We started distributing shoes in High schools, Primary schools and Preschools. This year we are planing to distribute shoes twice in a row in each school from the beginning of the year and towards the end of the year. We have fifty plus schools on a pipeline that we have to distribute shoes to.
Since April this year we started distributing Toms shoes in the following schools Madwaleni High school, Mbongeni High school, Nkodibe High school, Vezobala High school, Kwa-Mtholo Primary school, Zitike Primary school, Siyaphambili Primary school, Star Day Care center and Ebaswazini Primary school.
As we go to this schools we find kids that are coming in poor families they do not have shoes to wear at school, So shoes that we are giving to schools are black that is one of things i am happy about so kids are able to wear Toms shoes in school especially those who don`t have shoes. Some of of the learners are traveling long distance with bare foot and some they have cracked feet but now Mpilonhle is giving them something to wear in this cold winter, I am so happy see them having something to wear.
I would like to thank Toms and Mpilonhle for helping this schools and not forgetting the team that we go with to schools to distribute shoes, Guys we are doing such a wonderful job and helping kids out there in schools so many kids have shoes to wear at school because of you. Keep it up guys.
Posted by nathi on June 27, 2012 at 1:42 am.
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Happy November! It’s always hard to believe how time flies, especially as the year draws to a close. This year has certainly been full of a lot of agricultural adventures, and it’s not over yet! Last month, from 3-5 October, I had the pleasure of working with Mpilonhle’s Home-Based Carers and facilitating a garden training on an introduction to permaculture and organic gardening methods. In putting together the curriculum for the training, I used a mix of information that I had obtained from trainings with both the Peace Corps and the locally-based African Conservation Trust office and Manukelana Art and Nursery in Khula Village, who hosted our last training with the Field Assistants in May. The training took place over the course of three days up at La Colline, the Mpilonhle guest house, and consisted of one day of theory training and presentations and two days of practical work/study. The first day, we covered a wide range of topics, from planting bed construction and the benefits of compost to strategies for water conservation and companion planting and the importance of bees! During the second two days, we filled and planted two trench beds, dug, filled and planted two pit beds, made a gorgeous compost pile and practiced digging some holes and swales for water retention.
Everyone lends a helping hand to fill the bed
Mpilonhle Social Worker Andile Zulu deftly wields the watering can
Time to plant!
Carer Veronica Dube helps prep the ground for a compost pile
The enthusiasm and brilliant spirit of these amazing women was infectious, and their openness, wonderfully encouraging. With equal amounts of laughter and learning, it was a great three days, and I am very excited to continue to work with the carers as they take their new knowledge back to their communities and help their clients develop home and community gardens to fight poverty and hunger.
It's a good life!
Posted by Claire on November 1, 2011 at 3:35 am.
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Nkodibe High School is no stranger to permaculture, as they were one of the schools that Rebecca Ford, a previous Peace Corps Volunteer with Mpilonhle, worked with to start the food garden program last year. Together with Mrs. Dludla, an agricultural science educator at Nkodibe, Rebecca and some of the learners started a permaculture garden with double-dug beds and swales, using tools and fencing provided through a Peace Corps VAST Grant. Now with the support of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), which currently funds the activities of Mpilonhle’s food garden project, I returned to Nkodibe last week and this week to help expand the garden and introduce the trench bed planting method, as well as providing some additional tools and seeds/seedlings. Mrs. Dludla has been doing an excellent job with the upkeep of the garden despite very dry conditions, and she continues to be supportive of the project and rounded up some learners who were also very excited to learn more about permaculture and get their hands dirty. Despite stifling temperatures last Friday and a limited supply of water, everyone worked very hard to successfully dig two beds, one of which we completely filled and planted. Armed with determination and their new knowledge (and hopefully a Jojo in the near future), the gardeners at Nkodibe are a force to be reckoned with!
The existing garden at Nkodibe
Clearing some space in poorer soil outside the current garden to enrich with trench beds
Filling the bed
The group shot!
Posted by Claire on September 9, 2011 at 3:13 am.
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Last week on Wednesday and Friday I headed out to Madwaleni High School to help them get started on their food garden, bringing the usual tools, seedlings, and enthusiasm for permaculture and food security! Madwaleni is one of the schools chosen to implement the Home Field Advantage program, an initiative of Mpilonhle made possible by CTAOP (Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project), and so we were blessed with a large space for the garden and a ready supply of water. Because of these resources and the support of the administration and staff of the school, it was possible to construct a food tunnel on the grounds, with thanks to the support and knowledge of African Conservation Trust (ACT) and coordination by Beni Williams.
Food tunnel at Madwaleni
Madwaleni also has a wonderful and involved group of Agricultural Sciences (AS) educators, one of whom, Mrs. Siphiwe Ntshangase, attended the May training along with one of the field assistants, Mr. Bethuel Buthelezi. Even before I got to the school on Wednesday, the AS educators, learners, and field assistants were hard at work inside the tent, digging trenches for beds and collecting grass and manure for the layers. Some of the boys digging the trenches sang along to their work and I enjoyed perfectly harmonized (of course) renditions of songs from ‘Shosholoza’ to more modern selections by Professor. I was happy to step back as Mrs. Ntshangase and Mr. Nene, another educator, coordinated the efforts and explained the methods and benefits of key permaculture and organic gardening principles. Mr. Nene was helpful in reminding learners that one pays quite a bit of money for organically-grown products at Woolworths, yet they have all of the materials and now the knowledge to create this system in school and at home for much less! The group of learners chosen to receive some of the initial training will now be responsible for passing on the knowledge to their classmates. As with the other schools, all of the food from the tunnel will go toward supporting learners who are in need of nutritional support. As the project expands, we also hope to see a community garden built around the tunnel and will hopefully also get some fruit trees donated for the creation of a small orchard.
Measuring the depth of the pit bed to 50cm
Mrs. Ntshangase instructing the learners
Mr. Buthelezi and learners planting seedlings
Many thanks to the gardening team at Madwaleni for your hard work and inspiring ownership of this project. They are a model school and are in the process of creating something very beautiful. Green thumbs up!
Madwaleni gardeners!
Lastly, for those looking for a little more inspiration to try these methods for yourself, check out the amazing produce from the Nhliziyo garden, which we planted back in June…
Now that's what I call lettuce!
Cabbage, spinach and green pepper
Posted by Claire on August 24, 2011 at 5:39 am.
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On Wednesday, 3 August, I went up to Inkosibonga High School near Hlabisa to help them expand their already beautiful garden and transfer some knowledge about permaculture and organic gardening to a group of learners, teachers, and community members. As part of Mpilonhle’s food security program, we also donated tools, seeds, and seedlings to help the school build its garden and provide more nutritious food for learners. I worked with Mr. Mkhwanazi, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic field assistant who attended the training with ACT, as well as the equally enthusiastic Agricultural Sciences teacher Ms. Mpanza, to help train a group of over 20 learners in permaculture methods including the creation of trench beds and intercropping. The principal of Inkosibonga, Mr. Xaba, was so supportive that he drove his bakkie to a neighboring house and filled the whole back with kraal manure to help us enrich the soil in the garden! It was once again such a pleasure to work with the high school on this great project. Keep up the great growing!
The principal, Mr. Xaba, showing learners how it's done!
Diligently taking notes on the construction of trench beds
Laying the initial layer of cardboard in the bed, which serves both to recycle the material and hold in water to keep the bed moist
Planting in the new trench bed
Inkosibonga garden team
Posted by Claire on August 5, 2011 at 5:44 am.
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How much courage do you have?
How much courage do you have? Would your friends, co-workers and family members call you a courageous person?
“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
The dictionary defines courage this way: the ability to face and deal with a dangerous or difficult situation. There are two parts—first to face, and then to deal with.
It is interesting to read modern writers on the subject of courage because they give you some interesting definitions. For instance, one that is often quoted goes this way, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” General George Patten defined it this way: “Courage is fear that holds on for one more minute.” Franklin P. Jones said it this way: “Courage is the ability not to let people know how scared you are on the inside.” Captain A. Riddenbacher put it this way: “Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. Where there is no fear, there is no courage.”
Think about the definition. It is the ability to face and deal with a dangerous or difficult situation. I ask you again: how much courage do you have? Would your friends call you a courageous person?
Posted by thokozani on August 3, 2011 at 5:15 am.
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From 8-10 June, Mpilonhle volunteers visited Nhliziyo High School and worked with field assistants and 20 learners to help the school expand its current garden using the permaculture and organic gardening techniques learned during the May training with African Conservation Trust. Mpilonhle’s food security program donated gardening equipment and seedlings to help start and maintain the garden, the food from which will go to assisting learners in need of nutritional support. Nhliziyo’s principal, Mrs. Poppy Ntombela, came out in enthusiastic support for the project. Mrs. Mkhwanazi, the field assistant who attended the May training, led the learners in starting compost piles, digging and filling trench beds, and planting the seedlings. The energetic learners were very excited to learn and get their hands dirty and were happy to pose for pictures as they did! Many thanks to the administration, staff and learners at Nhliziyo for their commitment and passion for this project. We can’t wait to see all of the wonderful things they grow!
Garden team at Nhliziyo High School
Three cheers for organic compost!
Planting seedlings in the newly made trench bed
See you after the holidays as we green our thumbs at the other 11 schools!
Posted by Claire on July 1, 2011 at 9:16 am.
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To tell the truth.I have spent good years in schools working at Mpilonhle as a health counselor,I’ve seen so many children receiving our services which are very helpful to them.So I would like to personally thank the organization itself for taking a stand by trying something different after recognizing the atrophying decency that exists at our schools.Today Posters with images of some of our students are plastered in our mobile units so all our students could take part,as we give Health Education and Counseling sessions in these mobile units.In the past I always wanted to blame the client silently and did not get the full jist of what they were going through.I now understand what it is like to want to give up drugs but to not be able to do so.It is so great to know that most of our students have changed through our helping proffesion by educating them about the personality and social issues that affect them.As write this its Friday July we(Mpilonhleans)are very busy at site at Sipho Zungu clinic. Young boys are flocking in numbers coming for male circumcirsion. And again I say thanks to you all.Happy reading.
Posted by vanessa on at 8:58 am.
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It was interesting to see many boys at the Clinic today, they were coming from the different places ,showing their enthusiastic for what they were doing today. Mpilonhle was working hand in hand with Department of Health.
Mpilonhle was doing Voluntary Counselling and Testing to those who were coming for the first time.Some were already made an appointment at School where we work with.After they finished they were walking like they didn’t do anything,their happiness was written on their face.
Posted by PM on at 8:44 am.
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In most cases men are known as good people to hold back special in health related issues, they are afraid to come forward but their positive response to circumcision call proved that they can do anything as long as they got clear understanding of what they supposed to do and their benefit were well stated. I guess this circumcision issue could have a big effect in reducing new HIV/AIDS infections as long as we all will put our hands together and work for one goal and keep on encouraging abstinence for the young ones and safer sex for adults because being circumcised doesn’t mean that you can’t get affected if you practice unsafe sex. I appreciate all government structures and NGO’s like Mpilonhle and others for their good work. No one can hunt an elephant alone, we all need one another.
Posted by sabelo on at 8:13 am.
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its my third year being at Mpilonhle and i must say its real great and i enjoy working here with learners.it has actual thought me a lot of things that at first i didnt know about the social discourse .our daily life its about going to high school and do the job .theres a day that i will always remember my entire life .it was in may and i had a task to do at Nkosana high school ,when i was in that school ,i was approached by an educator who told me a story about a girl child who was experiencing sexual assault and physical abuse and that made me to realise that gender based violence is rife in our homesteads and that violence against women is the most pervasive yet least recognised human right abuse in the world and it actual perpetuate male power and control .and when i was talking with that girl child i could see that violence is sustained by a culture of silence and denial of seriousness of the health consequences of abuse .i must say i feel strongly about this social ill and it is everybody’s responsibility to adress this socail ill .how can we adress gender based ? we can adress it by having empowerment programmes ,women need to be empowered economical, educational and political we also need to involve men in the campaign .we also need to do public awareness where we will teach people how to identify that they are being abused , what to do when you are experiencing violence we also need to have local organisation where women and girls can go to and break the silence without being judged.we at Mpilonhle have started doing that in our health education curriculum there is a part that deals with gender based violence and skills curriculum there is a part also that talks strongly about this issue we called that part women summit and men summit its very interesting and informative.i would like to close by saying women who are in abusive relationship are particularly at risk of exposure to hiv infection due to further violence abandonment or loss of economic support if they attempt to negotiate safer sex or refuse sex and it reflects and reinforces inquities between men and women and any of the abuses can leave deep psychological scars,damage the health of women and girls in general.
Posted by nompumelelo on June 29, 2011 at 9:10 am.
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Today, 29th June 2011, we had the first ever meeting of field assistants from the 12 high schools we work in. The meeting was quite an eye opener. The meeting was opened with a prayer from one of the senior( in years) field assistants. The Mpilonhle accountant gave an overview of the IDT Grant including the new grant. This was followed by a lengthy session of question time. Much was revealed in the session and the Accountant did a fantastic job in responding to all the questions. There were many suggestions on improving the working relationship with the schools. These will certainly be implemented. All in all, a good meeting in which to clear the air and inform everyone present which resulted in a better relationship between Mpilonhle and the Field Assistants.
Posted by jniekerk on at 8:24 am.
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Last week, from 9-13 May, field assistant representatives from each of Mpilonhle’s 12 schools attended an introductory permaculture and organic gardening training held by African Conservation Trust and Manukelana Art & Nursery in Dukuduku. Grassroot Soccer Intern Tim Grose and Peace Corps Volunteer Claire Tindula worked with Social Worker Sne Mofu to organize the training and were also attendees.
Permaculture theory training from one of the ACT Interns
“Permaculture,” a combination of the words “permanent” and “agriculture,” is a style of agriculture designed to be more sustainable and to work in harmony with natural ecosystems. Organic gardening/farming operates without making use of chemicals and synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Over the course of the five-day training, attendees received theoretical and practical instruction on a number of permaculture and organic gardening methods and techniques, including planting bed design, intercropping and companion planting, water retention and composting. When used together, these methods will help the gardeners to build up and maintain the health of the soil, plants, vegetables, and the natural environment.
Adding a layer of carbon-rich material (dead leaves and grass) to the trench bed
Taking notes on the construction of trench beds
Constructing pit beds outside the shade cloth
The training was organized as part of Mpilonhle’s food security program, one branch of which provides food parcels to vulnerable learners at the high schools. The second branch of the program will consist of the development of food gardens in each of the schools, to be worked on and maintained by the field assistants, educators, and learners. The food produced will then be distributed to learners in need of nutritional support. The gardens will hopefully also serve as demonstration plots whereby community members can learn about these new, more sustainable methods. Overall, the goal is to empower people to develop skills and new techniques in order to increase their access to nutritional foods and maintain a healthier diet and lifestyle, while also working with the earth and protecting its natural resources.
Companion planting helps keep the garden healthy and protected from pests
Everybody say "Seedlings!" 
Thank you again to everyone who participated in and hosted us for the training. Look for more gardening updates in the future as the program develops!
Trainees at Manukelana Art & Nursery
Posted by Snetie on May 20, 2011 at 8:20 am.
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Mpilonhle just completed it’s week long camp at Vezobala High School, which is on the way to St. Lucia. We brought out our three mobile health units with H.C.T. nurses and social workers. We also had health education, computer training, GrassrootSoccer program, netball, and soccer/games. We had expected 600 kids but for most of the week there were only 200-300 kids that actually showed up.
OPENING
Thokozani Hlophe was the Camp Director. Mpume and Khethiwe were in charge of registration. Nathi’s job was to make sure all the kids had food in their bellies every day. We opened our camp on Monday with about 200 kids. We sang our Zupe song and then divided the kids into three teams; Ugalakajane, Isiqalo, and Sisonke. Each team had nine different colored groups, so all together there were 27 groups. We assigned one peer educator (coach) to each group. The groups would then rotate through stations each being an hour and a half.
Opening of the camp
Every day the kids would start with one session of activities and then we would have breakfast. The ladies in the kitchen prepared fruit, bread with butter and jam, and juice for all the kids. Then they would have two more sessions of different activities and that would lead us to lunch time. For lunch, the ladies prepared a full meal every day for all the kids. Our peer educators did a great job of controlling their groups and making sure they waited patiently for their turn to eat. It all went smoothly and the kids were happy.
Lunch time
ACTIVITIES
Soccer/games was run by Lorrie and Jason. They taught soccer techniques and also had other fun games for the kids including team building exercises and ice breakers.
The GRS peer educators did their 11 skill practices throughout the week.
The H.C.T. nurses and social workers were offering counseling and other services to the kids in the mobile health units.
Computer training was run by Sakho, Mpi, and Sifiso. They taught basic computer skills.
Netball was run by Jomo and taught basic netball skills.
Soccer technique
Skillz (HIV Limbo)
Computer training
TOMS
TOMS Shoes were generous enough to give us a shipment of donated shoes, which was distributed by Nathi at the end of the last day of the camp to all the kids. We were able to provide 332 kids with a brand new pair of shoes.
Showing off their TOMS
CLOSING
So at the end of the week on Friday, after we distributed the shoes, we had kind of a closing ceremony. The kids were singing and telling us what they learned throughout the week. Our skillz coaches were doing energizers and Tim even stepped in to lead one of his energizers (one coffee, two sugars). All in all, the camp was a success and the kids had a great time. The kids were asking us to come back on their next holidays. We will miss those kids because of their enthusiasm and participation. We couldn’t ask for better campers. We hope to do more camps like this in the future.
ONNEEE COFFFEEEEE!!!!!
Posted by nathi on April 11, 2011 at 5:07 am.
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Last year was a good year we had 51 coaches for SKILLS program which engaged themselves in hard work amongst those coaches THREE of our coaches are accepted in Universities. Coach Thuthuka Ngubane and S’thokozile are in (UNISA), coach Samkelisiwe Mthombeni (Cape Town) and coach Scelo Ntombela (UNIZULU) , Thuthuka Ngubane was a coach at Nkodibe high school with S’thokozile, They were active in all things I remember when Charlize Theron visited their site Thuthuka was one of the coaches who volunteered to translate for Charlize and he did practice 3 (Find the ball – HAMBA BHOLA). They have lots of LIFE SKILLS we will miss their dedication and their bravery.
Samkelisiwe Mthombeni was a coach at Inkosana high school. Samke was incredible she came up with lot of energizers and also she has lot of LIFE SKILLS. She had her project while she was with us of distributing shoes to learners and she did it well. Samke will be missed as a caring coach.
Scelo Ntombela was a coach at Mbongeni high school. He was a fun person to talk with. In camps he would gather participants and start singing with them a ZUPE! SONG to welcome each and every one who was there in our camp.
WE WILL MISS YOU GUYS
Posted by nathi on January 27, 2011 at 6:41 am.
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We want to congratulate Grassroot Soccer coach Samke Mthombeni on her recent acceptance to Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where she will begin her tertiary education in February. The Mpilonhle/Grassroot Soccer team is sad to see Sam leave but excited for her new opportunities and adventures. We appreciate Sam’s dedication, thoughtful leadership, and friendliness, qualities that she has used to excel in the classroom, on the sport field, and as a peer educator. Recently, Sam helped deliver the Skillz HIV prevention curriculum to students the Mtuba Christian Academy for the first time.
Thanks Sam, and best wishes! Without further ado, here are a few words from Samke:
wow!
I cannot believe that my year at mpilonhle/grassrootsoccer has come to an end, but yeah as the saying goes all good things come to an end.
Being a peer educator was too awesome, every little thing which we did together with the kids and with my fellow coaches was a remarkable experience. I remember the first day at training in La coline, I felt so misplaced but as the day progressed I felt good and ncah! lol… The most terrifying day had to be the first day at our appointed school, I know the school is in my community and I am used to the children and all but I thought they were going to skin me alive, turned out I was wrong. The kids were warm, they were sincere and easy to communicate with but honestly not all of them. Some were my age and some thought they were so called thugs, they gave such a hard time. But all went well in the end, some work was done. ooh but the one interesting group of pupils were the ones from Mtuba Christian Academy, iyoh those kids proved that being a peer educator is no joke. That experience taught me so much and I made sure that from that experience I grow and enhance my skills of being a life coach. How could I ever forget the famous coaches meetings we had lol now that was some hectic verbal diarrhea moments, if it was the money, it was the kit, if it wasn’t the freebies it was any other thing we wanted to discuss in a very unique manner i must say… i will definitely miss the camps. From the fruits to the energizers to the world cup trips oh yes THE WORLD CUP! wonderful experiences.
in conclusion, as I set out to capetown for study purposes i shall take each and every moment that i had (good or bad), and treasure it because i became a better and much greater person as a skillz coach/peer educator/life…lol.. I would like to thank everyone from the mpilonhle staff to Bab TK, Mpume, Nathi, Tim, Khethiwe right to the whole grassrootsoccer team it has been ayoba indeed….. see you guys when i fly down..
Snazzy Sam
Posted by tim on at 5:26 am.
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Posted by nathi on January 26, 2011 at 9:07 am.
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How do you say goodbye to a 2nd home? This is what I have to do now. I have to say goodbye to Mpilonhle. I came to Mtuba five years ago. My first job here was as IT educator at Masibonisane High School. I then moved to Mpilonhle about 30 months ago.
I have taught 8 year olds, 18 year olds, 48 year olds and even 68 year olds how to use a computer during my time here. It has truly been a fulfilling job in many ways. I have travelled the length andd breadth of Mkhanyakude, to places where even people who were born here do not know. I have been to Ngwavuma, Mkhaliphi, Nkosibonga, Mfekayi, Dukuduku even Hluhluwe.
I have worked in more than 50 schools. I have been in high schools, primary schools, creches you name it I have worked in it.
The special thing about Mpilonhle is the people that you get to work with. They make everyday worth it. There have been unforgettable moments during the time I have been here. The closing year functions are great memories. The Boat ride and Cape vidal functions.
The One sight visit last year where we saw about 15000 people. The June camps during World cup where we also got a chance to attend some matches. I attended 3 games at Moses Mabhida. It should have been 4 but for the flu I missed the Semi-final.
I have to thank the Unit members from Unit 3. It has to be the craziest unit ever. We have had the most outspoken people at Mpilonhle. A unit that has a mind of its own. There was a time when we were called “a box of matches”. Reason was that our unit had all the explosives needed to blow things up and the only thing missing was some matches. I do not know how it happened but the loudest, craziestand funniest people all ended up in unit 3. Siyabonga, Sbahle, Anele, Nathi, Khethiwe, Sma, Phumelele, Snethemba, MamLungi and Sbu were all in the same unit. Crazy!
I have to say Themba, Slie Nyawo and Phumzile Zungu have fitted right into the Unit 3. I just hope the character of the unit and the spirit we had can be kept alive. We worked hard and played hard. Unit 3 will always be in my heart wherever I go. I will miss the singing at the back of the landrover.
In 2008 everything was new and exciting, 2009 everything we touched turned to gold, nothing could go wrong, I became Employee of the year, 2010 has been a tough year here. We lost some colleagues at the start of the year(Sthe and Sabelo) and others have left(Deli, Sbahle and Phindile). There was a 4 month period where we did not have any field assistants in the field. Those were tough months for all of us. Hopefully 2011 will be much better for everyone here at Mpilonhle.
I have to thank Michael Bennish(Programme Director) for the opportunity and the vision. He has great ideas, even the creation of this blog section was his vision. The IT department owes a lot to him. The innovations like synchronizing from the field came from him.
I have to mention my Co-ordinator Sakho. We have worked well together in many assignments like Registration and One Sight. It is not usual to have a coordinator that you can talk about the latest Formula 1 results, football scores and work with. When I first got here he would sometimes play computer games in his laptop in the afternoons but when we got our own IT office he changed and became serious about work. It has been a pleasure working with you.
Out in the field I have worked with so many people from other Units that have made my time here enjoyable. I have to mention Mpi for his laid back relaxed mood. He is an easy person to work with cause his mood is always welcoming and is helpful. If you have a good idea about work you can just run it by him.
I am very proud when I look at how the website has changed since the first day I started working on it with Grant. There is a blog section, video gallery and the latest creation is the facebook page. The greatest joy was getting the site to be updated with the latest pictures and news stories from the field.
If you have not lifted a computer console, sat at the back of the landrover to Mkhaliphi, did registration in January or put up a tent then you have never worked at Mpilonhle.
The only thing left to say now is Ciao, Au revoir, See ya later, and goodbye.
Posted by Siyabonga Mavuso on September 27, 2010 at 6:57 am.
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The current salary/wage strike in Public sector has brought to a halt work in schools and even in courtrooms. Almost all the schools in KZN have been disrupted due to the ongoing strike by teacher unions.
As of today no one knows how long the strike may last. Even the high profile case of Brett Kebble has been halted.
Valuable teaching and learning time has been lost. There are always 2 sides to every story. The timing of this strike could not have come at a worse time for learners. In about a months time the Trials Exams were scheduled to start. But then the workers also have a right to strike if they feel they have been shortchanged in the salaries they are getting. The cost of living have been increasing(petrol prices, food prices even rent prices are on the up).
I have found some teacher humour to lift the spirits.
A teacher asks her class, ”If there are 5 birds sitting on a fence and you shoot one of them, how many will be left?” She calls on little Johnny.
”None, they all fly away with the first gunshot.”
The teacher replies, ”The correct answer is 4, but I like your thinking.” Then Little Johnny says, ”I have a question for YOU. There are three women sitting on a bench having ice cream. One is delicately licking the sides of the triple scoop of ice cream. The second is gobbling down the top and sucking the cone. The third is biting off the top of the ice cream. Which one is married?”
The teacher, blushing a great deal, replies, ”Well I suppose the one that’s gobbled down the top and sucked the cone.”
”The correct answer is the one with the wedding ring on…but I like your thinking.”
Posted by Siyabonga Mavuso on August 18, 2010 at 3:51 am.
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Sfiso Zulu and Mbhekeni Mhlongo
A week after the FIFA World cup final had been decided and Spain announced as Champions. We hosted our very own Mpilonhle Football Predictions Awards.
This was a brain child by Musa Khumalo who came up with a concept also assisted by Jonathan van Niekerk.
We had 2 World cup predictions competitions. We had a nice function for the winners on the day and everyone got a piece of cake. Sifiso Zulu and Mbhekeni Mhlongo were the 2 overall winners of the competitions.
Posted by Siyabonga Mavuso on July 27, 2010 at 2:13 am.
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