-
“Of Barberton, Ruins and Scarred Memory”
“The old town calls,Its walls still echo with laughter and dreams,Yet shadows linger,Filling the silence with what once was.Faded photographs,Frayed edges of memory,Whisper tales of loss,Of what could have been.” Nadine Murtaja writes about loss and decay as a Palestinian, grappling with an occupied homeland. Her words resonate with my experience of Barberton, a place I call home—even if these changes weren’t born from direct conflict. I was born in Barberton, a town that feels more like a memory now than a place on the map. Alongside my father’s, stillborn son’s, and three siblings’ graves, my own grave will lie in that soil. I may not know precisely where or…
-
The Children of Palestine
The ongoing Gaza war has intensified the suffering of children and on an unprecedented scale, with immense challenges for those affected and their caregivers. This war has resulted in the emergence of a heartbreaking new category of children: those who are wounded and have no surviving family, leaving an indelible mark on their physical and mental well-being. As of the latest reports – 17 492 children have been killed and 19 000 children have been orphaned. On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, The Moving Minds Alliance (MMA), a global advocacy impact network of organizations, partnered with The Palestinian Network for Early Childhood Development to launch a…
-
Giving Back to the Community.
Understanding Our Community. Our community is more than just our schools or neighborhood. It’s the people around us – our classmates, teachers, neighbors, and even strangers. It’s the place where we grow, learn, and make memories. A strong community is like a big family, where everyone looks out for each other. Why Giving Back Matters. Giving back isn’t just about doing good deeds; it’s about making a difference. When we help others, it not only benefits them but also makes us feel good about ourselves. It’s like planting a seed of kindness that can grow into a forest of positivity. Ways to Give Back. There are countless ways in which…
You May Also Like
A Walk Through my Neighbourhood
-
Thank You: Never Too Late
Thank you, Inspector Jacobs, for helping me 21 years ago Over the years, I have taken to say thank you to people who did something for me, and to say sorry when need be. There was one person I omitted to thank at the time, 21 years ago, and apologise to for the trouble they went to on my behalf. That was Inspector Jacobs of the Tweerivieren police post at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. My good wife Kathy never let me forget my omission nor the context. This story started in winter of 1992 when Kathy and I first visited the park known then as the Gemsbok Kalahari National…
-
Compulsory Education – Time For a Rethink
If Facebook went back far enough, say 50 years, there would be photographs of me protesting in the Cenotaph outside at the Durban City Hall against the silliness and cruelty of the National Party. One such protest centred on a most noble cause – free compulsory school education for all. I firmly and passionately believed in that cause. Until the day I became a high school teacher myself in Welkom, Free State. Reality has induced me to change my mind. I no longer believe in compulsory education. I believe more firmly than ever in free education, at school and beyond, but only for the people and families who want it.…
-
Pravin Gordhan: South Africa’s Political Icon and Unyielding Activist
Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, a towering figure in South African politics and a relentless advocate for justice, passed away at the age of 75, succumbing to cancer. Gordhan’s remarkable five-decade career, defined by his unwavering commitment to anti-apartheid activism and public service, left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. I knew Gordhan as a political titan—his activism reshaped South Africa’s landscape, starting in the 1970s and continuing through the 1980s. His contributions during the 1990s, a time of great personal sacrifice and political turbulence, cemented his legacy. His passing, 30 years later, sparked a wave of tributes, honoring a life marked by courage, humility, and resilience. Gordhan’s state funeral, a…
Newsletter Signup
Subscribe to our newsletter below and get your free copy of A Taste of Home: Recipes from the Rainbow Nation.