According to News24, the men (Ashwin Fortuin, Ronald Adams, Aubrey Andres, Edmund Cloete, and Leroy Vosloo) were arrested for trespassing and being in possession of the herb “without a permit”.

They appeared in the Bellville Regional Court and released on Thursday on a warning but will “return to the court on 17 May for a pre-trial conference to discuss progress regarding… the investigation against them”.

The incident took place on a farm in Durbanville and the person who reported them is the farmer, the alleged owner of the farm.

The herb itself is not an endangered plant species, is fast-growing and is widely distributed from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

The “Sackcloth People” formed as a way to escape poverty and reject the violence that afflicts poorer communities, by engaging in the traditional practises of their Khoisan ancestors.

They also practice Rastafarianism, giving them the more formal name of the ‘Khoisan Rastafari’.

As indigenous people, they believe that the government does not have the right to deny them their traditional rights which include living off the land and moving around freely.

They do not engage in crime and violence; and do not consume alcohol or drugs (besides using marijuana as part of their religious practices).

Apart from living off the land and making their own clothes, they also earn extra money by selling their traditional remedies at markets.

The Western Cape is especially well known for its vast supply of medicinal plants which the Khoisan used to cure ailments used for thousands of years.

This knowledge was passed down through the various generations, extending to the present, the Khoisan Rastafari being proof of that knowledge.

The arrival of the Europeans; however; brought along genocide, mass diseases and poverty as well as the theft of their land, the enslavement of their people and the attempted destruction of their medicinal knowledge.

However, the knowledge survived both colonisation and apartheid, the proof being in the ‘Khoisan Rastafari’ pudding.

The post Young Khoisan Men Arrested for Picking Traditional Khoisan Herbs appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

The 36 year old lawyer has been listed as one of the “100 Most Influential Young South Africans”, an accolade she shares with previous awardees such as Wayde van Niekerk and Caster Semenya.

The ‘Most Influential Young South Africans initiative’ aims to identify young people with an outstanding record of contributing to the growth of South Africa and inspiring (or influencing) other young people to do the same.

Melene was recognized for the work she did through her ‘Women Lead Movement’ which she started in 2017 at the age of 32.

It aims to empower women and girls through mentorships and human rights programmes.

The movement has thus far helped thousands of women and young people, has been recognized by local and international human rights agencies, expanded internationally, and also runs projects to teach boys and young men about the rights of women so that they can become better adults.

This accolade is just one of many for her work with the movement.

Melene has already been selected as an Inaugural Obama Leader in Africa, a Future Africa Forum Leader, a Mandela Washington Fellow, a JCI 2020 ‘Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World, a JCI ‘Ten Outstanding Young Persons of South Africa’, an African ‘100 Most Influential Women’ and a Brand Ambassador for Brand South Africa.

She was also selected by the International Advocacy Organisation, ONE Global Campaign, to feature in three of their global campaigns and she has had the honour of meeting former President Barrack as well as having written and spoken extensively on Democracy and Governance in Africa and generally sought after to speak at international conferences (the latest being at the ‘Young African Initiative’ conference held in Ethiopia).

Melene completed a degree in Law at the University of the Western Cape where she was also elected to and served on the Student Representative Council.

She worked as a Candidate Attorney, a legal researcher at the Constitutional Court of South Africa in the office of Constitutional Court Judge, Albie Sachs), National Cabinet Committee Secretary responsible for Justice, Crime Prevention and Security as well as Governance and Administration (in the office of the presidency), Special Advisor to the Minister of Sports and Recreation and Media Liaison for the Minister of Tourism.

She also graduated with a Masters degree in Public and Constitutional Law as well as Diplomas in Media Studies (Institute for Journalism South Africa).

Through the prestigious Mandela Washington fellowship, she completed a course on Governance and Democracy (University of Virginia) and Leadership (William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business).

The post Another Accolade for Melene Rossouw: Selected as ‘100 Most Influential Young South Africans’ appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

In the post he states that he is a student at the University of the Free State, having started studying in 2016 on a first year bursary.

After having passed his first year, he successfully applied for a NSFAS loan but this would only start paying out in the second half of 2017.

As a result, he was set back and could only start doing his first semester modules in 2018.

In 2018 however, his brother passed away, the shock of which made it impossible for him to focus on his studies.

Of the 5 modules in his first semester, he only managed to pass 2, setting him back even further.

Even worse was the fact that the NSFAS loan was cancelled because he failed to perform academically, his account was handed over to attorneys for failure to pay and he was removed from the residence, leaving him without a place to stay.

However, he was not willing to give up on his dream of becoming a lawyer and fighting for those who could not fight for themselves.

The Kraaifontein born Keanu had excelled at school despite having grown up surrounded by poverty, drugs and violence; both outside and inside his own home.

He was the kid that could not even attend his matric farewell because there was not enough money and despite all this, he had fought his way into university and the chances of a better life.

He had gotten this far and giving up was not an option.

He fought his way back into university, right into third year, doing everything he could to try and pay his fees and accommodation while at the same time, not letting the mounting stress affect his studies.

Keanu has tried every avenue to try and find funding, even going to the Office of the Free State Premier but with little success.

Hopefully, going forward, South Africa will become a place where kids like Kyle won’t struggle to get a good education.

For now, however, he needs your help.

His account has once again been handed over to the University’s attorneys, so if you want to assist in ending this financial nightmare, you can do so by donating whatever you can.

You can make your donation directly into the account of the University of the Free State by using the following details:

University of the Free State

ABSA Bank

Brach Code: 630734

Account number: 1570 151 688 (UFS account)

Account Number: 2015295856 (My Student number/account)

If you want more information, you can contact Keanu on 0641229589.

The post Law Student, Keanu Fortuin, Needs Your Help with Paying for his University Fees appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

It was just an ordinary Thursday afternoon in Wentworth, when Brett Eddie and Brylan Kock were alerted to a fire that was raging through a nearby flat. They were told that the 79-year-old paralysed and bedridden Lillian were still trapped inside, along with her special needs son, Roland. They, along with some other guys, rushed over to the flat in the hope of being able to help.

When Brett and Brylan arrived at the flat, they saw a visibly shocked Roland being rescued by Malcolm Govender and Hayden Bennie. The flat was engulfed in flames with Lillian still trapped inside. The two rescuers had already inhaled too much of the thick, black smoke; and they surely would have died had they gone back in. It was too late for Lillian and no sane human being would risk their lives trying to save her. However, when Brett and Brylan heard the desperate Lilian pleading, “please don’t leave me”, it was too much for them. They had to do something, even if it meant risking their lives.

Thinking fast, they put in place a plan. The smoke was too thick and it was impossible to see inside, but Brett knew the layout of the flat and led the rescue. Brylan worked in the petrol refinery industry and part of his job training included firefighting training and on-site drills. This meant that he had the basic skills that would allow him to enter the burning flat and direct the rescue operation. After working out everything, they wrapped their sweaters around their mouths and went in.

The smoke was about half a metre off the ground, so they had to leopard crawl to avoid it. The rescue operation was however, almost over before it started. The smoke was too thick, overwhelming them and the two men had to flee the flat before they choked and suffocated. This however did not deter them and after taking a few breaths, they went back in. Brett was leading and Brylan followed by holding on to his belt. They could not see anything, including each other, with Brett depending on his memory of the flat’s layout to get to the bedroom where Lillian was trapped. The fire was so fierce, that they could hear the flames lapping at them. They finally made to the bedroom and fumbled around until they found the bedroom door handle. Brylan had to kick in the door to the bedroom where they found Lillian in bed, still pleading, “please don’t leave me”. When they looked behind them though, they knew they would not be able to get Lillian through the fog of thickening black smoke and raging flames. Thankfully, they weren’t only heroes hard at work.

Outside, a group of locals were hard at work, trying to put out the fire by passing buckets of water to throw at the flames. These included Malcolm and Hayden, who had saved Roland, as well as Deon Redman, Rowin Saunders, Lindrooi Dorkin, and Cyril Ward. After realising that they had to find another solution, they rushed to where the bedroom was situated and started pushing and pulling at the burglar bars, trying to get it to budge. A nearly suffocated Brylant had crawled back outside to help with burglar bars and after some struggling; they managed to pry it off. Brett, who had stayed behind in the burning flat, passed Lillian through the window and the rest of the rescue team helped him get out.

After the rescue operation was complete, they hosed down Lillian’s legs. She was coughing up black phlegm and had to be rushed to the hospital where she recovered. Brett and Brylant had also been coughing and vomiting after having inhaled too much of the deadly smoke.

Asked why he did it, Brylant says that he thinks it was a combination of adrenalin and the fact that he could not ignore the pleas for help from a granny. He says that although there are a lot of stories about Wentworth’s drugs and gangs, this rescue operation really shows that there are a lot of good people in the community. He suggested that although some of the guys involved in the rescue might have made some wrong choices in life, their actions showed him a different side to them. It humbled him and where others see hopelessness, because of these superheroes, he now sees the kind of potential that is still alive in Wentworth.

Most superheroes do not wear capes nor do they live in mansions. They are ordinary people, doing extraordinary things, inspiring bravery in others and creating a cycle of bravery, compassion and humanity. They sometimes mess up in life, only to be faced with a life threatening situation that will test them and force them to reveal their true selves. Yes, Superheroes are real; and some of them live in Wentworth.

Source(s): IOL (from an article written by Tanya Waterworth), other

The post The Story of how Wentworth’s Superheroes Saved Granny Lillian from Burning Flat appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

In a video posted online by community leader, Selvin Theys, the community can be seen marching in an endless stream down the town’s dusty streets.

The crowd looks angry, ready to go to war, a sight certain to put fear in the hearts of the vilest of criminals.

The march was in response to ‘Operation Calvinia Clean-up’, an initiative initiated and led by Selvin, which aims to tackle crime and bring criminals to justice.

The initiative kicked off on Sunday, after a community meeting to discuss the problem of drug dealing and the illegal loans that is worsening the poverty in the community

This cycle of poverty has also escalated into other social ills, which include the possible sex trafficking of underage girls.

In another video posted by community activist, Jay Thys, a crowd is shown gathering outside a structure in which it is alleged, underage girls are being used for ‘all sorts of evil things’.

In the video, Jay makes it clear that if the community ever sees an underage girl coming from the structure, everybody that lives in the structure will be chased out of town.

He also indicated that the structure belongs to a company and that company will be consulted on the issue.

Although the march was peaceful, some members used it as an opportunity to damage property.

Selvin promised that such behaviour will not be tolerated and the perpetrators will be held accountable.

“We cannot fight crime while at the same time, promoting crime,’ says Selvin.

The next phase of the initiative will be to tackle the loan sharks that are holding on to the SASSA cards of desperate community members.

He also indicated that they paid a “friendly visit” to these loan sharks, advising them that they need to stop what they are doing.

The post Calvinia Community Chases Gangsters out of Town appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

Last year, I had the opportunity to “shadow” my husband at work. Although I know what medical doctors do, I never actually knew exactly what their day consists of. Eli always comes home utterly exhausted, wanting to relax, sleep and just unwind with some PlayStation. Sometimes it’s frustrating – I also want to spend time with him and go out and have some fun. To understand his life better, I decided to walk a day in his shoes.

It was chaotic. Patients lined up with problems ranging from dislocated shoulders to stab wounds to broken bones. Paramedics bringing in motor vehicle accident victims, including a 2 year old John Doe, to an 85 year old delirious, septic patient. At one point I had to step aside and collect myself. It was tear jerkingly sad.

Not only do they have to diagnose and treat hundreds of patients, but they also have to do heaps upon heaps of paperwork – all while patients are complaining that they’ve been waiting too long, or wanting to know why they haven’t been called in yet for their minor problem. Oh and let’s not forget the complete lack of resources these government institutions are given – no equipment or drugs needed to save some of these patients lives, resulting in them having to be referred to bigger hospitals.

Although all I did was observe, at the end of the day my feet were burning and I was exhausted – emotionally and physically. I’m just so thankful there were no resus patients this day, as the previous two days brought with it an 18 month and 10 year old – both crushed by cars and who both, unfortunately, did not survive. I don’t know how I would’ve contained myself if this were to happen in front of me.

This, however, is the day to day lives of medical doctors. They’re doing their best on a minimum amount of sleep and with the little resources they have. They’re trying. They sacrifice their lunch break to help patients, working long after their home time, and spending free time doing courses to extend their knowledge so they can help even more patients.

After this day, my respect for this profession and my husband has grown even more. Eli – I am thankful for all that you do – you are a real life superhero!

Note: Jessica Rhode is a dentist who completed her degree at the University of the Western Cape, while her husband, Eli Rhode, is a medical doctor who completed his degree at Stellenbosch University.

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The post A Day in the Life of a Doctor – Jessica Writes Ode to Superhero Husband appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

They held the event at the Oranjeville Sports Grounds in Citrusdal and gave the girls a free wash, roller set and braiding.

For the boys, barbers were on hand to provide a free schoolboy shave.

All kids from creche to high school were welcome and the moms were assured that their kids would be in safe hands.

The kids were given a free snack and juice afterwards; and the volunteers played some fun games with them while also giving them advice on taking care of their natural hair.

The event itself was a huge success, with kids lining up to get their hair ready for another hectic year of hitting the books.

The organiser of the event, Celine Bocks, however admits that there were more kids than they had initially planned for.

She was however humbled and grateful when the moms who had brought their children, saw that she needed more help and decided to volunteer.

She thanked all the volunteers as well the moms that sent their kids; and Ukholo Lodge for the hotdogs, Simoné Thomas from ‘KroesRocks’ for providing the natural hair products and the Citrusdal Municipality for allowing them to use the sports grounds.

She also thanked the fellow members of the ‘Citrusdal Natural Hair Beauties’ group, for contributing towards funding the event.

Celine says that they see this as an opportunity to give back to the community and lessen the burden of the parents.

The group, which promotes natural hair, was started by Celine and her sister after they saw that there were women in Citrusdal who also wanted to throw out the straightener and keep it natural.

They have grown since then, having built relations with a network of natural haircare enthusiasts and businesses across the Western Cape.

She says this is their first project for the year and assures everyone that many more is to come going forward into 2020.

The post Citrusdal Natural Hair Group Gives Kids Free Back-To-School Haircare Service appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

The town’s high school, De Kruine Secondary, managed to score a formidable 96% matric pass rate, a significant improvement over its 74% pass rate in 2018.

Not only that, but it has a 100% pass rate in accountancy and has continued to improve on the mathematics front.

The school says that its results are as a result of community support and the commitment of both the teachers and learners.

It also has programmes in place to ensure that the learners, who generally come from struggling homes, are able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Some of the programmes include both winter and spring schools as well as weekend camps where the learners socialise and help each other.

It also implemented interventionist programmes to directly deal with improving its mathematics and science marks.

In addition, the school participates in athletics and rugby, and its learners are socially conscious, having recently participated in protests against the violence perpetrated against women.

The school does however have its problems and would like to encourage more parents to attend school meetings and functions.

The learners also had to deal with multiple protests from community members who demanded better service delivery.

Despite their problems, the learners of De Kruine have made their community proud and a proud community can only continue to gain in strength.

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The post Touwsrivier’s De Kruine High School Scores 96% Matric Pass Rate appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

A browse through the Exclusive Books website confirms that ‘Zephany’ is in the top 5 of most sold books.

Zephany shares the top 5 space with high profile titles such as ‘The Stellenbosch Mafia’ and Mcebisi’s Jonas’ ‘Hope after State Capture’.

Zephany, who now goes by the name she has grown up with, Miche Solomons; says that she was motivated to write the book to simply tell her side of her story.

She had been forced to become a bystander in her own story, as tabloid driven gossip had turned her into a villain by when she was only a young person of 18.

No longer willing to allow the tabloids and publicity seeking radio personalities to dictate her story and instigate online bullying, she accepted an offer by biographer, Joanne Jowell, to write her story.

According to its summary, the book looks at Zephany/Miche’s ordeal of having to find out that she was kidnapped, her battle with her double identity and her complicated relationships with her biological family and the family she grew up with.

It delves into the impact that it had on her and the dark place that she fell into as a result of the trauma she experienced.

If you want to buy the book, it retails for R267 and can be found at several bookstores, including Exclusive Books.

The post Zephany Nurse Book a Bestseller appeared first on Coloured South Africa .

The charges include incitement to commit violence but it is not clear how this will hold up in court.

In a statement prior to the shutdown, Fadiel had discouraged violence and there were no reports of violence, other than the blocking of traffic and burning of tyres.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, has also laid charges of defamation, after Fadiel mocked him on social media.

Smith also suggested that the protests, in which Coloured Cape Tonians rejected the exclusion of Coloureds from housing lists, were in fact, an act of racism by Coloureds against black and white South Africans.

After the publishing of the intent to lay charges, social media comments criticising the city’s actions were scathing and perhaps, a bit worrying for the ruling Democratic Alliance.

One of the many accusations levelled against the city was the suggestion that the goal is not to win in court, but to use the courts as a form of harassment to discourage future protests.

It was further suggested that this was similar to harassment levelled against anti-apartheid activists by the apartheid regime.

Some have even gone as far to say that if Fadiel appears in court, the city should be shut down for a second time and have called on candidates to stand against the DA in Coloured dominated areas.

In addition, Smith has been described by several as racist, with one commentator going as far as to say that he is as “racist as Eugene Terblanche on a good day”.

They also wanted to know if Smith is using tax money to fight his personal battle against Fadiel.

Although it was not an overwhelming success, it was successful enough to suggest that the shutdown movement could develop enough momentum to become a threat to the ruling political classes.

As can be seen by the city’s intention to go to court, its moderate success was significant enough to jolt the city into what some see as an overly drastic response.

Below is some of the comment s left on social media pages from the pages of SABC News and IOL:

The post What the Internet Has to Say About City’s Charges against Shutdown Leader: appeared first on Coloured South Africa .