YOUR RIGHT2KNOW

YOUR

RIGHT2KNOW

Information, like knowledge, is power.

18 of the top South African Universities and/or their departments have issued statements rejecting the proposed media laws.

Information empowers and allows you to act in your best interest or of that of South Africa. If information is withheld by government officials, this dis-empowers and does not allow you the development of your potential. It is also unconstitutional and anti-democratic.

Our government has introduced the Protection of Information Bill and the Media Appeals Tribunal for public discussion. We believe that these Bills will restrict what you know and will decide what you are allowed to know. If certain information is declared ‘restricted’, then journalists who publish such information can be jailed for up to 25 years.

We know that an independent media is the cornerstone in a democracy and plays an important role in exposing the wrongs in government and in society in general. Why does our government intend to busy itself with issues of the media, when the country is faced by major problems such as crime, rampant corruption and inadequate service delivery?

The response of Civil Society has been to gather under the banner of the Right2Know Campaign in order to protest against the Bills. If the media is guilty of wrong doing, then it must face the consequences of having to defend its position in court. Why do we need the Media Appeals Tribunal when we already have the Media Ombudsman as an impartial adjudicator? We do not believe government spokespersons when they say that it is in the interest of SA to have a regulated media. We believe that the media must responsibly pursue vigorous and impartial, investigative journalism.

Therefore the Right2 Know campaign in KZN has embarked on a programme of action to highlight the clear opposition of Civil Society to the two media bills.

WEEK OF ACTION

Tue. 19 October 2010 Listen to your local radio stations for broadcasts about the media Bills. Join us in rallies at the Durban office of the SABC and at the City Hall. In PM Burg join us at a rally outside the KZN Legislature. Bring your own banners and posters.

Wed. 20 October. “The Last Press Conference” will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral in Durban at 11h00. There will be inter-religious prayers and meetings at the Cathedral. Everyone is welcome.

21 October is Black Thursday. We ask you to wear black t-shirts/clothes and attend the Media workshop/seminar between 09h00 and 13h00 at the Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko (Mansfield) Road, Lecture Theatre LC027, above the Cecil Renaud Library, on the first floor.  Please park at the Ritson Road Campus )entrance opposite Sastri College/Curries Fountain and walk across Mansfield Road to the venue. Light refreshments provided.

Friday 22 October. At 12 noon we ask all motorists to hoot and blow your vuvus. You can also wear your Bafana T-shirts with a black armband.

22/23/24 October. We appeal to all priests/moulanas of all religious faiths to conduct prayers and sermons to campaign around the issue of the bills. Churchgoers to wear black and others to wear white.

Mon. 25 October. Join the motor car cavalcade in central Durban at 12 noon starting from the Diakonia office in St Andrew’s Street.

Tuesday 26 October. Mock burning of books at the Workshop Park and amphitheatre.

Wed. 27 Oct. March from Botha’s Garden at 08h00 (opp. DUT’s City Campus) to City Hall where there will be a range of activities. Bring your organisation’s banners and your own posters and creative happenings. Colour your hair or paint your face to express your democracy or wear fancy clothes. Bring an instrument and sing songs of freedom.

We make an earnest appeal for each and every civil society organization to participate by joining the coalition and support the ongoing activities. Please contact the R2K co-ordinator:

Quinton Kippen on 031-304 9305/6 or cell: 083 871 7549 on e-mail quinton@ddpdurban.org.za or

Desmond D’Sa on 083 799 7251 or on email >sdcea3@mail.ngo.za<

We would like you to continuously show your support by smsing eTV during the news: Sun+Comment+Name 34970

Do make an effort to visit the Right2Know website www.right2know.org.za and add your name to the list of people opposing these Bills.

 

Challenge …Are You Up for It?

Challenge …Are You Up for It?

 Today at 8:22am

 By Quinton Kippen

 I have recently been having some very interesting chats and discussions with people and many red flags are raised about the state of our minds. Here on Facebook we hear of all these people falling ill and we hear of all their trials, challenges and achievements. We are exposed to many causes as well and many think that that is the way to do it.

This challenge is one I have been meaning to put forward and see if you are up for it or just chicken. We are all aware that many of these causes do not really need your money, your contribution of a click neither do they need your sympathy or empathy. What they do need is your time, not your debit order or any other charity that you may have.

Many of you go to work and work long hours in a job you are not totally happy, satisfied and fulfilled yet you will plod along with the hope that one day your ship will come in. All this that you do is for what? Purpose, trying to bring meaning to your life and even a means of survival. Not living but rather just surviving, existing. I know that many of you do not fit the category of oxygen thieves and I do believe that you have contributions you would like to make.

So the challenge I pose to you is, Are You Prepared to Get off Your Laurels, stop making excuses and make a meaningful contribution to your community and country at large. If you are not sure what I mean or have some idea that you would like to bounce around, I am more than willing to work with you in seeing your idea become a reality. I am not talking about boasting about what you are doing or what you have done but I do think that having this competitive nature we can work hard to make ourselves known about what we are doing and capable of doing.

The cause I am looking for is people posting stories of what they did and how long it took them to make a meaningful contribution as well as how much did it cost. Many people think that you need large amounts of money to make this possible when you actually don’t. For those doing it share your stories and if you looking for money my answer is hard-work attracts money. As the challenge has been put down let’s see how many of us are prepared to take it up or will we take the easier option and make excuses and hide behind all the other meaningless things we do.

This is not a case of put your money where your mouth is but rather, take your hands out your pocket, off the mouse and keyboard, roll-up your sleeves and start getting your hands dirty.

Let your voice be heard …

Malema has no worries about expensive

Cars Staff Reporter     September 04 2009 at 07:28AM ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema has defended cabinet ministers who buy expensive cars, saying they have nothing to explain. Talk Radio 702 reported on Thursday night that Malema did not mince his words while delivering the annual Peter Mokaba lecture in Vereeniging. Several government ministries have bought luxury vehicles since President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet was formed. The latest minister to come under the spotlight is Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, who spent R1,1-million on a BMW 7 series. Malema sees no problem with this trend. “If you point at any law that says I cannot buy this car then you will be correct, but as long as you cannot point at any law (there’s nothing that can be done). If you want to talk morality, your morality is not my morality,” said Malema. This article was originally published on page 3 of The Star on September 04, 2009

 Showing page 1 of 7 comment pages, 67 total comments

1 Minute ago Mdolomba wrote :

 Can we compare our politicians’ responsibilities and those of the private companies’ bosses and then compare their salaries. Remember that the socalled private companies are owned by individuals who are supposed to be getting more if wasn’t for the these companies’ bosses who are getting unbelievable salaries and bonuses, and then transfer the remainder to the easy-to-please shareholders. We are in a mess worldwide because of these unreasonably greedy company directors, and our politician may be blamed for not controlling these private companies adequately. So why are we making so much noise about the cars that are bought by politicians when they are doing so within the bounds that are set by our democratic insitutions? Lets not oppose anything that the ANC members do on the basis of diffrences in our political allegiance. If you don’t like it change! Malema is right!

 1 Minute ago Anonymous wrote :

Malema is the representation of the ‘youth’ of this country, how much more evidence do one need to see where this is going? The arrogance of this guy flies in the face of under privileged people suffering in SA. I’m just glad I’m leaving this circus behind. I’m waiting for Malema to call the emigrants ‘refugees’ who fraudulently bought their way out of this happy crime and corruption free country.

 4 Minutes ago Anonymous wrote :

Blade Nzimande… some South African communists are more equal than others!

 6 Minutes ago Anonymous wrote :

What an idiot!. When will he learn to shut up because whenever he attempts to say something sensible, he blabbers words that confirms his stupidy. Of course we as South Africans can voice our opinions. We as the taxpayers are paying for those vehicles!

 7 Minutes ago Yusuf wrote :

I dont see why people are having a big fuss about the Ministers cars.Politics is Big businness.All theCoporate execs drive big expensive cars not with their money,but that of the share holders.Government Ministers are employed in executive capacities.We are a great wealthy country and we should be proud of it.Do you want our ministers to all drive Toyota Corollas.I would not want that Job.The European,German and American politicians travel in Limousines.Why are we complaining. Helen Zille is only trying to prove a point by driving her old Merc.The White community who are now left out of government are the only ones complaining.You have had you turn to run this country for 40 years and you only took care of your kind.Our country is doing well looking after everyone.We are rated highly in the world in collecting taxes and we are fighting corruption and we are winning.Those ministers that are not performing will loose their jobs and the cars they drive.JZ has promised that their will be accountability. Give SA a chance.

 22 Minutes ago Tebza wrote :

We need to review the policy guidelines on this matter. For as long as has no be reviewed and properly adopted, there is nothing wrong with the amount that the ministers are spending as it is within the framework. So let us stop

 24 Minutes ago Anonymous wrote :

Malema – the cretinous face of the anc. No wonder africa is a mess.

 31 Minutes ago Charles Kilroy wrote :

You know as a non-racist white south african, I used to feel sorry for all the people suffering under apartheid but now their situation is no different except its their OWN people in the position of leadership that they voted in who are STEALING as much as they can while in power while paying lip service to “service delivery” – if people are going to be so stupid as to continously vote people like Malema into positions of power then they need to accept that they will always be poor and uncared about by the politicians. Julius Malema in particular is very dangerous as he is as much a racist as any apartheid supporter, and has no respect for anybody who has a differing opinion. Its time Nandos runs another set of ads showing more Malema comedy cos thats all he is – a joke!

 34 Minutes ago Ahmed wrote :

why does this joke of a man and his comments make headlines? he should not be in the news at all…no one cares what he say any ways.

 34 Minutes ago Grace wrote :

South African are now luck because they get the know about the value of the cars Ministers are buying. During apartheid……..no information was published….but whites were also buying very expensive cars.. Leave them alone…….

 Follow more http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=6&art_id=vn20090904034228316C278107#comment_top_box

Get up Stand up …

Get up Stand up …

By Quinton Kippen

As we ride on this horse with no name, on a journey we are not sure of. We have been given a map, brochure, heard the presentation but still feel lost and the no scenery. How long will we be promised the in house meal and all the while we keep accepting the snacks? We have been promised a travel movie but all we get are advertisements and shorts.  A few years down the road of freedom, still feeling trapped, excluded and marginalized. Not because of the colour of my skin but rather lack of basic political information allowing me to understand and exercise my rights.

As Steve Biko once said, ‘if you want to keep a black person ignorant put it in a book,’ in this case it is our constitution, legislature, human rights and many of these other books that afford us the freedom and knowledge to participate in this democratic society. There is tons of valuable relevant information to make this country a force to be reckoned with, but access is the key. Poor service delivery, what service, lack of consultation, is there a doctor in the house? Participation, in some indigenous South African languages this word does not exist, so how are people to grasp the concept of its meaning? This may sound like I am picking on a particular group of people, but actually there are many people who attended school and many others still attending. These people believe politics has no influence on their lives and that they are insignificant to make a difference in society.

Bringing this into perspective, there is a space in our constitution for lobbying and advocacy. The only way one can engage with this is by having a fair knowledge of the constitution and legislature and all that it needs is sufficient evidence to challenge the system. Laws in the country are not changed due to mass action that creates awareness for consultation not for law changes. Know your rights don’t leave it to your lawyer, they will not get you the meal, and rather you keep eating the snacks with the hope of the meal coming round one day. My challenge to you is find out what the name of your horse is because the “gravy train” is long gone and you missed is. Set a course for yourself and make sure you stick to it, collect enough information of your destination, prepare for the journey taking along your own meals and snacks. Then let your voice be heard to the things that matter not just for yourself but rather think of those coming after you, your children, grand children and many others.

Social service workers demand Equal Pay for Equal Work!

This is a more than worthy cause to fight and show your support…

Media Release

Social service workers demand Equal Pay for Equal Work!

On average, social service workers employed by NGOs are paid 37% less than their counterparts in government departments because of the inadequate subsidies provided to NGOs.

This is not only unfair on the NGO sector, but also has a detrimental effect. The NGO sector faces challenges of high staff turnover, shortages of skilled and trained staff and difficulties in filling vacancies. As a result, many NGOs are unable to provide the services to poor and marginalized people.

The South African Council for Social Service Profession has even acknowledged this problem. The registrar and CEO, Iveda Smith, recognised that one of the reasons social workers migrate from NGOs to Government is the better salaries offered by government departments.

The current economic climate exacerbates the situation as corporate are cutting back on their CSI funding. Businesses struggling to remain solvent during these trying times are requesting bailouts. This is not a step the NGO sector is taking, but instead it is asking Government for equal pay for equal work as a labour rights principle. The current unfair system is even against the NPO Act, which has as one of its aims  “to provide for an environment in which non-profit organisations can flourish”.

Members of the National Welfare have decided to take a stand against this unfair labour practice and are calling for “equal pay for equal work”. Members in all provinces are organising a march on government to demand that the labour rights of social service workers are protected and upheld.

The march is planned for Friday, 28 August 2009 and members will demand that government immediately address the situation and ensure all social workers get equal pay for equal work.

To join the march or support the campaign email: myvoice@forum.org.za

Tuesday, 14 July 2009

Issued by: The National Welfare Forum www.forum.org.za

You can read more about the crisis in the Eastern Cape here:

NGOs fight to hang on to good staff

http://www.forum.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=690&Itemid=1For more information:

1. Jackie Loffell – Gauteng Coordinator – 011 334 6638

2. Rajesh Latchman – National Coordinator – 011 4031915

What are you going to do …?

Hello All

A group of interested parents has drafted the letter below (actually drafted by Glen Robbins on behalf of interested parents).  We are seeking schools and children’s organisations — and prominent individuals– to sign onto this letter.  Please let us know if you will sign on (or if you request any edits to do so!).

We would like to then organise children to write letters of their own and draw pictures, and to come with their parents and other adults to deliver these letters, probably to the Municipal Manager.  A sort of children’s protest action or, if you like, teaching our children about civic action and democracy!

Many thanks

Best

Mary Galvin

Tel 072 463 8854

 Yet Another Disappointment for Durban’s Children

 In the past decade or so Durban has witnessed a collapse of accessible and affordable spaces and places of quality geared specifically to entertaining and educating children.  The news that the Umgeni Bird Park is to be closed by Tsogo Sun is yet another sad headline which follows on the closure of the Animal Farm some years ago (also to accommodate Tsogo), the terrible decline of Mitchell Park, the impending loss of Vetchies Pier, the closure of the Snake Park and the complete lack of maintenance and investment in City museums such as the Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum and Local History Museum.  Areas such as Blue Lagoon’s putt-putt golf course and the dilapidated state of the beachfront funfair as well as the shocking state of many city parks and play grounds all point to a serious problem in strategy and management in the Municipality.  In exchange the City has many largely private spaces in malls, Casinos or at uShaka – undoubtably new assets but often inaccessible to many and extremely costly.  In a world where children in South Africa are under threat from high levels of insecurity seen in the extreme in rising numbers of street children it is high time that the Municipality and politicians of all parties take the environment for children in our city more seriously.  It is high time that there is accountability and that children and parents are engaged in helping the City become more child-friendly and live up to the very generous assessment of Durban as a family destination recently reported publication by the Rough Guide.

Time-shares

Time-shares

 

I would like to share my recent experience of time-share telesales personal and the companies they represent.

 

After a number of calls from a telesales rep of this fantastic prize I have won and need to claim my prize and after trying to contrive my way out the presentation. My wife and I finally decide to attend the presentation.

 

The company, Greenfields, we get to this fancy house in Morningside and are invited to the agents office. Now the telesales person has not told me of how rude the agent is or can be. So after filling out a few forms, watching a DVD presentation and listening to the woman’s insolence she then tries to tell us what we can and cannot do about our plans for such presentations.

 

So this is some advice for you from the people themselves should you get a call from a telesales person wanting you to attend a time-share sales presentation and you are not keen on attending.

1. Be as nasty as possible to these people as they are trained to be sworn at and told in harsh tones that you are not interested.
2. The nastier you are the better it is for you.

 

In future, to all you who feel that time-share is a good thing you are free to comment. My experience has left a bad taste in my mouth thanks to Greenfields or GGVC. I thought by making you aware, we can all live a little better without having to lose our religion and be condemned to hell, due to some telesales rep trying to lure you into a den of venom spitting vipers, who I think this world will be a better place without.

Scorpions vs Hawks

Scorpions

Is this just a name change and some cover up for the politicians or will they be genuine in tackling the High Profile Crime in th country.

Public Notice

Public Notice

I think we all need to attend this and give support to the Early Morning Market (EMM) Traders. This is not just a traders thing but also the consumer who patronise traders.

“Flying-Squad”

“Flying-Squad”

I have been very fortunate lately to be in the right place at the right time. My hide-out, the Phoenix taxi rank on Commercial Road, my target, Liberty Liquors receiving and dispatching area.

This picture was taken on Friday 03 July 2009 at 15:54. The vehicle, a SAPS Flying-Squad, registration BNP 317 B, M32 vehicle parked at Liberty Liquors Receiving and Dispatching zone which is not a public parking area.

With all the crime happening in our city centre daily it is not surprising the police need to ease their nervous and get ‘flying’ themselves.