Merry Christmas to everyone and joy peace and love in the coming year

Merry Christmas

Christmas is not about being drunk or eating until you can’t zip up or fasten your belt. When you eat so much that  you become uncomfortable or you party so hard that you don’t know where you are or how you got home. But needless to say, that summarizes Christmas for most. So what is Christmas? Of course a lot of gifts are given to people that we care for and about or love. Sometimes people go out of their way and give to less fortunate people who are not as materially privileged.

It is of course a time when spending skyrockets to accommodate the above mentality.

Trips are made to and fro, to nearby and far off places.

For some it is a time of loneliness, sadness and isolation. So what is Christmas?

Christmas is a time when we should re-open that door within us. It is a tiny door and only we have our keys to that door. Behind that door secretes are kept, hurts, deceits, pride and so on and so forth. Without forcing one’s belief system on anyone, it is the time to enter that backroom that only we know about and take stock and ask what would Jesus have done over the past twelve months, or since we came to know about the TRUTH? How could we have done differently? Have we heard the voice crying out in the wilderness calling us to repentance? Have we repented and turned our backs on our sinful nature?

Are we ready to welcome the infant Jesus into our backroom, our homes and our conscience? Is the backroom ready? Did we rid it of pride, arrogance and spite? Is there room for the saviour?

For others, it’s been twelve months of hard work and clearly getting a new car is just about what Christmas means. Performing a ritual & such is just about it for others.

For me, receiving even an e-mail attachment card from someone I didn’t expect would or was thinking about me in this busy period, brings Christmas back to the fore. It brightens my day and makes me happy to know that to someone else, Christmas means sending a card to me. As we fast and feast, let’s not forget about the baby in the manger. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!

There are a lot of ‘sugarman’ in the world

I am sure when half the people see the word sugar and man they suppose that I have made a mistake and am trying to talk about ‘sugardaddy’. But no I got it right, it is a documentary I watched on a man by that name.

I believe that the man’s name is Rodriguez.

In Africa I feel sad that we had not exploited our talents as we should and so I lament on that in this particular article.

Rodriguez, who is based in Detroit somewhere in North America, is a person that wanted or had at some point a career in music. Being of Spanish decent or Mexican he never got anywhere despite singing the rock music in English.{Listening to his lyrics I too agree that he was spot on}.

The lyrics had a message but after two ‘failed’ albums he went on to do what everyone else was doing or expected him to do and did odd jobs for a living- which in my opinion is very sad indeed.

However, in South Africa his music was loved in the seventies and onwards and his music helped steer the direction amongst the conservatism. The story, within the story is that he never knew he was appreciated somewhere else on the continent and carried on to live a ‘poor life’ until he was rediscovered in the late 1990’s by his fans in South Africa. {the story is he still lives the modest life his known all his life} Clearly by then he was older, so to speak, but had a chance to sing his music in live concerts- which had been his passion growing up.

It is a touching story and one wonders perhaps how many Africa’s have kept their talents ‘hidden’ so to speak since there is no sponsorship or money and the list goes on. Or how many people have feared to pursue an innovative career since it simply won’t pay the bills initially perhaps?

The story of Rodriguez resonates reality. What we need to compete internationally is to produce quality products and support our local industries. There is no need in reinventing the wheel.

It is indeed my deepest desire and hope that no matter how hard and long it takes one should not hide one’s true talent because of perceived failure. As we all know our fear of failure is what traps us to remain in positions we should not really be in. As the year comes to an end, don’t look as how you have not achieved anything but how much effort you put in trying- as Thomas Edison once said after failing to make the light bulb several times- ‘I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’

These are my words of encouragement to you. Pick up your pen and writing pad and write a report to yourself  recount how many ways, events, trips, interviews or sales calls you made that did not materialise and with a smile find out why not and try and establish a new marketing attempt, a happier persona and with renewed determination if you feel it is worth it, start all over again to try and achieve what you were set out to do. Remember your strengths and weaknesses and remember that your deepest fear is failure. Happy holidays.

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILD ABUSE

Hello yet again. This indeed is not an easy subject but one that should be trended upon gently and carefully. I read in a recent article in the Pretoria Newspaper on Wednesday 25^th November 2015 about how behavioural patterns are formed in human-beings in the early months of life. That is if a child is crying and the caregiver/parent lifts the child up and comforts it, it creates a better response in life towards stress. Therefore if a child cries and he or she is left unattended, that causes them stress and makes it much more difficult to handle stress in future as they have no built in mechanism to control it.

The one group grows up to be successful and better and less likely to show extreme behaviour and the opposite is true of the other group. It is a study by a neurologist and I found it very fascinating.

As we commemorate 16 days of activism against women and children…it goes without saying that there is a lot of crime unfortunately perpetuated against women and children. Women trafficking and child abuse in all forms is not indicative of a civilised society.

One need not recount the numerous senseless crimes committed against helpless children, which in itself is a shame. What we must endeavour to do is be mindful of our actions and create a loving and caring environment as ultimately we do not need repeat cycles, were the offended becomes the offender in future.

I was reflecting further on a bus driver in Cape Town that got dismissed for starting his day in prayer?!! recently. I am thinking that at least is indicative of a good moral compass that he is trying to put in the midst of his work day, and if perhaps there was one in the bus who was harbouring hateful thoughts against a partner, the reminder of God’s love would mean that person may change his thoughts and his day ends differently?

What is the Government doing to protect women and children?

The law is quite strict in that regard hence the establishment of the Domestic Violence Act and the family courts.

This helps to slow down or hamper abuse in domestic setups and our hearts go out to victims of domestic violence.

There are also specialised units dealing with child porn which is a huge problem on the internet.

As I write, it is my hope that there will be a change in the transformation of our society that will respect and value life and aspire to create an environment in which women and children will feel loved and appreciated. It is definitely Africa Independent’s Magazine CC passion to create an environment that depicts peace, joy and happiness as we enter the festive season, let us hope that we will transform our mindsets and set up health boundaries.

Changing weather and conserving water

Little do we think much of the water that we use! Water indeed is life as a slogan goes. In sub-Saharan Africa one could almost predict the weather partner in the past but that has quickly changed.

With global warming making headlines and news and world debates it is no wonder that the African continents seemed rippled with a change in weather and hence water shortages.

One cannot even begin to imagine a life without water. A previous study that was done at least five years ago {through Nedbank} went as far as to make one conscious  on how much water for instance is consumed to produce a bottle of beer, from the moment the seed is put into the ground, to harvesting and then to processing until the final product is on the shelf for the consumer to enjoy.

Of course we have seen the big dominant companies in the retail sector all trying their bit to go ‘green’ as it were by using a few recycled products here and there.

The greater challenge is for each and everyone to do our part in helping recycle products from ink cartridges to, tin containers, bottles, plastics and so on and so far. As a result there has been a mushrooming sector for collecting items from households trash to recycle. Although it is very informal and strenuous with everyone else that does not have to do that kind out work looking away from those making a living out of the recycle cabbage- one wonders if the informal industry should not to recognized if they are indeed helping to save our environment.

Water as we speak is becoming scares and rare in some areas which is and can be very alarming as we all need water to survive. Farmers have been hit hard with the current change in weather conditions that have mostly resulted in a drought.

Although we seem to have people that have studied in various fields on our continent however our planning as human beings falls short at times. If a drought and weather patterns have changed and been forecast, should we not be considering irrigation farming to avert food shortages?

This all point can be elaborated upon but it just adds to our fear that we need water to generate electricity in some cases. Although there is a cry of unemployment, I have a feeling that everyone should be employed in one way or another if we are to sustain our economy in an eco-friendly manner. Many are the employment opportunities most of which have not even been tapped into. Why don’t we create a 'know-

how' to avert the inevitable by brainstorming and coming up with a solution that will counter global warming?

The year has grown!! 2015 Rugby World Cup

Although October is a hot month, we have received some rains, although not enough for farming purposes. With the heat wave, we had a few days of even ‘water rationing’ in the suburbs. With Christmas decorations slowly creeping in, it is rather Halloween decorations and accessories that are filling the stores shelves.  The month has seen the release of Oscar Pistorius from prison and fortunately the week has been marred with university student’s protests who have kept the media more busy with their activities and the focus in a way away from the paralympian.

But despite and in spite of all this, there has been a great big tournament taking place in England, with the Queen Elizabeth hosting dinner for all the teams that participated at one point. It must have been an honour and a great privilege. The stadiums have been filled with spectators. Of course the stadiums are some of the world class needless to say.

We have seen countries like Namibia, South Africa from the African continent represented with Namibia performing dismally. Canada, Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, USA, Georgia, Romania, Japan, Italy, France all representing the Northern Hemisphere.  We also had Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand which are more or less Island nations if you will and Australia, Argentina, Uruguay representing the Southern Hemisphere if you will.

The tournament has seen the host nation England being knocked out in the early stages at group level. It was impressive to have countries like Romania, Georgia, Fiji and Tonga in the tournament including Japan.

South Africa came back from their initial loss by 2 points to Japan and last weekend saw them secure a place in the Quarter  finals which kick off this coming Saturday(24^th October) after a brilliant ‘Try’ by the team captain just minutes before the end of the game securing them 23 points to 19 against their opponent Wales in a 23-19 score. Ireland loss to Argentina 20-43 points was also a big upset but saw the last of the northern hemisphere countries out of the tournament. Scotland played the Wallybeeees (Australia) making it to the quarter finals 34-35. New Zealand beat France 62-13 deserving their title as reigning champions.

With that in mind it now leaves us with just four teams being South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia all falling in the Southern Hemisphere. It will be a huge battle for all four teams but only one of them will be crowned as the 2015 Rugby World Cup Campion. As we count the hours to the Quarter Finals we are bracing ourselves to a both physical and mental eighty minutes for each match at the least.

Who will it be that will take the first, second and third places? Were that still remains to be known as we support the last four teams in this very physical game to the Quarter finals. We have seen great talent, skills and manoeuvre as well as bravery; it would help each one of us to master that conquering spirit in our day to day lives.  We have been entertained by some of the most inspiring warrior dances and of course listened to the national anthems of all these countries that have had the honours of show casing their national flags in the world of Rugby with more than 2,200 score made in the tournament thus far.

We have seen them cry be it a win or a loss, injuries, yellow cards and the constant jubilation of the fans. Wishing the remaining four teams all the best as it remains to be known who will play in the finals.

Give Love a Chance in Pursuit of Justice Copyright Constance Mutale

She smiled and they lady smiled as well. They had had a lengthy quiet time together. She had two glasses of wine, her dark eyes captive of his brown eyes. Then he suggested something, looking at his watch.

“Let’s go to the hotel quickly. Or my house before my wife comes back.”

“No I think the hotel is better.” She replied as he held her hand. 

They paid the bill and hurried to his car like naughty teenagers before the they hurried to the nearby hotel. She was giggling as they walked into the lobby; the wine had gotten to her head. She had tied her hair to the top of her head. It was a nice and warm afternoon with a few cloud cover. He drove an expensive sporty car. He was of medium built, and wore an expensive suit and shoes. His face was clean shaven and had a bit of a belly but nothing that could not work back to a six pack with the right exercises. He booked a room and soon he whisked her upstairs to the room. Without knowing it they hurriedly undressed. She kissed him back as he mumbled just how crazily in love she made him feel. He had never done this before and before long the lay on the bed covers and he made love with her. She was out of breath, she let go of her fears. She was here now and she might as well enjoy the moment. Her long dark hair, he made it loose as he kissed her face, he run his hands through it as they perspired. She kissed him again and again. She laughed at first nervously but then she got used to the idea and just let go as though she were with her husband. She let go. She was happy. They lay quietly afterwards. He was asleep. She took a quick nap, but after half an hour she woke up. 

“Listen I have to go. I have to go. I need to get home before my husband does.” She began.

He pulled the pillow to his ears.

But she continued.

“Gill.” She nudged at him; “I have to go. Drive me back to the restaurant. I need to collect my car.” She practically pleaded as though reality had just set back.

“Okay. Okay, calm down.” He interrupted. “I am exhausted.” He responded getting up and walking to the bathroom. He used the toilet and then he walked into the shower.

“Don’t you want to shower or something?” He called out.

“My hair… I will be too fresh. I will shower as soon as I get home.”

“I have to.” He responded rubbing the soap on his body, “In case my wife smells me.”

“So you do this often?”

“No.” He lied. “You are just one special lady.”

“So the business…?” She began.

“I can’t talk about that now. It was pleasure and the rest will follow. You sound like my wife. Don’t rush me. I will take care of it in good time. You have my word.” He replied whilst she stood in the bathroom with him.

They needed at least 50k, for the project. He has to come through. She looked at her watch as he began to dress. Next time she will drive her own car, she could not bear to wait, but she had to be patient, she had to be polite, after all she was a lady. She’d had a good time. Why was she worried? She had to be home before her husband.

“Now we are ready.” He said patting her on the shoulder. “Let’s hope we won’t meet the late afternoon traffic”

“Let’s hope so.” She replied delighted to be leaving the premises.

They talked briefly on their way back to the restaurant. He parked the car and kissed her on the lips. She thanked him for the ride and hurried to her car. She got into her car and looked herself in the mirror, what have I done she thought to herself; before looking away from her image. She raced back home. It was nearly twilight when she pulled into the driveway. She got out of the car and walked towards the house.

“Hello. Where have you been? I was trying to reach you for some time but I couldn’t get hold of you?” She heard the sound of her familiar husband’s voice. This was the moment she dreaded. This is the reason she should not have left her car parked at the restaurant. She could have been here a bit earlier then. She was faced with the prospect of kissing her own husband on the lips now.

“I went off.” She replied scratching her head and remembered that her hair was now loose, whereas in the morning she’d had it tied. She hoped that he could not remember.

“Off to where?” Visco persisted as he studied her.

“To see some possible clients. They needed to tell me what they wanted.”

“So do these clients have names? Does the place have a name?”

“What about me entering the house and talking over a cup of tea or something?” She smiled at her husband, “I might as well give you my business dairy. How was your day darling?” She added a bit sarcastically.

“Oh, sorry. I forgot you work hard!” Moving out of her way. She rolled her eyes as she walked past him.

“And my day was okay.” He replied walking in after her.

“I need to put on some flat shoes.” She hurried to the bedroom upstairs. She took off her clothes and hurried into the shower just as her husband walked in. He sat on the toilet seat.

“I was actually concerned about you.” He continued.

“I thought you would work late on the project?” She cut in as the shower water made noise in the background.

“Yeah but we don’t have money. I mean I already told you that. So it is pointless for me to make the guys work late. Talking of money…” He spoke up in a raised voice so he could be heard above the running water.

“Yeah I know. I thought one of my clients would pay me yesterday but they didn’t. You will have to wait a day or so.” She replied back in a high tone too whilst rubbing the shower gel on her body. This is just what she wanted; to wash Gill off her body.

Distorted View Courtesy of Constance Mutale(c)

Page 359 and 360 of distorted View extract

She smiled with a look of concern on her face.

“Is it the same in the rest of Africa?”

“I am guessing… no.” He replied…he paused for a moment. “Listen it does not bother me, but can we talk about something more pleasant. Like kissing; and making love after a year?” He said searching her face and pausing again after he was now seated in the driver’s seat.

She smiled again.

“And then we can go for dinner later.” He continued watching her beautiful face.

He stopped at a flower shop and bought her some flowers.

“You see… better than in Europe, they are fresh from the garden.” He reasoned with her.

“They do smell nice.” She said receiving them graciously.

He kissed her.

He recalled having a romantic evening with her with dinner by candlelight whilst soft music played in the background.

They drank some wine during the course of the meal and he dreamed in her green eyes again, everything was just right.

“So…” They both began at the same time. He, having just lit a cigarette as he lay next to her.

“No you first.” She giggled, as she lay bare beneath the covers.

“No you first.” He insisted playfully touching the tip of her nose with his index finger having put out the ciggeratte on the ash-tray that was on top of the bedside table.

“Okay…” She said looking at him with her beautiful emerald eyes before kissing his fingers back playfully. “When are you coming back to Europe?”

“I was going to ask when we were going to get married in Africa?”

“No Vil.” She said sitting up.

“Wait.” He said getting up and taking his camera from the dressing table before taking a shot at her partially covered body, with her hands in her hair.

She laughed again.