I AM A RAPE SURVIVOR, NOT A VICTIM!!

Six years ago I got raped! This occurred at what was suppose to be at secure environment (at school to be precise) and all I could say then was; dreams which seemed to be coming true were shattered within a blink of an eye. This incident was never known till this point of sharing it with you. Perhaps I was too alarmed even confused. "Who would believe me?" I pondered in my thoughts, but, regardless of how I was feeling, the main reason which prompt my silence is that I was (and still) uncomfortable of how people would claim me as being a victim. I asked myself, "who is going to claim my survivorhood instead of my victimhood?" What happened to me can be viewed from many aspects. My story is one of forgiveness Claiming your worth Letting go of past incidents and holding on to the hope of tomorrow or however you might perceive it. What I learned from this experience might sound like a cliche but it's actually the truth. 1. I took 6 years to break the silence and forgive whereas I was oblivious to the fact that; forgiving your perpetrator will be like taking off a painful pair of shoes after walking in them the entire day. I don't know the anything about the two male persons who took away my innocence, but I know that nothing weighs heavily upon progress than a heart filled with grudges. Many are trapped in the prison of grudges due to people who have caused their lives to be a living hell. Grudges rob you of your sanity as you approach different stops of your life. 2. Letting go means I can look towards my future and new possibilities, hence rape is not me but it happened to me. Sipho Mnyakeni says: "my sisters, you are still in line for your personal greatness Seize it, Your future depends on you, Size it, Self-pitying is self destructive, Cease it, As the incident seeks to finish you Your will to survive will sustain you You are not defined by it You are greater than that ; I wish you could see what I see in your eyes, Hope lives, The future is safe, You are still in line for greatness SEIZE IT! Turn to the mental field of your youth Play again dream again believe again live again" 3. If you are still breathing then God hasn't given up on you. Your occupation is to persevere and your promotion will be victory. We all have the ability to see the brighter picture in our dark experiences. Break the silence and claim your survivorhood. This article is for all those women who have been denied the platform to say: "I was raped!" I know you. I feel you. I, too, was raped. And rape is NOT us. It just happened to us! By Reitumetse Mokhoantle

TOURISM CAN BE A CRUEL INDUSTRY By Mfundo Ngcangca

New book by Mfundo Ngcangca The tourism industry is one with many opportunities for entrepreneurs and the unemployed. It is well supported and encouraged in South Africa, but myself I decided to write a tell – all book about the pitfalls in the industry. Born and bred in Sterkspruit, today working for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. I felt the need to put pen to paper when I noticed a growing trend within tourism. People have turned to be selfish. Fewer are sharing the big cake which is tourism. This multi-faceted , money spinning industry continues to hold many in its thrall. But instead of the tourism becoming full of employment opportunities which could grow in multiple directions, I noticed companies working alone instead of together. Certain sectors do not want to share with others, now the industry becomes cruel and affect all of us. For example, people in the transportation or hospitality sector want to own everything without utilizing or outsourcing other emerging entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is important to the growth of the tourism industry at large. It will present benefits for the individuals as well as the local economy. But operators are not interested in helping each other as well as the industry at large to grow. We are facing a situation of those who are trying to make a living from tourism industry but are affected by issues of xenophobia and in-sector fights. I want people to realize the industry is not an easy one, especially if one does not work hand in glove because it affects a lot the emerging ones. People must start synergizing aggressively, help one another to get lot of information and start marketing their products forcefully. The book entitled Tourism Can Be a Cruel Industry, is aimed at those who are interested in the industry , and especially those considering a career in tourism. Those who are interested in a book can always go to this website: www.newvoices.co.za

Paul Lothane gives his 2012 mid-term report on FS black literature

And here we are again, mid-term into the current year! And how has literature fared so far? At the end of last year I wrote a review of the literary trends in the Free State. I was happy to see my piece reproduced in other blogs, newspapers, and a particular overseas journal. This encouraged some to say to me - why don't you write another short piece on the first part of 2012 thus far? It must be made clear that I am only interested in what can pass for real literature - not books on religion, motivation, or massaging a puny ego. I have in mind works of fiction, poetry, or literary essays. Hence Pule Lechesa must be commended for the publication of Essays on Free State Black literature early this year. Suffice it to say that the work is world class. Early in the year Omoseyi Bolaji also published the 8th in the Tebogo series, Tebogo and the bacchae. As one would expect, countless excellent reviews and critiques of the book have appeared in many parts of the world already. The book, Free State of mind has also been a critical success. The poetic work is the brainchild of Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta, Rita Chihawa and Lebo Leisa. It is a great achievement that the book has attracted positive reviews from literary figures like Bolaji, Hector Kunene, Mathene Mahanke, Napo Masheane, Sabata Mpho Mokae, Mpikeleni Duma, etc George Rampai did very well to publish the novel, From where I stand. I have seen the book, and on a personal note it would be my choice for book of the year. But that is neither here nor there. Teboho Masakala also did well again to publish another work of fiction, The fall of Marcus Desmond - apparently another grim work ending in a reprehensible death. Thus far this year, I have not seen any sweeping, awe-inspiring, literary articles, although honourable mention can be made of three excellent book reviews – Lechesa’s review of From where I stand, and his review of Tebogo and the bacchae. Also, Mathene Mahanke’s appraisal of Free State of mind. We’ll see how the rest of the year goes... - P Lothane