. You might have written a novel and then condensed a final fight scene into two paragraphs. You might have run on sentences that spiral around, going nowhere and be saying something in two hundred words that really can be said in fifteen and yet you are too close to see that and simply don't get that reading sentences that go on and on and on can lose a reader and totally turn them off to your book and besides reviewers will completely bash your book if you do it; so don't!
10. Chances are, they will not tell you when you are totally wrong about something, because most writers never think they are. Their mother, who is an English teacher, or their sister's brother-in-law's uncle's ex-wife's best friend said it was the best book in the world and they of course may be right, but they don't know what will sell, how to market it or have their reputation on the line. It doesn't matter to them.
Short, sweet and simple: if you are lucky enough to be in the position to be able to avail yourself of an editor's advice, give it a good hard consideration, think about it with an open mind and you just may find that they really do, in the long run, have your best interests in mind.
Review: Noise by Tsepo Gumbi
BOOK REVIEW: Noise by Tsepo Gumbi
Title: Noise
Author: Tsepo Gumbi
Genre: Illustrated Poetry
Pages: 33, A5 size
Publisher: Botaki Self-Publishing
Year of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-620-45117
Review by Fezekile Futhwa: Noise
Noise - Illustrated Anthology by Tsepo Gumbi
Noise is a self published work that is both art and poetry in one volume. Tsepo proves to be quite a gifted artist, having illustrated each poem in the book with wonderful art. The artistic side alone makes for a great work, well done.
Noise the poem is liberating, for it captures the essence of being an artist(or poet). We are reminded that thought is the most treasured gift a person has. An unthinking mind is a waste.
The Dream Is Not Dead veberates with hope. It is premised on the truth that the struggle for a better life continues, that the past is not yet dead, the people shall once again rise. For our collective dreams are a future upon which the hope for this country lie.
In Chained Brain, as phrophecising, Tsepo cries for freedom. With the Freedom of Information Bill looming, one wonders how long it is before we cry for freedom. Freedom to think, to express, to dream and to make noise. Freedom of expression must therefore be a basic human right!
Many of the poems in this anthology are captivating and provoking. Noise is indeed what poetry is about: entertainment, lucid, gripping, moving.
A revolution is the stuff born out of non confirming. Revolt urges the young of our society to take up arms, armed in thought. Thinking is the revolutionary engine. Zabalaza, for those on top can never keep us down. We are the uprising, we are the REVOLUTION.
As in Scars, start a new story. Write a new history.
Title: Noise
Author: Tsepo Gumbi
Genre: Illustrated Poetry
Pages: 33, A5 size
Publisher: Botaki Self-Publishing
Year of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-620-45117
Review by Fezekile Futhwa: Noise
Noise - Illustrated Anthology by Tsepo Gumbi
Noise is a self published work that is both art and poetry in one volume. Tsepo proves to be quite a gifted artist, having illustrated each poem in the book with wonderful art. The artistic side alone makes for a great work, well done.
Noise the poem is liberating, for it captures the essence of being an artist(or poet). We are reminded that thought is the most treasured gift a person has. An unthinking mind is a waste.
The Dream Is Not Dead veberates with hope. It is premised on the truth that the struggle for a better life continues, that the past is not yet dead, the people shall once again rise. For our collective dreams are a future upon which the hope for this country lie.
In Chained Brain, as phrophecising, Tsepo cries for freedom. With the Freedom of Information Bill looming, one wonders how long it is before we cry for freedom. Freedom to think, to express, to dream and to make noise. Freedom of expression must therefore be a basic human right!
Many of the poems in this anthology are captivating and provoking. Noise is indeed what poetry is about: entertainment, lucid, gripping, moving.
A revolution is the stuff born out of non confirming. Revolt urges the young of our society to take up arms, armed in thought. Thinking is the revolutionary engine. Zabalaza, for those on top can never keep us down. We are the uprising, we are the REVOLUTION.
As in Scars, start a new story. Write a new history.
10 September 2011
September 2011 Newsletter
Progressive greetings friends!
With arms open wide we welcome the regenerative season of Spring! Animals are coming out of hibernation, flowers blossoming decorating the soil in myriad of colour. Time to spring clean our homes and our hearts too by letting go of toxic relationships.
September in South Africa is set apart to celebrate “heritage month”. During these celebrations let us not forget the spirit, life and work of Steve Bantu Biko (18.12.1946 - 12.09.1977), the father of Black Consciousness. He was last seen alive on the 18th August, and was declared dead on 12 September 1977 whilst in police custody. One of my favourite quotes from this giant is: “in time, we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face”
And we have managed to show our human face, as South Africans, by collecting and donating food, supplies, human aid and money towards the famine relief in Somalia. Whilst we do good, let us not turn a blind eye towards the scourge of Afrophobia, disguised as xenophobia. Afrophobia is only destroying us as Africans, let us all unite as one people.
What’s new with the blog?
1. You can subscribe by email l to the blog so that when a new post has been made, you will be the first to receive it conveniently delivered to your personal email address. (Your email address will remain private; your details are secure and will not be shared.)
2. YOU have the power to make a change. Please check out the September National Imbizo (SNI), the first imbizo was held in September 2010. This year it’s happening on the 23-25 September 2011, in Durban.
What is the SNI? It is an active group of citizens based all over South Africa. Where individuals and groups are invited to participate in bringing about change in our beloved country, because the democracy we received in 1994 changed nothing. These discussions are held in person, at different regions, you can join the conversation on Facebook by searching “September National Imbizo”
http://www.facebook.com/bookmarks/groups#!/groups/septembernationalimbizo/
The SNI is by the people, for the people, holding politicians accountable.
Read more on the People’s Manifesto here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/tuesday-may-31-2011-peoples-manifesto.html! This manifesto is available in English/Zulu/Tswana/Afrikaans.
The registration period for the 2011 Imbizo is open, check this link out: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/sni-2011-registration.html
3. National book week is scheduled to take place at various spots around South Africa from 5 to 10 September. National Book Week aims to promote literacy and celebrate reading.
4. On the heritage month theme, Fezekile Futhwa in his piece explores the Sotho language, read more from him here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-lesotho-lexicology-is-incorrect.htm
5. Peter Mahase reviews the AfroConscious Journal 2010: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/afroconscious-journal-review-peter.html
6. Make sure to check out the poetry posted on the Afrikan Poets and Writers group wall by Ohene Ampofo Anti: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/born-free-ohene-yaw-ampofo-anti.html
What are you reading? What are YOU reading? Do you have a book you would like to recommend? Share!
What are you writing? If YOU are not reading are you atleast writing? This month’s challenge is to pen a piece that is centered on HERITAGE and NATURE.
If you have any literature centred news/event/project you want to spread to many, you can post it to the Facebook group wall: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65172951976
YOU can also become a contributor to the UWWUL blog and share with multitudes, contact me for that.
Thank YOU all for the support on this blog, page views so far 4454. To the new members: I would like to welcome YOU home!
Literally yours,
Vuyokazi
With arms open wide we welcome the regenerative season of Spring! Animals are coming out of hibernation, flowers blossoming decorating the soil in myriad of colour. Time to spring clean our homes and our hearts too by letting go of toxic relationships.
September in South Africa is set apart to celebrate “heritage month”. During these celebrations let us not forget the spirit, life and work of Steve Bantu Biko (18.12.1946 - 12.09.1977), the father of Black Consciousness. He was last seen alive on the 18th August, and was declared dead on 12 September 1977 whilst in police custody. One of my favourite quotes from this giant is: “in time, we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face”
And we have managed to show our human face, as South Africans, by collecting and donating food, supplies, human aid and money towards the famine relief in Somalia. Whilst we do good, let us not turn a blind eye towards the scourge of Afrophobia, disguised as xenophobia. Afrophobia is only destroying us as Africans, let us all unite as one people.
What’s new with the blog?
1. You can subscribe by email l to the blog so that when a new post has been made, you will be the first to receive it conveniently delivered to your personal email address. (Your email address will remain private; your details are secure and will not be shared.)
2. YOU have the power to make a change. Please check out the September National Imbizo (SNI), the first imbizo was held in September 2010. This year it’s happening on the 23-25 September 2011, in Durban.
What is the SNI? It is an active group of citizens based all over South Africa. Where individuals and groups are invited to participate in bringing about change in our beloved country, because the democracy we received in 1994 changed nothing. These discussions are held in person, at different regions, you can join the conversation on Facebook by searching “September National Imbizo”
http://www.facebook.com/bookmarks/groups#!/groups/septembernationalimbizo/
The SNI is by the people, for the people, holding politicians accountable.
Read more on the People’s Manifesto here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/tuesday-may-31-2011-peoples-manifesto.html! This manifesto is available in English/Zulu/Tswana/Afrikaans.
The registration period for the 2011 Imbizo is open, check this link out: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/sni-2011-registration.html
3. National book week is scheduled to take place at various spots around South Africa from 5 to 10 September. National Book Week aims to promote literacy and celebrate reading.
4. On the heritage month theme, Fezekile Futhwa in his piece explores the Sotho language, read more from him here: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-lesotho-lexicology-is-incorrect.htm
5. Peter Mahase reviews the AfroConscious Journal 2010: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/09/afroconscious-journal-review-peter.html
6. Make sure to check out the poetry posted on the Afrikan Poets and Writers group wall by Ohene Ampofo Anti: http://uwritewhatulike.blogspot.com/2011/08/born-free-ohene-yaw-ampofo-anti.html
What are you reading? What are YOU reading? Do you have a book you would like to recommend? Share!
What are you writing? If YOU are not reading are you atleast writing? This month’s challenge is to pen a piece that is centered on HERITAGE and NATURE.
If you have any literature centred news/event/project you want to spread to many, you can post it to the Facebook group wall: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65172951976
YOU can also become a contributor to the UWWUL blog and share with multitudes, contact me for that.
Thank YOU all for the support on this blog, page views so far 4454. To the new members: I would like to welcome YOU home!
Literally yours,
Vuyokazi
AfroConscious Journal Review - Peter Mahase
I loved the journal in general. Beautiful peace of work! It is amazing how much you learn from just a few pages you read. Good African literature. It also opens a window for fellow African readers to know fellow African writers, well-known and unknown. Good connections can rise from these.
The introduction was quite relevant and eye-opening to any average reader. It made the whole journal worth the reading.
I personally enjoyed the poem, “Ke mo Bonetse”, I wouldn’t mind hearing it performed live on any stage. Even a youtube feature would be quite appeasing. I think it would deliver well in spoken word as much as it did it written verse, if not better. If the poet is a good performance poet, that is. Pass my regards to the poet. Same applies to your poem, Lest We Forget. Let me say, I just have a thing for poetry in vernacular and conscious writings in general.
The Rebirth of Ananse – another highlight! I love the story.
The skill of the writers as well as the authenticity (I believe), makes the journal worth reading. You look forward to the next story because you want to read another different mind. Which is what’s major, if you ask me.
The diversity of the general, also gives a broad selection for different moods/personalities and places.
The content in the journal is quite satisfactory. The major challenge in the journal is with the design and layout. Below I outline the key areas to revisit for the next issue.
Notes of Contributors: I believe it would be resourceful to have contacts (either facebook, twitter, or w-mail contacts of the contributors given there).
Personal: well, as my title says, this one is a bit personal. You may disregard it if you wish. I got the intention of “U Write What You Like” as being about being free to say whatever, whenever, so I didn’t go through Fezekile Futhwa’s poem/article on Christianity as to avoid being offended. I did skim through it though and came through lines such as those where he says Christianity is a commercial religion etc. With all due respect to his opinion, I thought I should say that some of this stuff may be offensive. But if that’s the intent, I have no problem. That means we should be open to take any other criticism of any other religion, race, etc disregarding who is in it. I think freedom of speech should be allowed but we should see the lines of offense as well. Like I said, it’s just my opinion.
The major suggestion I think would be to get someone to work on the layout and design of the whole journal. That is except if it is your field of focus and you want to take on the challenge.
The introduction was quite relevant and eye-opening to any average reader. It made the whole journal worth the reading.
I personally enjoyed the poem, “Ke mo Bonetse”, I wouldn’t mind hearing it performed live on any stage. Even a youtube feature would be quite appeasing. I think it would deliver well in spoken word as much as it did it written verse, if not better. If the poet is a good performance poet, that is. Pass my regards to the poet. Same applies to your poem, Lest We Forget. Let me say, I just have a thing for poetry in vernacular and conscious writings in general.
The Rebirth of Ananse – another highlight! I love the story.
The skill of the writers as well as the authenticity (I believe), makes the journal worth reading. You look forward to the next story because you want to read another different mind. Which is what’s major, if you ask me.
The diversity of the general, also gives a broad selection for different moods/personalities and places.
The content in the journal is quite satisfactory. The major challenge in the journal is with the design and layout. Below I outline the key areas to revisit for the next issue.
Notes of Contributors: I believe it would be resourceful to have contacts (either facebook, twitter, or w-mail contacts of the contributors given there).
Personal: well, as my title says, this one is a bit personal. You may disregard it if you wish. I got the intention of “U Write What You Like” as being about being free to say whatever, whenever, so I didn’t go through Fezekile Futhwa’s poem/article on Christianity as to avoid being offended. I did skim through it though and came through lines such as those where he says Christianity is a commercial religion etc. With all due respect to his opinion, I thought I should say that some of this stuff may be offensive. But if that’s the intent, I have no problem. That means we should be open to take any other criticism of any other religion, race, etc disregarding who is in it. I think freedom of speech should be allowed but we should see the lines of offense as well. Like I said, it’s just my opinion.
The major suggestion I think would be to get someone to work on the layout and design of the whole journal. That is except if it is your field of focus and you want to take on the challenge.
Why Lesotho Lexicology is incorrect
Why Lesotho Lexicology is incorrect
Sesotho was largely an unwritten language in the 15th century, as most of its vocabulay was spoken and acted. Art was more in visual art than anything else. Oral literature was prominent and the large part of Sesotho literature was transmitted this way.
Today, there are two versions of Sesotho, one used in Lesotho and the other used in South Africa.
The issue with these variations has more to do with written literature than with Sesotho itself. The spoken Sesotho is exactly the same between Lesotho and South Africa. This has to be correct because Lesotho was larger than it currently is pre-colonisation. A large part of Lesotho was confiscated by South Africa, rendering Lesotho what it is today geographically and culturally.
The phenomena of christian missionaries in Lesotho in the early 1800s saw the introduction of the written word to Basotho through the bible. It is the white missionaries who translated the bible into Sesotho, and it is the white missionaries who created the first ever Sesotho lexicology at Morija. It is important to understand the consequence of this orgin of written Sesotho as it directly affects how Sesotho is practiced in Lesotho today.
The spoken Sesotho that the missionaries practiced was far below the required standard of a competent Sesotho speaker. And this incompetence is obvious in the way they pronounced Sesotho, resulting in how they later wrote Sesotho; which became the standard Sesotho of Lesotho. Their incompetence may be viewed as insignificant at first glance, but had larger than expected consequences for Sesotho.
What makes their pronounciations wrong was their use of the following alphabets for things which the alphabets do not represent. For example, they used l instead of d. They used oa instead of wa. They used a instead of ya. The result of this error is that in Lesotho d has been completely phased out, almost. Meaning has also been compromised in particular contexts where it is not clear whether it is meant as a, wa or ya. They use ch to represent tjh, despite the fact that phonetically c does not exist in Sesotho.
Phoenetically, Sesotho only has 23 letter of the alphabet, which omits the letters c, x and z.
This is the Sesotho that is still used in Lesotho today, over forty years after independence.
Since Lesotho and South Africa are so closely connected, for historical reasons including the fact that you families split between Lesotho and South Africa, you are faced with the challenge of fully understanding the written Lesotho Sesotho.
People have argued that the Sesotho written in Lesotho should take precedence over the South African one, but how can a language whose founding assumptions are incorrect become standard? Why can't the language planners and practioners in Lesotho correct this obvious error?
I am interested to learn what others think of this state of sad affairs. The fact that Sesotho is spoken in two countries by such a large population, this would mean that Basotho are much larger than accounted for presently. Sesotho must be standard all countries unless there are dialects of Sesotho, which simply do not exist. There are dialects of the larger language group called Sotho, but not Sesotho. Sotho as a language group includes Sesotho, Setswana and Sepedi. And Setwana particularly has got many dialects.
Should the Sesotho written in Lesotho be allowed to continue to exist in current form? I think not.
Article by Fezekile Futhwa
Email:fezekile@futhwa.org.za
Web: www.futhwa.org.za
Basotho Heritage: sesotho.nalane.org.za
amaXhosa Heritage: xhosa.nalane.org.za
amaZulu Heritage: zulu.nalane.org.za
Arts:www.bhala.co.za
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