Karin Rises Above

Idols winner Karin Kortjie yesterday held a press at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. After years of bad publicity she finally broke the silence and decided to tell all.

It started in the Kuier magazine where she revealed all her personal details dating back to her childhood. She spoke about her emotional and physical abuse, her addiction with substance abuse. When asked if she did it because of pressure from the public she denied it. “It was a personal decision and I was ready for it. I know that I have disappointed a lot of people, for me its not how hard you fall but the way up and how you do that,” she explained.

Accompanied by her public relations manager Morné Meyer, the two seemed very close and you could see the trust. Whenever Karin weren’t comfortable answering, he jumped in and eased her. The journalist asked if it was a PR thing or if Meyer were really looking out for her. He advised that the two of them have a great working relationship.

Meyer recently became Karin’s PR manager. After the ‘Diva’s Concert’ they started working together. “When I saw hoe she made a lot of mistakes, I told myself I have to get hold of that girl.” According to him, Karin gets a standing ovation wherever she performs and the public still loves her. She recently opened an international conference at the CTICC.

When asked if Karin’s life would be the same hadn’t she joined Idols, she simply said “I performed across the Western Cape while I was in a band. Yes Idols did change my life.”She however advised that young and fresh talent should consider doing their own thing. “Idols gave  me a lot of knocks. I wouldn’t want that for anyone.”

Looking at the future, she’ll be hard at work to work on her album. Her new production called ‘this is my life’ will start 18 August at the Baxter Theatre.

“God allowed me to go through what I did. He made me stronger and wiser,” she added.

Get UP!

Over the past four years the education department in South Africa has tried almost everything to get matriculants to go to tertiary institutions. According to the Western Cape education department, two out of five school leavers go to university and FET colleges.

First year welding student at Northlink College, Cheree Kleinsmith (23) explained the challenges she faces at tertiary. “Finance is one of the most difficult things I face. It’s not easy getting funding.”

Welding is a predominantly male choice of study; being the only female in her class she faces stereotypical comments on a daily basis. However she chooses not take in any of the things the male students say.” I choose to study welding because I wanted to bring a point across. Ladies can do a better job. The money is good. “ 

Kleinsmith’s day start with a half an hour theory lesson and then they spend about four to six hours working on their practical components. This is not her first time studying. She studies boiler making and has a certificate. “I wanted to take it a step higher in empowering myself. “

In Bellville South there are shocking statistics when it comes to high school scholars. More and more drop out. Stay at home and fall into the trap of drug abuse, crime and gang related activities.

Christopher Mars, Cape Peninsula University of Technology graduate didn’t look at his circumstances. “You can’t blame your parents or where you live and say you can’t study. Stand up and break the cycle.”      

It Gets Easier

I think every1 has gone through some kind of pain,whether losing a loved through in a unlikely event,going through a bad break-up,or simply disappointment.
We all fall,lie down _(but how fast do we get up?)
I would say I have had my fare share of the above,every time I seem to get up and move ahead.

I realised one thing,even though when I thought I was all down & out & when on the verge of throwing in the towel,I then realised I was at the strongest time of my life emotionally & mentally.


God gave us many strengths- one of those are perseverance : ).

After losing a dear family member who made a huge impact in my life died,I told myself : "I won't be able to go on any- longer."

Turns out I was wrong,its been 4 years since,& it does get easier. I do think of her (my late grandma) every single day.

What im trying to say is,IT DOES GET EASIER. It takes time,time heals all wounds.

If you have gone through a break up,you'll fall in-love again.
If you lost a loved1,let the good memories comfort you.
If someone hurts you,don't block it out & hurt back,heal and move forward a stronger person.

Even though you might failed 999 times in your life stand up my friend & pick up the pieces.

Even though you feel you have nothing & no1,I have good news for : ),for greater is he that is within you,than he that is in the world.

"Life's a journey enjoy the ride",& remember It gets easier : )

Let them add,multiply to your life

I'm writing this note with a purpose & to hopefully let you think.

A good friend/brother once told me that in life you need people who add,multiply to your life & not subtract,or divide.

I took note,& it made me think,many times layng awake at night.

It only hit me when it accually happnd to me.

So what am I tryng to say?

Well here goes:
Don't let anyone subtract,divide things in your life.

Rather have people add & multiply to your life.

It may not make sense to you now,but in the near future it will come in handy.

I would rather add to your life : )

That Radio Show- With Ebrahiem Inglis

 Goodhope Fm’s Ebrahiem Inglis is one of Cape Town’s dj’s best known for showcasing new talent and helping out new and fresh talent. He took some time off and chatted about his radio career.

How did you start in Radio?

“I started out working part time for a community radio station called Fine Music Radio. I was known as a duty producer which was a fancy title for someone doing all the dirty work and made sure everything ran smoothly over the weekend. Everything from answering calls to washing dishes...seriously! “

You studied Sound Engineering after matric,what made you go into

Why radio broadcasting?

“When I was about 14 I saw a movie called Pump Up The Volume starring Christian Slater. It's about a high school learner that started a revolution by being a pirate radio DJ. He aimed to expose all the atrocities commited by the school body at the time. I always wanted to achieve something great in my life and after seeing how radio can influence an entire community I thought this could be the path for me. I never I would actually have the ability to do it until I started working at FMR.”

When you started at Goodhope fm as  a news presenter,did you know backthen,about "that radio show”?

“I knew that I wanted to present my own show. I just didn't have a title for it yet.”

What audience do you have on your show?

“Judging by the response I get via calls and sms's I would say high school learners, varsity students, night shift workers and insomniacs (and there are plenty of insomniacs). When I started there were more males listening to that time slot but it seems like increased the female listenership a bit.”

Being a radio presenter/dj/producer on Goodhopefm,which one is the best?

“Definitely a presenter!”

What is your day like being a news reader,dj,producer?(both athome,& the moment you step in at SABC HQ)

“There isn't a moment that goes by that I don't think about what I want to do in the show. I have to purposely do something unrelated to radio in order to give my mind a break. It's ironic because I do that through my creationof music (writing, composing and production). I wake up in the morning thinking about the previous show and think about what worked and what didn't. Then I observe life. As Nigel Pierce once said, "Radio is about observation". I try and use things that are relevant to people and to Cape Town and talk about it in the show. Everything from what we eat to what we say. I also stay in touch with current affairs both locally and internationally. It is impossible to know everything but you can be a step closer through communicating with other people and DJ's who like to stay well-informed. I formulate all this into the various segments of my show.”

Then I step into the studio and check mails for imortant info regarding the station and also last minute updates in the news. Then it's show time!

7)How do you think radio journalism differs from print journalism?

(such as the way a radio station is being run,the way copy is written

& deadlines)

I have no experience regarding print journalism however, it seems like there is more pressure because you're trying to get the latest most breaking news out in your latest edition but in radio news, if you miss something at the one bulletin, you can just include it in the update an hour or even half an hour later.

8)Where do you see yourself in five years?

This is something I would like to keep to myself, if you don't mind. You will just have to see in 5 years

9)Any advise for aspiring radio broadcasters?

Be yourself and use what makes you unique to make a success in this industry. There is after all, only one YOU!

Cultures

Respect & Cultural Diversity

South Africa is not only known for its ‘braai-vleis, sunny skies and rugby’ but for the historic heritage. With just over 45 million citizens of which nearly 31 million are African, 5 million White, 3 million Coloured and one million Indian. We certainly are a rainbow nation.

We live in a country where there are many cultures and different religions. In all nine provinces one would find the diverse categories of all South Africans. In the past decade more students have enrolled at tertiary institutions. One would find many students who come from various backgrounds. Those ones have their own respective cultures.

After speaking to a few students at CPUT, many had different opinions regarding the importance of knowing and respecting other cultures. Some students feel that one should just respect the culture of the other. ‘’ We feel that everyone should make effort to learn other cultures. For now we get to tolerate one another,’’ said Tawanda Maurice, 21, second year biomedical student. Maurice has been at the institution for almost two years. He doesn’t want culture education part of the curriculum, however the sport and recreation department should look at it.

Some pupils felt that there was a gap in the education system regarding the different cultures in South Africa. ‘’ There are many people who judge you when they see you are from Zimbabwe. I come from the Shona religion, ‘’ said  Tinashe Jasper, 23, second year building student.

Many students at the university agreed that everyone should learn a culture other than their own.

There are some students who have encountered bad experiences. In some instances cultures are being made fun of. ‘’ In our class anything goes. They don’t care if you Islam, Christian or from another culture, ‘’ said Mariska Dearham, 21, third year accountancy student.

In the Western Cape the City of Cape Town celebrates annually an event entirely dedicated to the different cultures in the city. On that day many display their believes through song, dance and reading of poems. This event normally takes place in the month where the South Africans celebrate their heritage. This has brought the citizens together and has become an event many diarise.  

This festival has been born out of political and racial division. It will have its 12^th celebration in 2011. It has united the citizens of South Africa.   

  

Alida Raubenheimer Profile

Die Vrugte van Uithouvermoë

Haar wekker lui soggens om 03h15. Teen 04h00 sit sy agter haar lessenaar op kantoor. Haar dag begin altyd met ʼn vinnige oorsig van die oggendkoerante se voorblaaie. Sy kyk ook na haar e-pos en die vorige dag se hoofnuus op hul stasies (Kfm 94.5 en 567 Cape Talk).

Alida Raubenheimer is een van die Kaapse mees ervare en herkenbare joernaliste. Sy is al vir 16 jaar in die bedryf en oorspronklik van Pretoria. Raubenheimer is tans ʼn voltydse joernalis by Kfm 94.5 .

Sy het ʼn graad in besigheidskommunikasie by die Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoër Onderwys voltooi. Raubenheimer het nooit geweet sy sou ʼn joernalis word nie. “Dit was glad nie deel van my drome of ideale nie. Dit het per toeval in die skoot beland en ek het onmiddelik floreer.”

Sy het as vierdejaarstudent by Radio Oranje in Bloemfontein begin werk. Ná twee jaar is sy as voltydse joernalis aangestel. Die eerste jaar moes sy haarself toespits met baie leesstof en haar voete in die ateljee vind.

“Vandag is die mense waarna ek opkyk, Barney Mthombothi wat ‘n weeklikse rubriek in die Financial Mail het, en Max du Preez,”vertel sy.

 “Vandaar gaan dit regtig dol: vertaal, redigeer, oorskryf, klank verfyn, oproepe, ateljee toe hardloop. Teen 09h10 kry ek my eerste kans om gou badkamer toe te gaan of koffie te kry, tensy iemand my vroeër jammer gekry het en met ʼn koppie boeretroos aangekom het,” vertel sy.

Raubenheimer dek daagliks ʼn verskeidenheid van gebeure wat die hoofnuus haal. Haar onlangse stories sluit in die  politieke onluste in Egipte. Sedertien het dit oorgespoel na Libië.

Haar skryfstyl verskil van ander Afrikaanse joernaliste. “Eerlik! As ek oor iets wonder, gaan die meeste ander. So dis my eerste vraag en die staanspoor waaruit ek ʼn storie benader.”

Raubenheimer vertel soos in enige ander medium is daar voor- en nadele verbonde aan radio. Sy voel die Afrikaanse media is meer kreatief en het groter uitdagings as ander. “Omdat Afrikaanssprekende nuusmakers uiters skaars is, is daar baie minder geleenthede vir Afrikaanssprekende joernaliste.”

Om met bronne asook die luisteraars te kommunikeer, is vir haar baie belangrik. Sy vertel dat sulke interaksie joernaliste op hul tone hou.

Sy sien haarself as senior joernalis en konsultant oor die volgende decade.“ Ek wil ook graag teen dan fokus op boeke skryf.” Alida beskryf haarself as eerlik, passievol en baie toegewyd. “Ek stel ongelooflike eise aan myself en verwag niks minder van ander nie. Ek het die siel van ʼn sigeuner en die hart van ʼn leeu.”   

  Deur: Graig-Lee Smith

  

More than A “Drama Queen “

When you hear the word dramatic, over confident and simply moody you tend to distant yourself from a specific person. Well Nandi Yengeni (19) is a first year journalism student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

Nandi was born at one of South Africa’s most prestigious hospitals, St Monica’s Hospital in upper Cape Town. Being the youngest child she has always valued family and they are very near to her heart. “We had a lot of kids in the house while growing up. This was either children from my dad’s or mother’s side. I have one older brother,” she said.

Today Nandi lives in Milnerton, before then they lived in Gugulethu.

Being a first year journalism student, Nandi has been exposed to the industry through volunteering at events happening in Cape Town. Earlier this year she was public liaison officer at the 12^th Cape Town International Jazz Festival. There she worked with the artists, local and international media. She also worked at the local government election results centre with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). “The experience for me was indescribable. I learnt many things about the media and journalism industry,” she explained.  

Nandi didn’t always know she would study journalism. “I think I was doing it as a rebellious thing. My parents expected me to do business or marketing, something my brother and cousins has done.”

She enjoys going out on weekends with friends. Friendship is very dear to her and important.

People tend to judge her quickly by the looks of what they see. “They see have a car, two cell phones, they then make their own conclusion as to what my life is about. What they don’t know is I am a normal person with the same problems as anyone else.”

Ivor Price a senior lecturer at CPUT is proud to have a student of her caliber in his class.”Nandi has a quiet, strong presence in class. She speaks only when spoken to, at least during formal lectures. Her classmates respect her opinion; however she is a fast learner with a great future.”

A very close friend of Nandi, Lungiswa always smiles in her presence. “She [Nandi] is a thinker and a feeler. She’s got a good heart but I think that sometimes she embraces too easily. She’s very giving and lacks a bit of selfishness of towards herself.”

   

    

The Truth Teller- by Angela Hunt

Anyone that knows me would tell you that I'm not much of a book reader.

This all changed when I started reading a book called ''The Truth Teller'' by Angela Hunt. At first I was very dispondent as to whether I should read it.

After the first chapter I was completely hooked on it. Books that I usually read are inspirational books.

This book is well structured and tells a story throughout the book.

The book is about a five-year-old-boy who can sense who is telling the truth, and who isn't. Its also about the child that would do anything for her son. In this story, her five year old son. This book is about a mother who will do anything to protect her child.

The love only a mother has for her child. Whilst being pregnant and knowing about her baby the mother (Lara Godfrey) trusts
a clinic and doctors with the life of her son.

She is later has to flee for the safety of both the lives of her son and herself. Loosing the trust of people and scared to death for her boy's life some harsh sacrifices needed to be made.

This book is a true reflection of what it is to love someone more than you love yourself. You probably wondering what happens at the end. Well because this book has an unexpected ending, you need to read it for yourself.

All that Jazz...

You probably know by now that I went to the 12 annual Cape Town International Jazz festival at the CTICC.
Before 25 March 2011 I simply liked jazz and music, because music is food to ones soul.
That all change.

I was part of a volunteering group that worked with a events company which organised the event.
Night one was quit busy, we were media liason officers and part of the media crew. It was the best experienced to work work local, national and international media. Up until the first performance I was enjoying the moment and felt I was at th right place at the right time.

To my amazement I lost myself  for a few minutes when Dave Koz came on stage and took the saxophone. What a talented artist! The crowd went ballistic when the American played our National anthem.
It was then when I realised jazz was now one of my favourite genres.

The night continued with performances by Earth Wind and Fire, Bebe Winance, Huge Masikela and many more.
Saturday night was the show stopper. Right at the end Bebe had a performance with his friends and it was phenomenal.

The whole weekend I had about 5 hours sleep. It was all worth it. I do thank all those who went along. I met some new new friends, networked and interacted with many others from across the globe.

"You never know the best day(weekend) of life...not until it comes."  Dare to dream, make bucket lists, you never know if the list might be completed before you know it.        

The 'ups & downs' of finding Sources

You would agree with me when I say, a good, compenent journalist needs atleast sources when writing a story. Whether you writing for tv, radio or print it makes the piece interesting and keeps the viewer glued to the media of their choice.

The good part for aspiring journalists are having sources. The down side side is finding good ones.Just this past weekend (5&6 March) we were given a task to cover the final voting registrater weekend for the upcoming local government elections which will be held on May 18 2011.

In our brief we were told the staff of the IEC should be one of our main sources. However, they were very arugant. The role of any media relation officer is to speak the mdia....right?....

Try telling the IEC that.

Never-the-less I manage to changed my angle. I then manage to have a 'killer' voicer.

I would say..know who you want as you source. Create a good contacts book and you'll be fine.

:)

Music....soulfood

On of the best things on planet earth is certainly music. Whether you driving,sleeping,in the shower or wlaking in the street, music has an effect on you.

Well at least for me. I listen to music no matter what. I have a playlist on my mobile phone for every mood. No for real I do.....

It relaxes the mind. Get you in the mood for partyng, comfort you when you sad and relate when you really mad.

As im writing this song, I'm listening to a song called ''easier'' by Kandi and Faith Evans. Great music, powerful lyrics and soothing composing.

Music is not only banging beats and thrival lyrics. Simply what I referred to above.

Music plays a huge part of my life. It will always.

:)

first few days as a journalism student

So its the fifth day as a journalism student and wow! What an exciting time of my life.

Whilst on secondary levil of education you kind of have an idea of what the life of a varsity/university would be like.

You think of how independant you will be, no more teachers hammering on being on time or reporting to one's folks for missing call.

Its just that and so much more. You now liable and responsible for your own actions and its up to you whether you grad or not.

Classes have been awesom, class mates are real energetic and im safe to say we all have the X factor.

I hope you will follow and comment as my journey takes its course.