Born a crime and other South African stories by Trevor Noah

Born a crime and other South African stories by Trevor Noah

Welcome to our Tuesday book corner.

This week we look at South African born comedian, Trevor Noah’s book Born a Crime and other stories.

The first time I read the book, I fell in love with the character of Mam Patricia Noah and wondering what she will do next. Hence I kept turning the pages, I could relate so much with the story.

                                            Yes, after reading Born a Crime. I bought my current property. 

Not only did I see, my mother but many South African  township women through her.

The second time though, I was searching deep within for my true identity and asking deep questions about what was going on in the country during my conception and with all the beautiful history of apartheid history, how did we end up in the gender base violence mess. What happened to our human spirit? Our community etc.

I think everyone who is questioning our history, laws, and the rainbow nation idea should read this book.

The author has a way of simplifying complex matters and make them easy to understand even for the ordinary citizen who is not that well educated or find court matters and laws very complicated.

As a mixed breed from two South African tribes, the Zulu’s and the amaMpondo which forms part of the Xhosa tribe, I could identify with many of Trevor Noah’s struggles.

 

                                              Born A crime raise an awareness on the GBV and highlights the need for taining in the SAPS for treating such cases.

The book start with the immorality Act of 1927. 

In my simple version of understanding.  This law was put by  someone who hated the love and unity between black and white  way back in the 1920s.

So he or she abused his power by  creating a law that will see these two groups or  anyone from these two racial groups in prisoned for up to five years for men and four years for women. If they love each other or have any intercourse together.

I know it was the dumpest law ever, hence the product of that hatred, Trevor Noah is a full proof that you cannot jail love.

I don’t know about you but this law was set up to promote hatred than love meaning even before apartheid, these two groups did live peacefully and loved each other.

 

                                                     Rosebank Union Church kids centre, 

You will also enjoy the religious part of the Noah family and if you are black like me you will even enjoy it as you can relate to most of their stories.

 

During Covid 19 more GBV cases were brought to light and the lack of SA justice system action against perpetrators.

Those blacks who went to multiracial schools for the first time in the 90s can also relate to a lot that the author says or share.

My son and I getting sprayed with holy water after UCKG bishop told me my problem was witchcraft related hence I attended deliverance services.

I am glad that he touched on the Witch Craft Act, yes he jokes about it but  the witchcraft suppression amendment act 50 of 1970 is something that the government of South Africa needs to look at.

                                            The increase of churches doing deliverance services and  the muthi shops are evidence that witch craft is real and South African government need to look into and implement the Witch craft Act

Yes witchcraft is real not only in the homelands but witches have moved to the urban areas too.

 Alexandra Township is so full of them that every Friday and Sunday 1pm, at Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (both Pan Africa branch and 13^th Avenue ) branch there’s a deliverance service.

Often those who attend are educated and given tools to fight against witchcraft. As well as learning about God and salvation.

The streets of Johannesburg is full of people who were driven out of the Sandton mansion homes to being homeless through witchcraft. These are Dr, laws and businessman/woman

This is one of the many churches that has taken a stand on this. While other so called “churches” have took this opportunity to make money out of those who seriously seek help with deliverance.

This group is that of previously oppressed blacks whose education is not so good due to many other things apartheid.

Hence I believe the government of South Africa or the law of the country need to make a harsh law against witchcraft practise especially if it damages the other person or his/her property.

Their work can be proven especially if you are a believer in Jesus Christ. 

 The  most  most painful story that touched my heart was that of her mother and the GBV she experienced. 

The lack of training in the South African Police Service (SAPS)  when dealing with such cases needs to be looked at.

 I think the book was penned as a cry for help for her mother. The courts also need to get qualified people to oversee such cases. Over all, the book is funny but serious too, worth a read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have nothing to lose with founder of UCGK bishop Edir Macedo

Book launch of another Edir Macedo's book. Getting an autograph from Bishop Pierse Marcelo

Yes, this month we go to church by fire by force baba, we are releasing everything, the blessings, the anointing and the intellectuality of everything that is branded God and his son Jesus.

Nothing to Lose 3 book cover

So this week, we look at Nothing to Lose 3 by bishop Edir Macedo, the founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.

                                                   Evangelism with UCKG Park station branch team in JHB CBD

If you follow me on my social media platforms, you will definitely know by now that I am fond of this church.

Love walk at the Johannesburg Zoo with the senior pastors

During the Women's month celebration event in Alexandra Township

Thanks to COVID19 and the fact that most churches in my region were closed while I was desperate and in need of God.

The book launch celebrating the 30th anniversary of the arrival of the church in South Africa. Bishop Marcelo on wife Ms Marcia

The prayers, the word of God and everything that could bring my life back... Yes, you guessed it right, the witches and satanist were having a field day doing an all in one.

Funeral hosted by the church in Alexandra Township

 I'm sure there were even partying saying "Simtholile baba lo clever lo "We've  this clever one baba!

BuBus trip to Soweto

So, in the mists of the dark clouds, I found myself escaping the negative noise at their Park Station Branch where the first words of the assistance, was do not loose your faith my sister.

The Holy ground in Soweto

I was even encouraged to pray non stop for those that persecuted me. As this will bring about my success and shouldn't worry about the distraction but focus my eyes on Jesus.

The Women's gathering in Alexandra Township

Crazzy I know, but there I was in the church known in South Africa as the church that brought rain during the draught of the 90s.

Promoting the holy water 

Some even called it the church that stopped train killings as the evangelists would pray in trains for the killings would stop.

Kids party in Alexandra Township Pan Africa branch

I must say, the church has grown drastically  from the time it set foot for the very first time in South Africa.

                                                         Taking pictures after the heritage event in Alexandra Township

You won't believe this but they first settled in Bezuinhout valley. Their main focus then and still now is on the black oppressed people of South Africa.

                                              At the Holy ground in Soweto

Those people have also shown back their love for the Brazillians and together have build a mega church in Soweto next to Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital where I am told that would be the head quarters of the church in the African Continent.

From the book, you can see that there are many initiatives that the church is involved in not only here in South Africa but in the continent as a whole.

The Founder of the church also the author first arrived in South Africa with a passion for music and dance.

The Funeral service of Mam Vuyiswa 

He owns a Record Television Network and they were amongst the first few whites to enter the township when there was still a myth that people in the township wanted to kill white people.

This book is so rich with love and anyone who want to really exercise their faith should either get one or try attending one of their branches.

Till next time, please follow me on all social media platforms and the beads are back full force for both men and woman. This year we have kids ranges too.

 

We reflect on those eight painful days of September 2008

Rev Frank Chikane's book

Hey everybody, and welcome to the Tuesday Book Corner.

Every Tuesday, will be looking at some books that we need to digest, review or maybe properly look at the message behind them.

picture from M&G internet

As you can see that this week, we going inside parliament with the man of God as we reflect on those eight painful days of September 2008.

The first edition of the book  was published by Picador Africa in 2012. The author, clergy, Rev Frank Chikane gives us  a blow by blow account of damages that the African National Congress 52nd annual Conference held in Polokwane cost the liberation movement and the country as a whole.

Youtube video of me outside the then Malema house in |Sandton and also talking about my personal encounter

This also makes us understand why the current president Cyril Ramaphosa was urging for unity when he took  the presidential office in 2019.

The ANC had become a very strange organization that even I or many of us who grew up in the organization before 1994 could not relate to it nor did we fit in.

Somehow, the conference held in Polokwane managed to breed undisciplined, greedy and impatient cadres. This was so un ANC, I tell you.

That organization had always prided itself with disciplined cadre.

 From the time lawyer, Pixley ka Isaka Seme,journalist, Sol Plaatje, educator, John Langalibale Dube and Izwi Labantu founder, Walter Rubusana gathered  in Bloemfontein to form the South African Native National Congress in Bloemfontein. 

Founders of the ANC were all well educated people Pic from Wikipedia  

It's foundation was always rooted in Christian beliefs or anything that promotes good cause for the people.

Did they have any disagreement, yes they probably had but to the extend of humiliating and forcefully remove a seating president? That was so unheard of.

Through the book, the Rev take us to the events build up of the Polokwane Conference, which he describe as having tested the foundation of our new born democratic state to the limit with great risk of destabilisation and reversal of the democratic gains made.

From the 19/09/2008, umfundisi gives detail encounter as someone who worked in the presidency and exposed to the angry NGOKU!!! squad who were from the post Polokwane Conference.

Like spoilt children, the squad wanted things done their way and done so urgently. 

They didn't want to listen to any other voice of reason. Nor did they see the need to respect anyone.

I mean, humiliating a man who has lived his whole life for the ANC.

The error made by Judge Chris Nicholson was makes you question many things about the country.

Anyway, umfundisi was not revealing much in this book and I think has said some of the things in his follow up book.

 

A Stranger in the mirror by Sydney Sheldon

 

A Stranger in the Mirror by Sydney Sheldon

 

Let the Camera Roll ....Click, Click

Hi there and welcome to the Tuesday book slot again.

As promised, once a month we will be paying tribute to one of the greatest writers ever lived.

 

Getting ready.... At the presenting, acting classes at Talent Coaching Academy

Yes, I am a Sydney Sheldon’s collector and fan.

 https://mubi.com/en/cast/sidney-sheldon

 As you can read this blog or you are someone who has been following me on my social networks, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok you will know by now that the art industry has always been in my heart.

Amazon picture of Sydney Sheldon's collection

Today’s Read; A stranger in the Mirror is a work of fiction, was first published in Great Britain in 1976 by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.

                                            practising tv presenting skills with coach Nonhle Tema, founder of TCA 

The two main characters- Toby Temple and Jill Castle early days of hustling to get into Hollywood.

Sydney Sheldon -stranger in the mirror. Picture from the internet 

 reminded me of my days when I first started hustling for screen Jobs in Egolihood.

Nelson Mandela Bay Media interviews... Now on uMhlobo Wenene FM

The day I met a dodgy acting agent, who was Zimbabwean national. I am not sure how I found him but I was really active knocking and going to audition places that somehow either someone referred me to him or he approached me after one of the auditions. 

Taking pics with  ladies outside the Camphor Cream TV auditions at the Melrose Arch

The guy was charging R850 for professional screen pics. He was also working with the Generation the Legacy crew and provided them with extras and some of his artist.

practicing for Generation the Legacy auditions

 According to his website some of the famous actors started with him so he was a real deal. So rhere I was trusting him my money, I gave him the R850 trusting he will deliver.

 

TV auditions... having fun outside another tv audition with a collegue

The only thing he ever delivered on was the  audition script  of  Generation the Legacy. I think this was aired on the show before lock down. 

The workshop held by the South African writers Guilt 

No, I didn’t get the part even though I did pitch for the audition at the SABC building in Auckland Park. But I did practise though and even roped in my coach from TCA at the time, Nonhle Tema to help me with the lines.

 

Comphor Cream TV Auditions

It was one of the most confusing scripts ever, I mean if you do watch the clip. It talks about Vutha. The Vutha I know is related to witchcraft.

Dance lessons Johannesburg CBD Mary Fitzerald square in Newtown 

 That is if someone really hates you sends a magic spell that can either burn you physically or your house/ any of your property. But in that clip, Vutha was a disease. Very confusing.

At the 10th anniversary of the Feather Awards

But anyway, I was so active. I went to Talent Coaching Academy (TCA) for presenting lessons, social media lessons etc and acting lessons in their Fourways based school. To sharpened my craft as well as go to countless of TV ad auditions.

 

At the Glamour event

I remember an audition in Alexandra Township where after I have revealed to the casting director that I left journalism and now at school doing the law and focusing on building the business. 

At the GQ event

The young director was so intimidated by my presence and embarrassed that I responded to their job advertisement that she sent me out on a story out in Alexandra Township.

in Sandton with the Adze Ugah Fillm workshop classmates

 Now the rudeness and show off came thinking I was desperate for a job as a journalist.

extras at the Ifalakhe set

 But I politely responded that, I have done my fair share of investigative journalism for Ilizwi, The Herald, Mail and Guardin’s AmaBhungane Centre and the last paper, The Sunday Times now I was really looking for something light.

A role on Ifalakhe

She kept making blunders after blunders trying so hard to prove her superiority. Which I was really not there for and at the end of all the rudeness. She told me I was going to get a call. They never did and I was ok, not sure if I was going to fit in their production.

 

Actor spaces event

Anyway, back to the book. It was hard to put down the 348 pages of the 37 chapters in two days. I could have finished the book earlier if I had lights on and Kuhle didn’t disturb or demanded attention from me.

 

Being interviewed by Naija TV on a play xenophobia directed by Adze Ugah

True to the critiques, the story of triumph of two stars who turned into tragedy. Sheldon has a way of writing about greed, lust, love, jealousy and ambition.

 

MCing sister Christine's bridal shower

The book keeps the reader turning the pages from page one till the last page. 

                                  Dr John Kani and Mr James Ngcobo had phenomenal woman at the market theatre

Through Tony’s ambition to be a star. The author does give clues to any artist that you can fall but rise up again and become a superstar.

James Ngcobo and Dr John Kani's phenonal woman

As a parents there are also some lessons that one can draw from Tony’s mother. 

At the market theatre where  Dr John Kani and Mr James Ngcobo put up a show, Phenomenal woman

That is to take an interest in what your child is doing or interested in and constantly affirm him/her. Toby’s mother married a hopeless writer whose business only succeeded once the mother took full control of it.

 

At the Saga workshop

In this book, both the male and female characters have German backgrounds. So we get a glimpse of the Germans are and their lifestyle which is not far from who we are as Africans. There are many similarities in their religious beliefs, and an African way of raising a child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's look between the rainbow and rain with Philip Frankel as we head to the Marikana massacre anniversary

 

Let's look between the Rainbow and the Rain.

 

Working at Coca Cola perseverance as a security guard

Between the rainbows and rain with Philip Frankel

Then I worked at the Alexkor diamond mine in Alexander Bay as a guard

Welcome back to the blog, thank you again for following Book Slot on Tuesday.

 As previously stated, this is not necessary a book review column but rather a slot that I have created for those who want to get into gear with reading.

Getting a certificate for participating in some community programme on HIV/AIDS

 Here we go as far as scrutinizing the book in a positive way as well as look at the lessons, skills we can learn from each author or characters in the book.

It does not matter who you are, your educational background or what type of books you are interested in.

Here we share knowledge, travel through books, meet people and learn about the other people’s hobbies, cultures, religion, sport and also draw some similarities with us etc.

 

We are all about promoting the culture of reading and a platform to share books that are already out there.

Age is not a restriction here, bookworms from any book club, booksellers, high scholars, students, pensioners and even primary school kids can participate.

 If you have an interesting book, which you have read and would like to share what you have learnt or what we must know about, that too is welcomed.

Just bear in mind that everyone views this blog. Therefore, articles or books that are inappropriate for the public will not be published including comments that promote hate speech etc.

With that being said, today’s book is Between The Rainbows and the Rain: Marikana, Migration, Mining and the Crisis of Mordern South Africa. Published by the Agency for Social Reconstruction in 2013.

Yes, we travel to the mining town of Marikana in the North West province, just approximately two hours’ drive from Johannesburg.

Until August 16, 2012 nothing was knowing about this mining town. It made a dramatic historical announcement to the world when police, live on TV cameras shot miners with live bullets.

If you are from South Africa or even if you are reading as a none South African, here is my little investigation and experience knowledge about the (SAPS).  

 

Book cover of Between the Rainbows and the Rain by Philip Frankel

This is just from my experience as an investigative officer, experience journalist and a member of South  African community.

Though South Africa was declared a none racial, none sexist country etc after the 1994 elections.

 https://www.timeslive.co.za/amp/sunday-times/news/2015-06-21-marikana-widows-labour-of-love-for-slain-husband/

 The police department is still not yet transformed.  Like many white establishment that resisted change or take orders from a black men in authority.

 

 It ended up being rid of clever blacks and remained with a workforce of those that only took orders from Baas and never questioned anything for fear of victimization and being without a job etc.

 

This in my view has created a lot of miscommunication and errors or someone intentionally exercising his racist action while the blame was the top official, a black deployed minister of police or black workers.

 

With the other levels of the department not taking any responsibility. With fear having paralyzed some of the officers, some cases and orders are  ignored.

 

But to get back to our book, Frankil, writes as a sociologist of both the mining and South African developments from before the end of apartheid.

In the book, we learn that most mining companies in South Africa violate the principle that was agreed with  traditional authorities  i.e mine workers should originate from 50 km of the shaft. This was probably done to prevent other things like worker’s exploitation and human trafficking which Philip states in the book.

“Miners are so debt-bondage that it is impossible to pay off the traditional or secular network in a single lifetime no matter what rewards he or she derives from years of labor in the mine. In these cases, depending on the inhumanity of the creditor, accumulated debts can be transferred to another member of the family who will then be held hostage in what has become  a trans-generational system of exploitation”, that is from page 88 of the book.

On of the stories I wrote for the papers on Marikana

He also writes about how Johannesburg based, West African syndicate that are not only involved in the loan-sharking to miners and other urban people, but also racketeering, drugs and small armaments are also in.

So young women, a mixture of rural South Africans, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans who have been hijacked by gangs while seeking transportation to the urban centers are forced to commercial sex.

They are raped, beaten or forced into drug addiction that will ensure their dependence on the perpetrator.

The other topic that Phillip explores in his book is that most miners do not successfully articulate their grievances and mines normally or notoriously manipulate the causes of death by safe conditions.

I don’t know about you, but me after reading this book. I feel there was indeed a third silent, feared force behind the Marikana Massacre.

I think it is also time to reflect on Cyril Ramaphosa’s input in the mines. Not forgetting the other elements like the loan sharks and labour brokers which lives the miners with little money to send home.

Let’s also look at the bursary schemes of miners including those that are fallen. Then after let us discuss the historical day with all angles covered….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a hope journey with Bassie's book.

 

Caption: Stealing a selfie moment with Bassie at The Herald Miss PE held at the Feather Market Centre in 2009. Bassie was the MC on the night attorney Di-Ann Qoto won.

Helllloooowwww ...there!!!!!!! Welcome to South Africa's  women's month. 

Pic from SA History online.. The faces of the 9th August March

I  don't know about you, but I still can't believe that  it is  exactly 69 years since the women, across all racial groups in the country marched to the Union Building in Pretoria.

Yes, the over 20,000 women lead by Mam' Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn

Picture from SA History on line.. The brave faces behind the famous historic march of 1956

I don't think J.G. Strijdom who was the prime minister then was expecting the unity and the courage of these women who were sick of the oppressive pass laws.

At the launch of Bassie-My Journey of Hope in Sandton in 2019

So in the unity spirit amongst us women uniting and passing on the baton, I thought why not do a close look on the  book, Bassie-My Journey of Hope. 

                                              Miss&Mr Freshett Nelson Mandela Metro University 2019

This was released by Penguin Random House  in 2019. 

Besides, we are all about creating the culture of reading amongst us South Africans and Africans  especially with the group that the like of Bassie speak to.

We really need to know about our story, gone are days where someone else told our stories and there was a broken telephone situation or sensory of information.

                                                           Miss Gauteng finalist 

This is a book that every beauty pageant girl in South Africa should have. Bassie is the face of the post apartheid beaty pageant queen.

Pic from the Bassie book launch in 2019

 I mean the girl, GXHEBE!!! the big sister was rolling with the president of the country then, Nelson Mandela and the relationship lasted until his last days and even after his passing, Bassie continued to be a child that can give the family all the support it needed from a child.

Nelson Mandela's Memorial Service held at the FNB stadium with US president then, Barack Obama speaking at the memorial service

During the disorganized memorial service where important people that needed to be properly credited and given a chance to  pay their last respect to the men were not given the chance.

Nelson Mandela's funeral service in Qunu

To Mam' Operah Winfrey, thee mother of talk shows having to pose for a selfie before they will get an accreditation to the funeral.

As much as she spills everything, I'm only assuming out  of disgust of how we (South Africans) have

 quickly forgotten where we come from and the respect that was instilled in us by our parents just flew out of the window as soon as we heard and given the word, rights.

Bassie Book Launch 2019(I think pics were taken from her instagram account or I took them, not sure)

In her book, she also pays a tribute to Mama Winnie Madikezela Mandela. The two last met in hospital.

Footage from 

 The old lady gave her a bit of a lecture on how she needed to pass on the baton i.e train other youngsters to be in the position she is currently in.

With Alexandra Townships upcoming beauty queens

In the Book, Bassie also introduce you to the other side of her.  The normal South African woman who

 also suffered physical  Gender Base Violence (GBV) under her then boyfriend and boxing icon, Dingaan Thobela.

Alex Community Unites during a GBV case held in Alexandra Magistrate Court in 2024

She is also a religious who puts God first in almost everything she does. A woman who suffered the painful loss of eight babies while yearning to be a mother.

 A woman, whom despite being a public figure still loves her husband a former Metro FM jockey, Romeo Khumalo. She had a chuff life indeed but you can see that Bantu Education really worked on this one.

Some of the lessons learnt from the book:

1.The money and friends can work. If all parties respected each other when it comes to money

2. She interviewed Micheal Jackson during her top Billing years, the interview was done in a musical shop. Not sure why but if you are MJ's fan like me, in one of his Youtube documentary, the child's star reveals how fame didn't allow him to do little things like grocery shopping and has been yearning to go to shopping malls.

Mam Doreen Morris picture from internet

3.Questions to ponder on or would really make you want to know more on is the question.

 If Miss SA was Mam' Doreen Morris's brain child, how did it end up with the Weils family and Sun International?

With Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss

Sistas need to give us clearity before black people start toy toying the event. She is in a better position to provide us with clearity.

https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/lifestyle/2015-03-29-its-reigning-queens-at-the-miss-sa-pageant/

Former Miss SA Liesl Laurie after her crowning

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2018-01-24-miss-universes-mom-cant-hide-her-excitement-as-demi-leigh-returns-home/#google_vignette

Her husband Romeo used to host the Romantic Repertoire only on Metro FM