MY TAKE ON THINGS

THE POWER OF READING

Many people will be complaining that they have friends whose English is not up to standard, and they feel embarrassed when their friends are to speak in English with other people in public. Yes, we all know that English is not our mother tongue but we should know that it is a universal language and that it is being used as a medium of instruction for many people worldwide.

A friend of mine also has the same problem with speaking English fluently. Every time she tries to speak, she just messes the language up since her vocabulary is so poor and she mispronounces the words. I will be so embarrassed, and feel like hiding myself under the table whenever she is talking. Worst part is she likes this language more than anything, even when she is with her home boys or girls, she prefers speaking in English and not in her home language.

She has become a laughing stock and he gets mocked all the way. However, I am happy and proud to say gone are those days because I have suggested that she reads more of the novels, magazines, newspapers, etc.

I know that many people underestimate the power of reading, but the truth is reading does help with your English, the spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation and you will end up being fluent. I know a lot of people who were helped by reading, they were also so embarrassing but since they began reading books, they became better and better, and they are now confident to speak English in public.

In fact, I’m the victim of reading, my vocabulary was not very well but through reading, it got better. That is why I’m suggesting that my friend should do more of the reading because it is helpful. Therefore, reading is a powerful instrument and a best teacher to assist people with their English.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Lecture on Human Rights Awareness

On the 25^th of March, SRC organized Legal and Constitutional Affairs Human Rights day awareness program. The lectures were based on gender violence and freedom of expression and speech. SASCO was urged to attend since they support SRC’s legal and constitutional affairs. And many people attended.

The first lecture was a bit formal and it was based on gender violence. It was delivered by Dr. Coetzee where she began with the video of Eudy Similane who was attacked and raped because she is a lesbian. After she made us aware of corrective rape, she explained how gender violence is stated in the constitution. She told us that in the constitutional democracy we get non-racism, non-sexism, and human rights for all. From her perspective, community rules (morals) against lesbians violate the law.

She gave us a chance to ask few questions. People were keen in knowing how to educate the communities about the law, constitution, and the human rights since most of the people who are against gays and lesbians are the elderly who are not aware of the constitution and human rights.

The second lecture was focused on a right to freedom of speech and expression by Professor Kitts. It was interesting because many students participated in discussing this matter of freedom of expression. Prof. Kitts was so friendly and it seems like he knows most of the SASCO comrades because he would call them by names when answering their questions. He also made few funny actions like climbing on top of the table and applauding when other students came in late.

He explained how close freedom of expression is to democracy and that it is a crucial right in South Africa but it has limitations. However, students were not happy about the fact that they are not allowed to go to any media regarding university matters. They complained that their right is being violated but Prof. Kitts told us that the university is obliged to protect itself. Nokuthula (SRC member) of legal and constitution also calmed the students by explaining that they are creating masses for all the students to come and discuss the legal matters they have on campus.

MEET MY FRIEND

SHE STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM, NOW SHE IS HERE

Khothaco Selao is a final year student at the University of the Free State and we are doing the same course, media and journalism. She is from Kimberly in Northern Cape. She is a friendly person because smiles at you when you are talking and she is not rude.

This lady is interesting especially when you look at where she comes from and how she got where she is now. She did not really have a smooth childhood; she was almost raped while growing up and she did not get many chances or opportunities to get nice things that young children love. However, she managed to pass her matrix and now she is doing her final year, she really is a resilient child.

It gets more interesting when you look at her plans for the future; she intends to travel to Los Angeles to explore more, to take her career further, and to meet new people. Also, she likes to know more of countries in Africa.

Therefore, it is clear that she started from the scratch with her life; she suffered while growing up but she managed to go through with her dreams, she is pursuing her career and she is strong. This proves the saying that says “if you can conceive it then you can achieve it” because she told herself that despite her childhood background, she is going to get what she wants in life. I think she is interesting because she learned how to dance in the rain than waiting for the storms to pass.