Upstart 10 Nov 09.pdf - Grocott's Mail

UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 20091THE PAPER FOR YOUTH BY YOUTHTuesday 10 November 2009 Vol.2 No.5On Saturday 7 November the second group of Upstart members enjoyed a game drive at Kwantu Private Game ReserveWhat’s inside...SCIENCE IS FUN!... Page 4How does your gardengrow...read all about it onpage5!The life and times ofMiss Mary Waters...Pages 6 and 7

2 UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 2009EDITORIALIt's that time of the yearagain when young peopleall over the country are hardat work studying for their finalexaminations. We wish them thebest of luck and are sure thatthey are all doing their best tosucceed.This is the last edition of Upstartfor the year and as you cansee our members have had anexciting and interesting timeputting this edition together. Ithas been encouraging to watchour members develop theirpotential over the past year andrewarding to see their confidenceand skills develop. We have hadparents coming into the Upstartoffice to find out exactly whattheir kids are involved in andtestaments from both parentsand teachers prove involvementin Upstart has benefited themenormously, especially inimproving their reading andwriting skills.This project would not have beenpossible without the generoussupport of the community.Besides the financial support fromlocal businesses and the MakanaMunicipality, the goodwillextended by the Grahamstowncommunity and the RhodesUniversity community hasensured the success of Upstart.We thank all the Upstart membersfor their commitment to theproject and look forward toseeing them again next year.Happy holiday!Shireen Badat & NompumezoMakinanaScary, challenging but rewarding. Rhodes studentvolunteers speak about their experience ofworking with Upstart during the year...started off scared, notI knowing what I was gettingmyself into! Working withteenagers is not an easy task.A letter from the heartto the Upstart youthnewspaperparticipantsFrom Likhaya Ngandi, SpecialProgrammes Officer, MakanaMunicipalitywas one of the first pupils from the township schools to attend the National School’sI Festival. It was due to the unwavering support and encouragement I received from mythen English teacher, Mr Collin Steyn. The school environment also contributed a lot to allthe extra curriculum activities that I participated in while I was at school.I can proudly say that because of that initial exposure I did many different things, meetingmany different people of different hues and colours and visiting countless places. Someof these places I learnt about at school and I never thought in my wildest dreams I wouldever set my foot on them.I could not believe my eyes when I landed at the airport in New York one June morningin 2001. It all started with the activities that I involved myself in when I was young and atschool. I was chosen to represent one of the university initiatives that were taking placein South Africa at the time.I am proud of the fact that it seems that all of you who are participating in the UpstartYouth Newspaper are following in our footsteps. I am also proud to learn that some ofyou are from families who are really struggling to meet all your daily needs but that didnot deter you from participating in the programme.Can you imagine the day you are asked to interview the President of the Republic ofSouth Africa or one of the world renowned icons or celebrities. Imagine the feeling ofanxiety you may have just before Oprah Winfrey asks you to come and join her on stagebefore the interview of your life. Have a picture of yourself crisscrossing the world in aplane on a mission to cover an international event. See yourself receiving a journalismaward for a sterling job that you have done.Imagine yourself being called all over the world to give your journalistic opinion on animportant issue regarding South Africa. People from all walks of life make their opinionsbased on what you have written in various newspaper or magazines.Andisiwe NgogelaThe project actually taughtme a lot in terms of theimportance of reading andthat knowledge is really animportant aspect of one's life.The Upstart leaners made thewhole experience worthwhile.Going there on Wednesdaysmade me look forward toworking with learners who arehungry for education and areworking towards improvingand knowing that I play arole in improving their lives ishumbling. Working togethertowards the Mary Watersproject was such a greatexperience, it shed a bit of lighton my part about the historyof Grahamstown. I had a greatexperience - I wouldn't trade itfor anything. Andisiwe NgogelaNtsika KitsiliA few weeks of knowing eachother and establishing trustbetween us I opened up tothem and so did they too.Their eagerness and desire tolearn manifested itself into somuch energy and excitementwhich filled the room. Watchingthese kids use every lessonthat was prepared for themas a challenge for them torealise their full potential andcapabilities was just beautifuland amazing. Ntsika KitsiliProject manager: Shireen Badat, Publishing Intern: Nompumezo Makinana,Layout and Design: Cathy Lambley, Printed by MEDIA 24But all the above can be destroyed in one second if you indulge in drug and alcoholabuse. Using these two cursed substances has seen many a star or celebrity destroyingtheir lives in dark corners. Using drugs and alcohol is never cool and it will never befashionable.Instead live your life to the full by involving yourself in all the right things that youhave already started to participate in. The rewards you will receive from doing such areimaginable and they are sometimes not in your recognition only but your communitygets to share in the spoils and the limelight of your success.My dear friends, take the first part of this letter not as self-indulgence on my part but asa word of motivation encouraging you to do more.Have a wonderful festive season, a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.Remember next year, 2010, we are hosting the entire world. Hoza!! World Soccer Cup.Laduuuuma!!At the beginning ofthe year I signedup with the RhodesUniversity Centre forSocial Development.I thought that thiswould be a great wayof getting involvedwith the Grahamstowncommunity and helpingout others.I joined the Upstart groupas I felt that it was anBen Schermbrucker and Faizal Badatinnovative initiative that promotedreading and writing and helpedlearners develop these skills in afun way. As a volunteer I helpedUpstart members with creativewriting at Nathaniel Nyaluza aswell as computer lessons at NtabaMaria. As a Rhodes student beingpart of Upstart expanded myhorizons beyond campus and intothe township schools. It has givenme great joy to watch the learners’knowledge grow over the pastyear.Faizal Badat

Lwando Manyonta, Mziyanda Yawa, Sanele Ntshingana, Odwa Nzuzo, Grade 10, Nathaniel Nyaluza HighSchool Hilton Snyman and Xolela Makhasi, Grade 9, Ntaba Maria Primary SchoolUPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 20093LETTERS TO US...SEND YOUR COMMENTS AND LETTERS TO GROCOTT’S MAIL: 40 HIGH STREET,GRAHAMSTOWN OR EMAIL TO UPSTART@GROCOTTS.CO.ZADEAR UPSTARTI am writing this letter totell you about educationand how it can help usas the youth. Educationcan get you to so manyplaces in life and youcan become well-knownaround the world. It isthere for everyone andyou do not need moneyto have it. If you do nothave money, you canapply for a bursary fromthe school that youwant. We need to learnas the youth in order tobe able to take care ofour future world. Thereare classes out there forexample, the KhanyaMaths and ScienceClub that you can goto instead of playingaround on weekendsdoing nothing. You needto involve yourself inorder to learn. Educationis not always about penand paper and a desk,but it is also about goingout there learning moreabout your world. Bydoing more, your mind isgrowing every day andin a healthy way. I alwaysbelieve that you canget education until thelast drop of your blood.Please youth go andlearn so that you can bethe good pillars of thisworld in the future.From Athenkosi OfficeGrade 10Nombulelo High SchoolDEAR UPSTARTI’m writing this letter totell you a little aboutthe Makana Junior CityCouncil (JCC) and thethings we’ve done thisyear. The reason for thisis because I’m sure thatmany people don’t knowabout the JCC and somemight even like to getinvolved with it in thefuture. Our main projectthis year has been topromote recycling andthe use of the “two bagrecycling system”. Wehave visited the MasihluleProject site and receiveda talk all about howrecycling works from MrsAngie Thompson. We alsowent on a teambuildingouting to Hobbiton-on-Fairewood sponsored bySoroptomist International.This was a fun-fi lled daythat presented us withmany challenges, but wemanaged to get throughthem together. Anotherhighlight was attendinga Senior MakanaCouncil meeting. HereDA Councilor MichaelWhisson gave us abriefi ng on what happensat these meetings andhe went through theagenda of the meetingwith us. It was a goodlearning experience andwe value the effort fromCouncilor Whisson. Wehave just recently heldour end of year functionand are eagerly planninga fundraiser for earlynext year involving a carwash. Hold thumbs thatwe are successful! I leaveyou with our motto “Wemust run faster or foreverstay behind”.Danielle WiblinJunior City Council MayorGrade 11DEAR UPSTARTI'd like to take thisopportunity and thankyou. I've always wantedto be a journalist and yougave me a chance andI'd like to thank you forthat. I have seen Upstartmembers and thereare lots of them so I wassuggesting if we couldhave an Upstart teamfor example an Upstartnetball team, soccerteam, rugby team,basketball team, etc.I'm looking forward tothese sports and I'm surethat the other Upstartmembers will love thisidea.From ThandokuhleQakamfanaGrade 9Mary Waters High SchoolDEAR UPSTARTI would like to send mylove to Thando, Tamie,Andiswa, C'nava, Lelam,Lee-roy, Lonwabo,the Archie Mbolekwateachers and everyonewho knows me.Xolelwa DonyeliGrade 8Archie Mbolekwa SeniorPrimary SchoolEya, my name is AndisiweMiya. I'd like to say goodluck to all those who willbe writing exams andstay focused.Andisiwe MiyaGrade 10Victoria Girls' High SchoolHERE IS TO MAKINGPEOPLE FAMOUS!Hi my name is KimPrince, I'd like to sayhi to Leigh Werner.Thanks for being a bestfriend.Kimberly PrinceGrade 10Victoria Girls' High SchoolHey Upstart. I just wantto holla at my petosmy twinny Naledi, Lita,Zikie, Lebo, Scibar,Hopie, Lindo, Ferrie,Anda Popsie, Sibu,Luvie, Naledi N, Vuyiand all the VG Grade10s you guys rock.Mbali KalipaGrade 10Victoria Girls' High SchoolAs young people in South Africa we come across many challenges and sticky situations. We constantlyhave to make decisions on choosing the right friends, choosing the right subjects at school and followingour dreams.That is the reason why we must take a moment and look at ourselves and change our lifestyles as youngpeople. Many young people expose themselves to a lot of bad things and sometimes the outcome of thatis even worse. It is important that we fix our behaviour before it is too late. Choosing the right friends isimportant. Choose good friends, friends that will have a good influence on you. You must make sure thatyour parents approve of your friends. We know that everybody has the right to choose their own friendsbut it is really important that your parents know and approve of your friends.Many learners when they get to high school and they have to choose subjects they get confused. Somechoose their subjects according to what their friends are choosing. It is not very wise to choose subjectsbecause of your friends' influence. The first thing you must do when choosing your subjects is to knowyour strengths and your weaknesses in a particular subject. If you know you are good in other subjectsthan those you wanted to choose, rather choose the ones you are good at in Grade 10. You must becareful of combining subjects that will have an effect when you are applying for university. A typicalexample would be mixing Accounting, Geography and Consumer Studies and if you want to do a courseat university you might not be able to take it because some of these subjects you chose were not a goodcombination. It is wise to combine subjects that you know will match what you want to study at tertiarylevel. If a certain subject is not working for you change it while you still can, choose and make the rightdecisions for your education.As young people we have a very special thing- our dreams. Without our dreams we have no future andwe need to follow our dreams. In order to do that we need to be disciplined and know where we aregoing in life. It is important that each of us have our own dreams and not follow other people's dreams. Itis sometimes difficult to follow our dreams because there are people out there who will not be happy tosee us succeed in life. School is an important part of achieving our future dreams and goals and we wouldadvise all youth to stay in school and to work hard in trying to achieve these dreams. No matter whatpeople say stick to your dream and make it become a reality.

4 UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 2009The ins and outs of MAKANA JUNIOR CITY COUNCILUpstart members, Sinethemba Baxana and Zintle Ngoyi interviewing Junior City Council Mayor Danielle WiblinWhat is the Junior CityCouncil?It is a community basedproject, it is not like theMakana Council and wedon’t have any real power.How is the councilelected?There must be tworepresentatives from eachschool. Those that areinterested apply to theteacher involved and theteacher will decide whocan be on the council.If you want to be amember of the council,what must you do?The school teachers decidewho will be on the council.A fax is sent out to all theschools every year invitinglearners to apply for thecouncil.When is the next councilgoing to be appointed?The elections are held atthe end of October everyyear when we have aclosing function.How many learners areon the council?Not a lot of people areinterested so we haveabout 30 learners on thecouncil.What projects areyou involved in as thecouncil?We do a lot of recyclingprojects, clean-ups and binpainting. At the momentwe are working with theMasihlule project, which isa recycling project. We willalso be doing a fundraiser,a car wash and we haveattended a few Makanacouncil meetings just tosee how the municipality isworking.Is it fun being on thecouncil?Sometimes it is, but it’s notwhen only a few peoplespeak at the meetings.Which positions are therein the council?There’s mayor, which I am.There’s treasurer AndiswaPeter from Riebeek EastCollege, deputy mayorJordan Maze from StAndrews College andsecretary Portia Moemedifrom Hoërskool PJ Olivier.Do you choose thecouncil based on age?Yes, of the tworepresentatives from eachschool one must be fromGrade 10 and the otherfrom Grade 11.Are there adults involvedin this council?Yes, there is only Mrs Louwwho helps us where it isneeded and she startedthis project. But we runthe meetings ourselvesand we meet once everymonth.By Sinethemba Baxana, Grade9 and Zintle Ngoyi, Grade 8Nathaniel Nyaluza High SchoolScience is funThe mobile ScienceLaboratory is a RhodesUniversity Outreach projectwhich was started in 2002by Mrs Rhona Duncan. Themobile lab brings a sciencelaboratory to 13 schoolsaround Grahamstown so thatthe learners can have handsonpractical experience. Theproject has one vehicle andone set of equipment thatthey use to service all 13schools and the project coordinatorCheryl Craig workswith two assistants NomhleNdubela and Nkosana Yeyeas well as Kelly Long whoworks as administrativeassistant. Upstart membersfrom Archie Mbolekwa SeniorPrimary School interviewedNomhle Ndubela who is aChief Laboratory Assistant atthe Mobile Science Lab.Who benefits from thisinitiative?The learners and teachers atthe schools we visit.What inspired you to jointhis project?I matriculated at NombuleloHigh School in 2001 and sowhile I was a learner therewere no equipment. We usedto memorise the practicalsfrom the text books. Alsoour teachers used to dodemonstrations for us.Which subjects did youlearn at school?Maths, Science and BiologyWhich schools do you workwith?We work with High Schoolsas well as higher primaryschools.How do you choose thepracticals you are going todo with the learners?We take what is in thecurriculum and do it. InGrade 12 we focus onwhat is required in CASS (Continuous Assesment).What difficulties do youface each and everyday onthis job?Sometimes when bothlearners and teachers aren'tcooperating for exampleteachers book us to come totheir schools for a lesson andwhen we get there he or sheis not there. The other side iswhen learners make a lot ofnoise whilst we are teaching.What do you love aboutthis job?Being in the classroom andhelping learners.What special message canyou give to us as youngLearners at Archie Mbolekwa school have fun with the Mobile Science Labpeople?You have to learn and workhard so that you can besuccesful.If someone wants yourhelp or wants to researchsomething scientific, howcan they find you?They can contact me directlyat: Nomhle at 071 032 1617or go to info@mobilelab.

6 UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 2009MISS MARY WATERS...teacher, advisor, mentor, poet, playwright and formidable womanMiss Mary WatersMISS MARY WATERSMary Waters was a heavysmoker and always broke thecigarette in half with one halfin her mouth and the otherend of the cigarette in her coat.Unlike the other staff memberswho gathered for coffee in theprincipal's office, which was justthe corner of the main room,Miss Waters got her coffee fromthe railway station where it wasserved in one of those whitecups with a green springbok onthe side.Miss Waters lived in a flat in OakTerrace. She had a sister whomshe did not see eye to eye with,but nothing is known of herprivate life.In the eyes of the parentsMiss Waters was an excellentteacher, as she spent manyhours drilling her pupils for theirexaminations. She had the greatability of spotting questionsfor her pupils. For the colouredpeople, old and young alike, shewas much more than a teacher.Besides, teaching in a vigorousstyle that would have worn outmost people, she was an adviserto all on matters personaland educational. She helpedmaterially and financially, andall the time she was buildingup morale and was available foralmost any type of good workat almost any hour of the day ornight.Gcobisa Mjele Grade 9HER DEATHMary Waters went to Englandand on the way her ship stoppedin St Helena. There she learntthat the school was short ofteachers so she stayed behind.Mary Waters was considered a fierce, eccentric woman. In her time women did not study, nor work,nor hold strong opinions, nor care little for fashion and smoke like a chimney - Mary Waters did itall. She was the principal of the Rhodes Practicing School, the first junior secondary school to beset up in the Albany Road area. The school was founded by the Rhodes Department of Educationto provide workplace experience for both lecturers and students. According to Marcus Solomon,a student from those days, this meant that “we had brilliant teachers. Prof Morton taught us,Prof Gruber trained the choir, Prof Thompson taught English and all the students were there toteach us as well.” Rhodes Practicing School became a high school in 1963 and was named after itsfirst principal, Mary Waters. Read this page created by the Upstart members of Mary Waters HighSchool for all the details......What we researched about Miss Mary WatersEach day she climbed up anddown the famous steps knownas Jacob's ladder, between herdigs on the shoreline and theschool on the heights.From St Helena she wrote abrisk letter to the dramaticsociety of St Andrew's CollegeGrahamstown. She wished toproduce a nativity play, andJacob's Ladder on St Helenawould they please despatchtheir angel’s wings at once?St Andrews had to report themoths had got in first.In 1961 (we think), Mary Watersdied of a heart attack, half-wayup Jacob's ladder. She was 75years old when she died.Ayaneliswa Diko Grade 9HER CAREERMary Waters had a very variedcareer in the field of education:as staff member at Holy CrossMission in Pondoland; asprincipal of the Native TrainingSchool at Engcobo; as teacherof English at Durban TechnicalCollege; as Inspector of NativeGirls' Education in Rhodesia; asVice-principal of the CradockTraining College; as principal ofSt George's School in Windhoek;as inspector in Method atZonnebloem Training collegefor Coloureds; as lecturer inEducation Method and teacherat Rhodes University PractisingSchool, which is now Mary Waterssecondary school. These wereonly some of the appointmentsshe held from which she derivedher very comprehensive graspof the whole education systemof southern Africa.Mary Waters worked for aboutseven years on the staff of acoloured training school in CapeTown “organising demonstrationclasses which were attendednot only by the students, butby outsiders e.g lecturers fromStellenbosch and teachersfrom Cape Town.” Late in thethirties she became principalof St George's in Windhoek, a poorly equipped church school. TheBishop of Damaraland reported that it showed a remarkable growthin numbers and efficiency “under her forceful personality andastounding powers of organisation.” She resigned during the war toteach remedial handwork to wounded soldiers. When she retired in1954 she continued to teach in St Clements, a coloured school. Sheretired again at age 70.Nomvuyo Kiti Grade 10 and Iviwe Kila Grade 9STORIES THAT MARY PUBLISHEDIn 1919 she joined the staff of Cradock Training College where shepublished uNongqawuse (1924) the first play in isiXhosa, on thetopic of the cattle killing prescribed by the prophetess Nongqause.Drawing on her childhood among the Xhosa, she also wrote Fairytalestold by Nontsomi and Amabali Neziganeko ZokulinganiswaZasemaphandleni (1953). These and other works make her a stillunacknowledged pioneer in Xhosa literature and South AfricandramaSiphosethu Matya Grade 9HER FAMILYMary Waters came from Newcastle, England. Her family came toAfrica as missionaries to spread Christianity in Africa. Her grandfatherwas Archdeacon, her father was a reverend. Mary grew up underconstrained circumstances as money was a problem. She likedteaching and she was industrious with a sense of humour. She was amissionary that was very different from the stereotype.Ntombomzi Makubalo Grade 8ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSUpstart would like to thank the following peoplefor their help with the research for the story ofMary Waters: Prof Paul Walters, Marcus Solomon,Advocate Jock McConnachie and the staff at theNational English Literary Museum (NELM). Wealso read articles written by Prof Guy Butler, Mr.Edwin Prince and Mrs. Fleur Way-Jones.

UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 20097MISS MARY WATERS...teacher, advisor, mentor, poet, playwright and formidable womanOlive Schreiner wasborn on the 24th ofMarch 1885 in Wittenbergen,Basotuland. Her family wasa poor missionary familyand she was the ninth oftwelve children. Her fatherwas German and her motherwas English. Olive Schreineris most famous for her book,The Story of an African Farmwhich was known worldwideas the first real description oflife in South Africa.Olive Schreiner died of aheart attack on December11, 1920. She was buriedwith her daughter and a dogin a stone tomb in BuffelsHoek, Cradock. Thousands ofpeople attended the funeralincluding her friend MaryWaters.Mary Waters Upstart members with current principal Mr WesselsWhy we wanted to find out about Mary Waters“I wanted to knowthe history of myschool so having todo research aboutMiss Waters wastotally awesome andalso very interesting.I wanted to know thehistory of my schoolso having to doresearch about MissWaters was totallyawesome and alsovery interesting. ..”What we learnt when trying to find out about Mary Waters?We learnt that we can'talways trust text books - wecouldn't find out the date ofher death. We found threedates.We had to go to differentplaces and interview peopleto find information (NELM,interviewed Marcus Solomonwho was her student,I wanted to know the personour school was namedafter, I also wanted to knowMary Waters as a person herchildhood, growth and life.Ntombomzi MakubaloGrade 8We wanted to know how shewas as a person, how theschool was started and why itwas named after her.Sinoxolo KamanaGrade 9I was interested in doingresearch on Mary Watersbecause it is my school and Iwas so excited to know aboutthe history of the school.Some people say the schoolwas named after a womanand others say that it was acombination of two words,Mary from the Bible and Holysearched on the internet,wrote a letter to Grocott'sMail asking for information.We could not find anyinformation on the internet.We could not find a lot ofinformation on her personallife, the dates were difficultto work out and she has noliving family.Waters. So I was confusedand that's why we starteddigging for informationBabalwa NquruGrade 9We want to know morehistory about our school sowe can know what happenedway before we came to MaryWaters. I wanted to knowwho Mary Waters was, whenshe started teaching andhow long she was a teacher.Chuma NxakalaGrade 10I wanted to know the historyof my school so having todo research about MissWaters was totally awesomeand also very interesting.Now I know how to answerquestions about the historyof my school when peopleWe found out about a lotof other people like theother professors who wereher colleagues and OliveSchreiner.We found out about an islandcalled St Helena.We found out it is not easy todo research.Mary Waters Upstartersask me.Ayaneliswa DikoGrade 9We wanted to know whatkind of person she was whileshe was still the head of ourschool.Nomvuyo KitiGrade 10Some people think Miss MaryWaters was a boy, we wantedto know if that was true.Phumlani FatyiGrade 8I was curious about why myschool was named MaryWaters and when I found outI got interested in findingout more about her. I alsowanted to know more aboutthe history of my school.Gcobisa Mjele Grade 9Interview withMarcus Solomona student ofMary WatersMarcus Solomon was oneof Miss Mary Waters'students when she wasstill teaching at the RhodesPracticing School. MissWaters taught him Historyand Geography, while at thesame time she was principaland in charge of the generalrunning of the school.In his interview with Upstartmembers Mr Solomonsaid that Miss Waters wasa very good teacher, verydemanding and alwaysinsisted that you do yourhomework. She likedrepeating herself and doingrevision with her students.He describes her as awonderful teacher not onlyin academic studies, she alsohelped them with gettingbursaries. He said he is nowin Cape Town because ofMiss Waters. She was nota person you could talk towhen you had problemsbecause she would get tooinvolved with your life. Heremembers that she onlyhad one coat, a blue one, notbecause she was too poorto afford another coat butbecause she was so busyteaching and taking care ofother people to bother aboutherself.Babalwa Nquru and GcobisaMjele Grade 9

10 UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 2009CHAMBER CONCERTreceived mixed reviews from Upstart membersUpstart members were invited by Mariel Ilusorio to attend two chamber concerts held at the St Andrew’s DrillHall. Learners from Ntaba Maria and Nathaniel Nyaluza and Archie Mbolekwa schools were privileged to havetheir first taste of chamber music. We wish to thank Mariel and Friends for sponsoring their tickets and transport.In our everyday lives, noteveryone gets to go toa chamber music concert.The Upstart members wereso lucky because they wereinvited to go to the chambermusic concert at St Andrew'sCollege on October 22. I wasone of the lucky 15 Upstartmembers invited. The concertwas enjoyable and it wasexciting to listen to the musicplayed.The first half of the concertwas for the memory of W.A.Mozart. The songs Allegro,Adagio, Rondeau etc. Theinstrument players playedminiature quartet for oboeand strings and lastly in thelast half of the concert a pianoconcert no2 (string quintentversion) for F.Chopin. Theconcert was great becauseeven though I knew not evena single song the musicianswere playing, I was able toadapt and accept the natureof chamber music.The best song was theVivace and the quasi Lentoand the worst song wasthe Rondeau allegro. In allthe songs the audiencereacted appreciatively,although they sometimesclapped when there wasno need to. For example,when the concert was beingintroduced every single thingthat Mariel Ilusorio said theaudience clapped whichwas unnecessary and timeconsuming.In conclusion, I would adviseother people to watch thisconcert because it brings allthe happy memories. I wouldgive this concert 5 out of 5.That's how good it was. Tobe truly speaking the concertwas “worth a watch”and I canbet you on that.Review by Thandiswa NqowanaGrade 9Ntaba Maria Primary Schoolthink that from myI experience the concertwas boring because I didn'treally understand what itwas about. I really really feltbored because I thought thatwe were going to somethingvery interesting like a gospelcompetition, drama or poetry.I really didn't like the concertwe went to.When we got there MarielIlusorio stood in the frontand introduced herself andthen the performers took tothe stage. The instrumentsthat they played were piano,violin, and viola, all orchestrainstruments. The instrumentswere pretty familiar butthe songs that they playedwere completely notunderstandable, especiallyto me. The artists were JuanMunoz, Susan Andile Kunja,Mariel Ilusorio, DorothyHolder and Barbara Kennedy.The concert was at St AndrewsCollege at a beautiful smallhall and the music they playedis called chamber music.It was not a bad concert butit was kind of boring to mebecause I didn't understanda thing about the music theyplayed. I saw a lot of whitepeople there who were reallyconcentrating on the musicbeing played. You neededto pay a lot of attention tothe music being played. Isaw that some women wereso captured by the musicthat it seemed they werealmost going to cry. We wereso bored me and my friendOdwa. Every time we weretold to shhh because we werejust talking and complainingabout what a waste of time,time that we could have beendoing something at homewith.I suggest that people whoare interested in musicalinstruments go to the concert,but for people like me whoTV the whole day and watchGenerations should not go.This is because they will justmake one hell of a noise orsleep while the concert is stillon.Review by Mawande TyatyaGrade 10Nathaniel Nyaluza High SchoolJuan, Mariel and friendswere at the St Andrew's hallto host their last performanceof chamber music on 22October. The people thatwere performing there knewwhat they were doing andthey had passion for it. Theymade me want to cry andeveryone in the hall wastouched and happy about theperformance. It was a goodconcert and encouraging tooto put your foot down andfocus on what you really lovethan what you like. Almostmade me change my mindabout becoming a doctor orlawyer.The first song was Allegro,it didn't hit me that muchbecause I was still wondering“is this what we really camehere for?” and the first songbored me. I wasn't touched atall by it. Then came the secondone which was promising andthe others that followed suchas Adagio, Rondeau, Allegroetc.The audience were veryhumbled and they didn'twant to move even an inch.You'll be told to sit stilland listen because theywere concentrating andresponding to the music verygently. The audience reactedgood and no mistakes weremade by the performers, theywere cool and calm.If it was up to me I would'veinvited everyone in mycommunity to come andenjoy the chamber music.Mariel and friends with Upstart membersUpstart members enjoying tea at the concerttheir feelings and chambermusic is what makes themfocused and keen towardseveryone.Review by Sinethemba BaxanaGrade 9Nathaniel Nyaluza High School

UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 200911Yoga, HIV/AIDS and Mandela/Rhodes ScholarsUpstart members wereinvited to the Mandela/Rhodes Scholars conferenceon 6 September to listen toZackie Achmat’s openingaddress. The Sakhuluntucultural group gave us awarm welcome with theirchoir performance. Afterthe choir performance, theRhodes Vice-chancellorwelcomed and introducedZackie Achmat.Zackie Achmat and NelsonMandelaZackie, who belongs to theTreatment Action Campaign,talked about his life story andUpstart members fromArchie Mbolekwa, TEMMrwetyana and Nombuleloschools went to a 'MakingPeace' exhibition about ChiefAlbert Luthuli and formerPresident Nelson Mandela atthe Albany Museum. Whenwe first arrived we weretaken by Mr Matshoba toa room where he showedand told us about NelsonMandela and Albert Luthuli'shistory and the difficult timesthat they have been through.He told about the similaritiesbetween them. For example,they both joined the armedstruggle, they were botharrested for treason in 1956and they both fought forpeace.We were shown poems thatwere written about the goodthings that the two men havedone for our country. Whenthey were arrested Mandelawas sentenced to spend timein prison while Luthuli wasgiven house arrest. Mandelastudied while he was inprison and got his degree inlaw and he was also a gardenboy along with his comrades.Mr Mandela and Luthulinever gave up even though itwas a difficult time for themhis journey with HIV/AIDS,how he grew up poor andhow he almost died a coupleof times because he stoppedtaking his medication. Andhe gave a special shout outMandela Rhodes scholars and Upstart members do yogaNobel Peace Prize winners Mandela and Luthuliin prison. Mandela's friendsin prison wanted him toescape but he told them thathe would wait for the whitegovernment to come set himfree all on their own becausehe was an innocent man.During apartheid when whitepeople saw you forming apower fist you were takento prison because the fistmeans 'amandla ngawethu'(the power is ours). Whitepeople believed that theywere made by God andblack people were not fromGod. Therefore they treatedblack people in a bad way.Students were forced to dotheir studies in Afrikaansand they could only becometeachers, nurses and socialworkers if they did not wantto be garden boys anddomestic workers. They weretold that those were jobs forblack people and that is whatMandela and Luthuli foughtagainst.Luthuli won a Nobel Peaceprize while he was still underhouse arrest and he wasonly allowed to go accepthis prize and come back. Hedied in 1967 when a trainhit him. Mandela continuedto the Upstart members andthat was very cool.Xolela Fatyi, Mawande Tyatyaand Lwando Manyonta Grade 10Nathaniel Nyaluza High Schoolfighting and was set free in1990. He was also given aNobel Peace Prize for makingpeace in South Africa. Nowwe are all equal in front ofthe law, it is not about beingblack or white, rich or poor, itis all about the freedom thatMandela and Luthuli broughtus. On April 27 1994, allSouth Africans voted for thefirst time and had a say in thegovernment.After the exhibition we weregiven exercises to do byMrs Nozipho Madinda. Oneof the exercises was aboutMandela's birthday whichis celebrated on 18 July. It iscelebrated by children andadults all over the world, butmostly in his home in Qunu.At his home they celebrateby cooking traditional foodand decorating his home intraditional decorations. Weas the citizens of South Africawere asked to celebratehis birthday by helpingpeople less fortunate for 67minutes everywhere. Maybeyou are wondering why 67minutes? It is because MrNelson Rholihlahla has beena political activist for 67 yearsthis year.The following day therewere four Mandela/Rhodesscholars who came toNathaniel Nyaluza to spendthe day with us. The afternoonstarted off with yoga andexercise, then we played thebroken telephone game.Later we played the planecrash game where they puta big poster on the boardwith a list of people to saveincluding a pregnant woman,an 80 year old doctor and adrug dealer. They told us wehad a few minutes to decidewhich people to save andeveryone chose according towho needed the most help.Then they showed us anotherposter that explained that thedrug dealer was your brotherand the pregnant wants anabortion and they told us tochoose who we would saveUpstart members at the Albany History Museumagain. I almost did not choosemyself. This exercise showedus that we need to think fastand that we need to thinkbefore making decisions. Wehad an awesome time and itwas helpful.Zimkitha Benni and Zintle NgoyiGrade 8 Nathaniel Nyaluza HighSchoolBy: Athenkosi Office Grade 10 Nombulelo High SchoolYanga Nohaji Grade 8 Archie Mbolekwa Senior Primary SchoolSibusiso Klaas Grade 9 Nombulelo High SchoolLutho Gqirhana Grade 9 Archie Senior Primary SchoolPhilasanda Skweyiya Grade 10 TEM Mrwetyana High SchoolDrawing by:Mcvay Boko

12 UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 2009POETRY...SCHOOLGIVE ME...THIS INSTITUTIONTORN LIVESI'M PROUDBzzz... bzzz wake up sleepyheadAn instant torch of worryReality seeps in a place thatwas once filled with fairytalesWhere there was oncedarkness, let there be lightPeaceful snores and warmcushions soaked in saliva willmake way forCrammed, stuffy classes andcold wooden desksLike tortoises high on ecstasyWe wobble our way inand out of classes, whereindoctrination beginsThat's blue not pink, badpublicity always lasts anddemocracy stinksWe're in a hurry, we're onthe go, what's the rush? Let'stake it slow.By Ayanda TwaniGrade 10Victoria Girls' High SchoolONLY HE KNOWSWho knows me?I think many people doWho knows me?Who knows what I am aboutto say?Who knows what I am aboutto do?Who knows my thoughts?Who knows what the futureholds for me?Who knew me before I wasborn?Who is the man who forgivesall of my sins?Who knows me?Only he knowsGod knowsBy Babalwa NquruGrade 9Mary Waters High SchoolGive me reasons don't giveme choiceGive me directions don't giveme the mop'Cause I'll keep on going thesame wayGive me life but don't live itfor meGive me mind but don't thinkthrough for me.By Sinethemba BaxanaGrade 9Nathaniel Nyaluza High SchoolHOW EVERHowever I lost youHowever I lost theone of my dreamsI lost the one whomI thought he wasThe one my life my soulHowever I never noticedHe took my heart with himHe ripped my heart, my soul,my bloodI never noticed how hebetrayed my lovemy trustI never noticed how he tookthe pieces of my lifewithout saying goodbyeI never noticed how thepiecesof my life were taken withoutlooking back you destroyedevery pieceof my only life I hadHowever the one of mydreamsIs the one who betrayed mylove and trustHowever I never noticed.By Chuma NxakalaGrade 10Mary Waters High SchoolWe walk in, we walk out, ofthis institution called schoolThis institution, so much likea psychiatric hospital withpadded wallsOnly, the walls here aren'tpaddedIn Maths class theybrainwash you with x+y=z-yIn Biology the DNA strandsyou study wrap around youlike a straightjacketThe electronegativity ofatoms in Science class iselectroshock therapy to yourbrainIn Life Orientation class theymake you safe for publicconsumptionSo you don't shock thecivilians when you are finallyreleasedThey keep you locked in,trying to conform youUntil the bell rings and youare releasedOnly to repeat the processthe next dayBy Jessica WentworthGrade 10Victoria Girls' High SchoolSCHOOLOnce upon a timeI think, a few years backYou caught the eye of myfatherAppealed to my motherWho wanted more for theirdaughterThan they'd had forthemselvesAt times being near youI s arduousBut I pick myself upWaryAnd meet youPrecious hopes enter my trainof thoughtAs I weigh the losses andgains of battles foughtThe pain which the strugglebroughtBreeds in torn heartsproducinghate.Blood-deep, youngsters arebrought to this stateViolence is their expressionDeep in subconsciousdepressionAt the coast of progressionSome proceed but mostremainWas revolution in vain?To freedom fighters is insaneBut what good is freedomand all we shall gainIf not shared with our fellowsin struggle and pain?New South Africans are aminorityThe majority live and dieBehind cold steel bars ofpovertyForgotten? PossiblyMany witherDeparting into the captivespace of a coffinImprisoned from beginningto endMaybe my vision lackspatienceTime passesChained to the lives of HIVpositive youth.By Siyanda MarcusHoërskool PJ OlivierI'm proud of myselfI am active and confidentI am not shy, if I amI will not be able toMake a differenceI am proud of myselfI love myselfI respect myselfI share the happinesswith myselfI'm the impact of my societyI'm important and trustedby my peopleI'm loved by all peopleI'm the compass for the futureI'm a girl and a queenI will always love myselfI will always be myselfWhether white or IndianI remain myselfI respect every personI love and teach othersI do the right thingLet us be patient with eachotherTake care of yourselfI am proud of myselfBy Lelethu FalteinGrade 8Archie Mbolekwa Senior PrimarySchoolUKUFAKufandini ntondini engenasiziAwuphezi yini na, yini naUkuba ube isiselo sethuBesisa jonge ukufunxaLukhulu kodwa wenaWamxhwila njengokhoziBafundi nani bafundisintsaphoSulani ezonyembezi nithuleNithi tu, kuba isityaEsihle asidleliBy Sokhana HoyiGrade 8Ntaba Maria Primary SchoolBy Motolani AdesinaGrade 10Victoria Girls' High School

UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 200913POETRY...TRUE FRIENDSFRUIT SALADKINDS OF PEOPLEI AM HIVA friend is someone who isCaring, comforting,understandingAlso encouraging whenYou like having these specialtreatsSomeone who doesn't say ordowrong things if you don'twant toWho doesn't interfere inpeople'sProblems, not a badinfluenceto others and to you tooA person who's always thereWhen you need him/ her andwhenYou have big problems he/sheIs always a shoulder to cry onevery timeA person you can rely onWho doesn't spread badrumoursAbout you, that is a friendI am looking for.By Nathi Qwibi and Yanga NohajiArchie Mbolekwa Senior PrimarySchoolTHE SWEETEST THINGThere is a sweetest thing inthe worldThat surpasses all otherthingsIt is sweeter than honeyIt is sweeter than saltIt is sweeter than sugarIt is sweeter than all thethings thatexist in this worldThis thing is sleepWhen you are conquered bysleepNothing can prevent youfrom sleepingAnd numerous millions arriveMillions arrive to disturb youMillions will find you sleeping.By Pumeza BiliniGrade 9Nombulelo High SchoolI'm supposed to be a naartjieEasy to peel out of bedInsteadMy orange blanket is heldtight around my headMy toothbrush cuts away mypithWhile promising only to cleanmeInto a tin with a thud!Good bye to my family treePrepared and ready to beadded to the fruit salad calledschool.By Nolene DixonGrade 10Victoria Girls' High SchoolAM SIBUSISOS- soft as a mother's love,with the power to soften yourheart and heal theI- interpretation of thesalvation that salutes thesolve to be sure of my AfricanB- beauty and never forgetthe root that comes from thegood cause I was born in aU-unique universe here onplanet earth and apart of theair of apartheid and I wasraisedS-strong and become longbut I was not tired about myshortness but I am wrappedby happinessI-inside me, besides thefact that I am fat, I am a fastlearner and I refuse to beborn of liesS-say it with a smileI am Sibusiso Klaas,umamTshonyaneO-ooDizika, ooSawa,ooMthuzimele.By Sibusiso KlaasGrade 9Nombulelo High SchoolThere are thosewho are kind,friendly, funny andhappy with othersThere are thosewho are happyin the streetsand sad behindtheir closed doors andbig wallsSome are fightingwith their neighboursover a little thingwhile others laughat those whosuffer from povertySome are tookind and theywould do anythingfor friendsthat leads theminto very big problems.By Phila SkweyiyaGrade 10TEM Mrwetyana High SchoolSEA, SEA, SEASea, sea, the largest river inthe worldThe most beautiful place inthe worldWhen the people talk theysay life is a beachThe quiet place has dignityand respectWhere waves come indifferent shapes andThere is a scent that is softlike the desertWhere people sit and enjoythe thick waterThat smells so fresh and freeThe blue waves look so shinylike a starWe are talking about the sea,sea, sea.Written via Mxit by OyintandaMtyobo Grade 8 Ntaba MariaPrimary Schooland Mziyanda Yawa Grade 10Nathaniel Nyaluza High SchoolIn the human body I have aplace to stayI sometimes stay in a hotelcalled digestive juicesOr in a motel called blood orin a brothel called femeBut mostly, I am found in arestaurant called spermYes, that's me! HIV son of AIDSI was born in one humanbody during unsafe sexBut I multiplied like a bullI attack hundreds of peopleeveryday around the worldYou may ask the blacks,whites, coloured, rich poor,male, femaleThey all know me very well asmy younger brother called STIListen I will take you one byone, especially those whohate my uncle CondomI will take you to decorate mygrave, you will die youngAfrica knows me, the wholeworld knows meI am HIV, son of AIDSI frequent shebeens and barlounges and I respect no ageI hid between those sexy legsand big thighsSome call me the VIGS, Z3,Lotto, AAAll those silly names but Idon't care because I remainHIV, son of AIDS and I havegot no friendsI kill doctors, lawyers, nurses,teachers, councellors,professorsI have got no shameI will drink your blood, suckyour juices, drain your fatuntil you become a livingskeletonTherefore I will kick you downto my graveYou boys and men betterfasten your trouser beltsYou girls and women don'tloosen your panties, because Iam watching youBut there is only one wayyou can beat me, is to beaccompaniedby my uncle Condom whom Ihate very much because he isthe only one who can defeatmeMothers hear me, fathershear me, sisters, hear me,brothers hear me,I am telling you for the lasttimeI am HIV, son of AIDS and Ihave got no friendsAfter reading this speech,you must know thatI'm sitting next to youAnd just one blunder I willsoon consume you as myslaveWho knows, I may already bein your blood system fightingwithyour soldiers, faking yourRNA and DNASo what I'm saying is go nowand take a blood testBut if you are always inthe company of my uncleCondomyou don't need to worry, butyou must know thatI will remain HIV, son of AIDS.By Thembakazi DamanaGrade 10Ntsika High School

14 UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 2009ART, GAMES AND PUZZLES...I have 500 slices ofapple, 4 slices ofapple make a wholeapple. How manyapples did 500 slicesmake?Answer: 125 applesA drivertookpassengers to thetrain station. It is anhour and a half away.When he drove back,there were still manycars on the road. Yetit took him only 90minutes to get back.How come?Answer: an hourand a half equals 90minutesCompiled by Luvuyo NdayiGrade 8Archie Mbolekwa SeniorPrimary SchoolMIND GAMESThere is a man whocan shave ten timesa day and still have afull beard and thickhair. Who is he?Answer: a barberWhat is as big as anelephant's shadowbut doesn't weighanything?Answer: theelephant's shadowIs half of our plus twomultiplied by half oftwo multiplied bya quarter of eightmultiplied by zeroequal to eight or four?Answer: zerobecause any numbermultiplied by zero iszeroYou cannot take apicture of a housewith a broken roof.Why not?Answer:becauseyou can only usea camera not abroken roof to takea pictureCompiled by Xolelwa DonyeliGrade 8Archie Mbolekwa SeniorPrimary SchoolJOKESA kind woman walksdown the street oneday. She notices avery small boy tryingto press a doorbell,but the boy is tooshort and can't reachthe doorbell. Thewoman goes to helphim. She smiles at theboy and presses thedoorbell for him andasks “now what youngman?”The boy replies “nowwe run!”How many sheepdoes it take to make awool jersey?None. Sheep can'tknit.Why did Tigger stickhis head in the toilet?He was looking forPooh!What has four eyesbut no face?Mississippi!Why was 6 afraid of 7?Because 789!Compiled by Xolelwa DonyeliGrade 8Archie Mbolekwa SeniorPrimary SchoolART STRAIGHT FROM THE COMPUTERWe, the Ntaba Mariansstarted the computerlessons in August and everyWednesday we went to thecomputer room at schoolwhere we met with Shireen,Ben and Faizal. On the firstday we introduced ourselvesby using Microsoft Word towrite about ourselves. Benand Faizal on that day taughtus how to write in capitalletters, change the font,underline words and writein bold. They also taught ushow to type quickly usingboth hands.On the second Wednesday,they gave us a task of writingpoems and articles. Theytaught us to use MicrosoftExcel, how to save and howto paint. We also learnt howto design our own studytimetable for the exams byusing Excel. During theselessons we learnt a lot abouthow to use computers. Ifsomeone in the Upstartgroup at Ntaba Maria wereto say that they don't knowhow to use a computer,we would be shocked.As Upstart members wewould like to say thanks tothe Upstart leaders. Thankyou for organising thesecomputer lessons for us, theywere really helpful.By Thandiswa NqowanaOyintanda MtyoboVuyokazi TwaniNoziphiwo MabijaNolubabalo SergeantSiphosethu SoxujwaSanda NgaloNomsindisi MngxumaXolela MakhasiHilton SnymanNtaba Maria Primary SchoolThese three imagesare some of thework created oncomputer by NtabaMaria Upstartmembers

UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 200915UPSTARTERS are Citizen JournalistsCitizen Journalists graduateOn Friday the 16th ofOctober 2009, we had agraduation ceremony whichwas held at Grocott's Mail.We have been on the citizenjournalism course for sixweeks and it has been anadventure. We were taughtby Michael Salzwedel andKhaya Thonjeni. They havebeen so patient with us andat the end we know how touse a computer, how to takephotos and how to set up ane-mail account. We now haveour own gmail accounts.In order to graduate as acitizen journalist we had totake a photo and uploadit, write your own profile,open a gmail account andwrite a story. So on the 16thwe graduated and got ourcertificates and we are nowcitizen journalists.Thandokuhle QakamfanaGrade 9Mary Waters High SchoolIn the six weeks of thecitizen journalism courseI have learnt a lot aboutjournalism, photographyand computers. It seemedas if Michael and Khayawere taking us to anoutherlevel both educationally andmentally. The course taughtme a lot of things that arenot only useful in journalismbut also in other careers aswell. Learning about what acomputer is, how it works,what programmes it has etcwas the most interestingpart of the whole six weeks.I thank Upstart for giving methe opportunity to spread mywings, I thank Michael andKhaya for taking the time toteach us and for doing it sopassionately.Mihlalikazi SwartbooiGrade 10Mary Waters High SchoolOn the 16th October we hadthe graduation party andwe got our certificates fortaking part in the six weekcitizen journalism course.We were taught how to usea computer, set up an e-mailaccount and to write stories.Different schools that tookpart in the course attendedthe graduation and thecertificates were handed outby Khaya and Michael. Weenjoyed the training verymuch.Chuma Nxakala Grade 10Mary Waters High SchoolDuring the course I wasdoing great stuff like creatingmy own gmail account andresearching on the internet.At the graduation therewere other schools as welland it was a lot of un. When Ifinally received my certficateI started saying to myself thatfrom now on I am a citizenjournalist.When I was a part of thecourse, it was like I am inanother side of the world.First time I was so scared ofthe computer and startedshaking a lot. When Ilearned the buttons I startedto calm down and stophesitating and focused onthe computer. Now I amfree and happy that I canunderstand the computerbetter everyday.Zintle VetoGrade 10Mary Waters High SchoolAfter six weeks of the citizenjournalism course the dayfinally came. The graduationceremony took place nextto our computers. We werehanded our certificates,t-shirts and we took photostogether with Michael,the new media editor atGrocott's and Khaya from thedepartment of Journalismand Media at Rhodes.From the course we learnta number of things suchas knowing how to use thecomputer, all the basics,how to use the internet aswell as creating your owne-mail account. We learnthow to take good cellphonephotos and basic journalismconcepts. We thank firstlyUpstart for the opportunity,Rhodes Journalism andMedia department, theKnight foundation forsponsoring the course, MTNand Grocott's Mail.Phiwokuhle Bay Grade 10Mary Waters High SchoolPeace...is the way to goThe peace mobile wascreated by Victoria Girls' HighSchool pupils. The peacemobile was created for therepresentation of peace day.Dr Hanton was in chargeof creating the mobile andputting it together. Eachdove is uniquely made by alearner. The peace mobile is acouple of metres long and itis very colourful. It is currentlyhanging in the library atVictoria Girls' High School.The population of the worldtoday has faced manyobstacles. Many societieshave suffered and hademotional trauma, but VGgirls created this mobileearlier this year to representhow far the world has actuallyevolved and brought peace.The wings of the peacedoves were folded and thatrepresents the problems thatthe world has faced and theones still to come. The wingsspread portray a rainbowof colour showing all ournations coming together andcreating the peace neededfor the world to go around.As a school this was our wayof showing that we wouldlike peace amongst ourcommunity, school, SouthAfrica and most importantlythe world. We all sharethe planet and we are allpeople. We should put ourdifferences aside, and if notfor ourselves then for thebetter of the world. How canwe have peace, if we can'tget along? We should all doour bit to make the world abetter place for all, peace isthe way to go.By Joanne Gough, Grade 9Cassie Lister, Grade 9Stephanie Whitehorn,Grade 9Victoria Girls' High School

16 UPSTART 10 NOVEMBER 2009BOOK REVIEWS...Fair good exellent must readTitle of the book: Moby DickAuthor: Herman MelvilleThe main characters are MisterStubb, Starbuck, Flask, Ishmael,Queegqueg, Ahab and Tashtego.The story starts with the Pequodsailing across the Indian Oceanwith her crew scouting forwhales in a desert of blue water.They lowered once for an oldsperm whale, but as soon asthe chase was over and he wasdead, his great body started tosink. Sometime later the whaleswere moving about in greatconfusion beating the waterwith their fins and tails. Insidethe floating walls of whales thewater was as glassy and smoothas on a lake.I do not want to spell out thefull story but I will say it is a veryinteresting and enjoyable storythat anyone can read. I like thisbook for several reasons, firstly itshows the name of the chapterso you do not forget where youare reading. Secondly, it hasmany different stories and theyare all enjoyable. Thirdly, I evenlike the pictures and the wordsare larger so that you can seevery clearly.The best part of the story iswhen the inside of the floatingwalls of the whales were asclear as a lake. I think that manyteenagers would like this book,especially readers who enjoyreading about animals of the seaand the ocean. Also those wholike to fish will enjoy reading thisbook.The book is available at the HillStreet Library. It is published byUsborne Publishing Ltd and theISBN number is 0 7460 7666 5.Review by Phumlani FatyiGrade 8Mary Waters High SchoolTitle of the book is:Ongenagama (The childwith no name)Author: J. van TonderThe main characters areAmazolo, Mlenzana, Thandi,Mvula, Nomsa, Sipho, Zuziweand Zolile. The story startswith Amazolo carryingMlenzana's child and sheprays to uNkulunkulu thatthe child would die. Sheignored the laws of theforefathers and she dideverything she was notsupposed to do. She hatedthe child so much becauseMlenzana left her.I do not want to spell outthe full story but I will saywhen she started to havelabour pains she was gladthinking that the child woulddie, but Zuziwe didn't allowthat. The child was given toThandi and Mvula. Whenshe gave away the child shewas glad. I like this bookfor several reasons, firstly,it tells a story of what mostwomen do these days andit shows the pain that theyhave when they have losttheir loved ones. Secondly, inthe middle it made the childfeel lonely, fearful, joyousand most of all he discoveredan unsympathetic world.Thirdly, is that in this storyuniversal problems featurestrongly: lost love, bitterness,jealousy, blame, lonelinessand conflict.The best part of the story waswhen Amazolo told the childabout how she didn't wanthim because of his fatherand why she didn't givehim a name and called him'Ongenagama' (the child withno name).I think that many teenagerswould like this book,especially readers who enjoyreading stories based onour lives because this bookis based on reality and theproblems pregnant womenface each and everyday oftheir nine months and after.I got this book at school.It is published by MaskewMiller Longman and the ISBNnumber is 0-636-07059-X.By Sibahle FosiGrade 9Archie Mbolekwa Higher PrimarySchoolThe title of the book is: TheCruel WarAuthor: Kwasi KorantengThe main characters are Maa,Louisa, Roman, Paye and Paa.The story starts with Maa andPaye. Paye is noticing thathis mother is reducing, sheis no longer full of energyand fat. That was all becauseof the war. This family hasbeen evicted and they had torelocate and it has been dayssince they ate. Paye can'tcope with seeing his motherdying and he went to searchfor food and that did nothelp because there was wareverywhere they went.Sometime later it was arainy day and the family hadenough time to gather waterto use. Paye woke up atmidnight and all the soldierswere asleep and he wentto Paa's house far away tosearch for food. He could notget the food and his motherwas in such a bad statebecause of poverty. Payenever gave up and he kepton searching. I do not wantto spell out the full story but Iwill say this story shows us aspeople that there are manychildren who are dealingwith big things out there. Italso shows us how the worldwas before. It encouragesus and motivates learnersnot to give up and that theymust believe in themselves,whatever it is they can do itby praying to God.I like this book for severalreasons, firstly it gives fulldetails about what the warwas like before. It showsus that the youth have thepower to stop crime and italso shows us that with hopeand trust your dreams cancome true. Secondly, it showsus that sitting around andpretending that everything isfine will not help. Rememberyou have your rights to besafe and to say no to violenceand this book supports therights and it reminds us thatwe have the right to say no.Thirdly, it shows patrioticchildren who are passionateabout their country. It alsoshows us that we as learnersare nothing without ourparents' support. This bookshows commitment andtrust.The best part of the storywas when the young manPaye and his friends wereprotesting against thegovernment. Paye was verylucky, they never gave upand the soldiers did not stopshooting at them. I think thatmany teenagers would likethis book, especially readerswho enjoy reading abouthistory and those who wantto study law after matric.The book is available at thepublic library and at school.It is published by Heinemannand the ISBN number is 0 43589361 0.Review by Athenkosi OfficeGrade 10Nombulelo High SchoolMAKANA MUNICIPALITYMUNICIPAL NOTICEREFUSE REMOVAL17 AND 27 APRIL 2009THIS EDITION OF UPSTART HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP OFTHE MAKANA MUNICIPALITYM