When the clock strikes midnight

As members of UWC community we belong to quite number of families around campus which keep our lives moving as we sustain our lives her in campus. Except being a student I am not some how involved with other thing like I am a proud member of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and here in campus we meet and worship, we call ourselves Anglican Student’s Society (ANSOC), as well as being involved with so many other activities be it socially, spiritually and otherwise.

Very recent on the 24th of September we had an Outreach @ Kensington old age Home where we clear the compound and there after se sat dawn and chat with the senior citizen it was such a nice experience.

As we are still imaging whether I be able to reach this age, and how will I look like? We did some of these activities to continuously employing our previous year conference theme like “Each one, Reach one and teach one. As we call our stricture a “home away from home”

But on the other hand we also give our self time for pleasure as we celebrate and do Farwell to our leavers that is for those students who are completing and now preparing to leave so we celebrate those memorable moments we spent together during the year.

This year we were celebrating our leaver’s gala dinner at CPUT Bellville Campus as we always do our activities together and this time we were celebrating under theme “When the clock strikes midnight….” And the dress code was formal with Black, Red and Green as the colour code for the occasion.

So it was a matter of you as an individual be guide by the theme, “When the clock strikes midnight….” What come to your mind, and as a leaver which direction are you taking, or as a student who is remaining what is first in your plan? 

There other people from outside as well as some of those who graduated and now alumni for ANSOC, and indeed it was fantastic

Where there is smoke there is fire Malema said it all.

It's tough to continue following how African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Julius Malema thinks about President Jacob Zuma. This comes to mind after i watched the news on SABC2 on Sunday 12 September where this youth leader who at some point say things as if he is retaliating on something or someone. This shocked me it was just two years ago when he said he was prepared to fight to death for him particularly if it was those he fought who would be doing the dying. But these days Malema is making increasingly ominous noises about Zuma. Is he a faithful weathervane of the changing winds of Zuma's popularity, or upset at being reprimand by Zuma earlier this year?



Although when he said all what you heard on this clip he later denied that he is or was not referring to anybody like people’s assumption anticipated president Zuma getting the content of what his message is all about. However all this for me ranged a bell that he once said the political friendship is not meant to be permanent because when the friendship terms turn sour a friend can change, therefore my understanding is that although at some point he was ready to kill for ‘Zuma” as he said during the election campaign now things are not the same any more.

Even though he denied it that he is refereeing to the president, but however, ’where this smoke there is fire’ maybe if we watch we will see clear what he meant. The element of worship for me it also comes not long ago when he was confronted President Jacob Zuma, suggested he is not a disciplined member of the ANC. Therefore one must remember that, the relations between these two leaders although in the different level “Zuma and Malema” have been soured since the time president backed disciplinary charges against the youth leader.

RipMixlearners taking part in wikimedia workshop in Johannesburg

As part of the broadening and networking RipMixlearners were also among those who were invited to attend a two day kickoff workshop to check on the logistics of establish a local Wikimedia Chapter in South Africa. The workshop aimed providing the space to; understand more about the Chapter associated with the Wikimedia Foundation. One of the main objectives of the workshop was to enlarge goals and tasks connected with those; and reach consensus on the legal medium for the Chapter formation.

The trip was fine although we had to leave campus very early and we didn’t have a fixed transport to pick us that early to airport as out flight was 06h20 and we had to be at the airport at least and hour earlier, so who would be ready to assists in that regard. But however, we got a ride after that eleventh hour massive disappointment from SRC as we had book a transport but on Friday late that was when were told that their car has gone to the garage, we had to find an alternative means, but yah we got there well in time. Mpho had to organises some of his friend to take us there and back to campus on Sunday late as we landed at 20h40, which I find I a bit inconveniencing but they helped us a lot and we did appreciated.
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In the plane we were four who were going to the same kickoff “us” and someone from UCT and when were get to Jou’burg (O.R Tambo) due to the mist or frost challenged us not to land for two time and the we end up landing in another airport in Jou’burg called Lanseria Airport it is one of two airports in Johannesburg which cater for passengers on commercial airlines - the other is OR Tambo International Airport. Although fewer airlines fly to Lanseria Airport than OR Tambo International Airport, it is closer to the Sandton, Pretoria, Westrand and Midrand regions of Johannesburg (although Interlink flights from Pretoria Wonderboom are even more convenient for Pretoria residents).

We then came back to OR Tambo to land at 10h55 and at least we were still on time as our right was already waiting for us the we took to the conference venue and arrived before they could start, we actually miss the venue as it was not very clear on our map.

The representation was mainly people who had been somehow hands on with Wikipedia for some way of the other either as a contributor, as editor and obvious the users like student although Wikipedia is not considered being the recognised academic source. Participants were drawn from Institution and individuals who had developed interested mainly from Cape Town, UCT, Stellenbosch, “Us” UWC Mpho Diphare Alice Wamnudiya & Mokoatsi Sello and mostly around Jou’burg but it was clear that from institutions were only people from Cape Town, and the rest were from other already established chapters like India, Hungary as well as those from Wiki-media Foundation Chapter Committee. (907)

Among all the participants’ there students were very few from Bush and one Stellenbosch student. The debate was not that much interesting especial for student as most of the participants were or had their hand on something to do with Wikipedia.
They were around what they have learned as the were editing or taking part in the previous days and the dwell much on what will be the role of the chapter committee once established. We discuss the do’s and don’t of the chapter committee and how we can motivate other people “academics” take part as editors. The other bone of contention was how comes that other languages are not that much seen participating in the Wikipedia because here in South Africa the coverage from other languages like Sesotho, Tshonga, Xhosa to name a few are very law except English and at least Afrikaans which at least have more that 15,000.00 articles so far.
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There was also a move that as we need to promote the culture of reading and exploring as a way of involving students in the institutions we can even maybe introduce the concept to vanities campus and ask student to attend a seminar or workshop then sell the concept the ask them to actual write something them the editors

The way forward for me its there but it seems basically narrow for us as the RipMixlearners because it demands more time on creating writing stories of which we are still trying mainly through blog but its some hot not even so easy to keep up with updating our blogs or even following other RipMixlearners as to motivate and learn from them. I am not implying the impossibility on our side but i think we need to familiarizes our selves with those who have started to edit and volunteer to something for the Wikipedia to raise and in the future we can say “yes” we took part and we saw it growing.
(Unable to upload pictures due admin. restrictions)

Disruption of Classes but other student's

It is sad after we have woke up early and try so hard to attend especially the 1st lecture of the day and so sad for days scholars especially when you only had that class for the day. the unfortunate thing which happened through this strike disruption of classes had made it more difficult for every one even those who feel like there is nothing that they can do like foreign(international) student’s as well as Coloured student’s because my view of this rioting its only black South African student’s only.

It is disturbing because disruption had affected us negatively for instance in their first march they kick us out of the class the first lecture for that matter, secondly the most student who were in the library studying they end up being looked in inside because yes indeed the management were scared that they might vandalize the library so is everyone else thought as much.
What I was not able to understand is if the issue is about NSFAS then what does the University management has to do with that, because is not the one administrating NSFAS and the Pick and Pay vouchers. I then began to understand that this is not my frustration alone I am sharing the same sentiments with some student who miss their classes every time when there is this disruption of Classes.
But again, what will happen If the Varsity Managements’ take time to respond does it mean we will be like those high school student’s or patients in hospital whom are abandon, this a critical dilemma which is a double-sided sword, This is a metaphor. Something that is a "double-sided" or "double edged" sword is something that could be dangerous to both yourselves, as well as to your adversary; or both for your case and against it. This is now leaving with an unclear response on who is to be blamed?
However this is a crucial time for student’s to be disrupted either for tests classes or just ordinary lecture. My main question is still what makes it the less majority of the student and only Blacks students or maybe because the slogans and songs are typical other local language or what could be the genuine

What and an experience behind the Camera!!!

In life we learn quite a lot of things of which some of them we assume we know but yah mistakes goes with printer. The experience of being behind the camera was such astonishing and however needed thoughtful and swift learning. As we enter the hall some minutes before the seminar starts we went in and finalize the setting of all what we want in relation to our shooting and yah all was well and although we some had some little thrash of camera handling but standing in front of people it has some stage fright a little beat trepidation of making mistakes. Therefore that anxiety couldn’t prevent me and other first time camera uses.

Despite the that anxiety of holding a camera in front of those distinguished guests and presenters  who indeed shared a prosperous  information although some how tricky  to comprehend especially while not studying in that field. But the interior (bone of contention) cycle matter relating to finance and financial implication of the first world countries how they that impacted on the poor countries I might not captured all but real that was and informative session and it was wealthy  because even the presenter “Alec Erwin” new his staff as an expects in his field.

When still experiencing this it was also good to communicate as through hand signal (sign language) as to what you need to as we were instructed by our leader Mr. A.D.  here as he was also taking part checking that all is well.

The experience helped one to eliminate the does and don’t of the work even the cooperation especially as we were using two camera for smooth work and back up one another  “if” one make a mistake no not capturing a particular “scene” moment. 

The FIFA 2010 World Cup spectacle will go down the annals of history as one of its kind

The FIFA 2010 World Cup spectacle will go down the annals of history as one of its kind.
This can be attributed to so many reasons; firstly, to state but the obvious –it was the first ever to be hosted on African soil and secondly, the football giants from 32 countries descended on our shores and left with their tails between their legs. http://topnews.in/files/Lione-Messi_0.jpg

To mention but a few,I have in mind the likes of Kaka, Wayne Rooney, and Lionel Messi of which some of whom could not put the ball into the back of the net despite their prowess in the game of football. Surprisingly, these are the players who are renowned for banging in the goals and making opposing defenders appear like spectators on the field of play.
Soccer pundits are saying the reason is that these players were playing as individuals instead of as a collective.
I beg to differ when such sentiments or rather accusations are levelled against Barcelona superstar Messi. This player is gifted and not selfish. He is still simply the best.Yes! Messi is without doubt,the best football player in the world, but hay Diego Forlán is also my best choice, but for now let me focus on Messi neh.

I have said it before, that being the World Player of the Year, is no assurance such a player can hold his own on the World Cup stage.
We know players win these awards mainly due to the success of their club or country and they might not necessarily be the best at the World Cup.
There is no doubt that he was on song despite lack of goals on his part.Messi’s recent performance for his country showed he  has monopoly over his craft. He continued to turn defenders into jelly, creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The pressure was too much on Messi as millions were expecting him to be the star of the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
They expected him to storm onto the centre stage and mesmerise the world like his coach Diego Maradona did in 1986 when he almost single-handedly won the World Cup for Argentina. Maradona said it over and over that Messi certainly has the skill. He was crying after Argentina lost to Germany in the quarterfinals as he so much wanted to win.
We have seen in the past that Messi could not show his fantastic form for his country, especially during the last World Cup qualifying matches when Argentina were actually very lucky to qualify for South Africa in the end. This time around, everybody wanted him to write a piece of history. Messi could not score; however, he was key in creating goals for his teammates.

Me and the 2010 FIFA World cup volunteer

It was only in 2004 when it was announced that FIFA 2010 World Cup will be organised and hosted by South Africa. Moreover , to many people it sounded like ok it was something very far fetched and people had a lot of dreams that they will have accomplished even before the first World Cup in African continent an in South Africa for that matter. We were introduced to so many opportunities which will benefit many of us in Africa as whole not only South African citizens, and the infrastructure as well as many other development which drawn closer due to hosting world cup to the country and its people.
Some people think of doing something’s which will benefit them even although they are not even interested in soccer or what so ever.

Surprisingly I didn’t even think of my self being part of that thing which was still very far fetched “then” but yah time is a magnificent swindler hence most of us fell in a trap of thinking that something is still very far but within a blink of and an eye you find it it’s here so there 2010 FIFA World Cup “ FEEL IT IT’S HERE!!!!” But I am so thrilled for being selected among to be a “VOLUNTEER” from the selection of more than 86 thousands candidates though out the world who have applied to be 2010 World Cup Volunteers.

There is quite a lot of things to learn as I have learn a few as a 2010 FIFA World Cup Volunteer in the accreditation functional knowing how FIFA function and yah just think of this opportunity in African soil and you may think when is the next one again in Africa?
I wander what is your story and your plans after the exicting announcement and....!!!????

This the veracity from my point of view

In most cases when you are from outside RSA you feel like there is something that labels you that you are foreigners the “other” when it comes to being served viewing some other department. Many are the things that we end up making a blanket approach that this is the view other people to “us” the “other” but since I have joint the DMS I have learn quite a number of things especially here at DMS family.
The environment here is so conducive that it’s not like some of us started with DMS in February this because the make you feel at home. The reason is one the people here work as a team when you don’t know or forgot how to do some thing they are so willing to assist and that has also been complemented by the student who comes to seek assistant from the department such as those social work student who did field work interview and wanted their video work to be exported and converting the work to a programe that will be easier for their lecturers to mark them, as well as helping them to burn such on CD.
Many of the students after doing their presentation they do come back and appreciate the DMS staff and student assistance. On the on the other as student assistant I have learn quite a lot of things at the DMS an yah still geared up for more.

Technological challenged

When you don't know its not bad to say it loud and clear neh!!! But at times we take things for granted that we know even without reading the manual of our garrets or think that you know it because you have used it for quit some time. Therefore want to affair that “learning is a lifelong process” for so many reasons I agree with this saying. This is because one of other reasons why I end up wanting to be in the digital media I thought I want to be more familiar with the equipment and especial that except issues of editing, burning, extracting exporting and so on, I thought I know my little digital video camera better that it can do all what almost all things I would want to do with it. But to my surprise my orientation was not pefectectly done as I don’t know much of its operational function in the baby camera.

You may wander, what is this man taking about, check out this, despite the knowledge that I acquired in the digital media which has brighten my view of technology and its applications. This weekend I did the opposite as I took a camera and thought I was video recording the very wonderful and touching thanks giving services for Revd Dr. Michael Lepsely , Note: On 28 April 1990, Father Michael Lapsley, SSM opened a letter bomb. On 1 May 2010 Archbishop Thabo Magkoba preached and Archbishop Desmond Tutu presided at a Mass of thanksgiving for his survival and for all that God has enabled him to do during these last twenty years, including through the Institute for the Healing of Memories, and to pray for all victims of violence and torture.



Now I was to record this memorable event with a video but only to find at the later stage that I changed the settings from the video to the audio and for a period of two hours I have recorded the audio not the video and only when I was trying to edit then I find out that I have been doing different thing its play but only sound eish just imagine how I felt. Yah indeed technologically challenged, and this has taught me to be extra careful when thinking of applying anything or using the learned activity hence it is appropriate to keep practicing what w have learned and take a step ahead and explore even more. Now what do think is the feeling after such a problem?

So Far With DMS

So far so good with DMS, although some of us find it challenging but yes we are at the centre of knowing and exploring the use of technology through exploring all the skills we learning through Digital media. Indeed so far I have learn quite handful of skills and but I still find it challenging to put all into practices.
Nevertheless, I have a feeling that if we can make it a habit that every time when we enter the place and the first thing we do if we can at lest once a week blog what do you think that can lead us to? The reason for more practice is skills learned and under utilize do faded. So far ……. Eager to challenge my self with!!!!!

Exam preparations

Just every year times comes and go it was January full of frustration and where people were seeking for the registration exclusion, accommodations and XYZ. Eish due to world Cup like it or not its exam time and comes with lot of pressure, anxiety and obvious exam fever for most of us as we don’t want call backs after exams.

Its hectic and indeed the school programs have inflated by “FIFA World Cup” we new about it that it will be happening but yah most student we still programmed or minds for later preparations, but its never too late to start preparations neh.So we should be prepared so that we enjoy the World Cup.

Learning New things every day

Hi I now can assure you that something real need practice as doing it once wont do just for you to say yah I am confident. Just today after quite sometime struggling with certain pages updating now I learned and hope to keep the fire burning on this page.

The Comet "Mochochonono"

Hi this Mokoatsi, yah this blog i will be sharing my experience and updating, you with expedition as i have joint the world of technology in the Digital Media Studio(DMS) here at UWC and i will be up dating this page on on weekely bases. Watch out neh!!