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.”