Features - The SAFREA Chronicle

Charlotte Nyatanga-Chipangura

“South African women, you’re on your own!”

The ANC in Mpumalanga pulled a shocker earlier in the week when they reinstated a member accused of the rape of his two daughters to a top provincial position. They have since reversed the decision – but only due to a public outcry. Now is not the time to start pulling the “innocent until proven guilty” card. The man is facing serious charges. Charges he’s faced before. What a slap in the face as we sit here observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, listening to speeches that mean nothing at all when our leaders don’t walk the talk.

Charlotte Nyatanga 27th November 2020 2 Comments

Alexis Grewan

The Parenting Paradox

At what point will we applaud parents for raising their children rather than raising their lifestyles? Let’s talk present-day parenting in middle and upper-income groups.

Alexis Grewan 26th November 2020 4 Comments

Nicola Brown

Finding Harmony, Making Magic

Leadership Lessons from Jazz Bands “The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the

Nicola Brown 20th November 2020 1 Comment

From the Attic

Pygmalion?

Enter Leighton House in London to get a glimpse into the life of the pre-eminent Victorian artist Lord Frederick Leighton. That fascinating life included an intriguing relationship with an East End beauty, which inspired George Bernard’s Shaw’s novel ‘Pygmalion’ that was made into a play and the movie My Fair Lady.

samjbasch 16th November 2020 6 Comments

Andrea Abbott

The art of insects

One of the challenges that conservationists face is to change attitudes towards insects. One way to do so is through art.

Andrea Abbott 16th November 2020 7 Comments

Life

Triggers – Bad or Good?

We all have emotional triggers which can affect our lives. Bad or Good? You decide which it is … and are you a victim?

Peter Ucko 13th November 2020 1 Comment

Life

Sections of Songs that changed my life.

Music has meaning in almost everyone’s life. Most people have favourite tunes, composers or bands. BUT – what has special import for you? Why does one piece get you going? Which melody changed your life? Read what does it for me, and why.

Peter Ucko 6th November 2020 3 Comments

Charlotte's World

Quest to beat the odds

While birthdays are supposed to be happy occasions, when you have a child with special needs, they are a reason to panic. In my situation, what makes me panic is the knowledge that despite my son’s challenges, he’s capable of a whole lot more given the right support. The right support is a pie in the sky. A 2017 report from the Basic Education Department revealed that nearly 10,000 children with special needs were waiting to be placed in schools. I believe the figure is a lot higher. While they’re waiting for placement, they don’t stop growing. They become illiterate adults who become a burden on their families and the state. Urgent action is needed.

Charlotte Nyatanga 2nd November 2020 2 Comments

Life

Bits in Books that changed my life in Amazing ways

Books do affect our lives. They affect how we think and how we perceive the world. They transport us to wondrous places and adventures in our minds. Then, occasionally one book, or a Bit of a Book, changes our lives. Here’s one that did it for me.

Peter Ucko 30th October 2020 No Comments

Sam Basch

HEARTH AND HOME

Stone houses may look harsh and uninviting. Yet, they date back millenia – home to our early ancestors.

The ‘hearth’ inside was where they cooked; the fire generated heat for warmth, especially in cold climes. In time, the phrase ‘hearth and home’ came to embody family and the love shared among those living in the glow of the firelit room. It exuded coziness and the embracing comfort of home.

samjbasch 30th October 2020 2 Comments