CITY OF JO’BURG SILENCES THE VIOLENCE

Date: 29 October 2008

Venue: Barnato Park High School, cnr Beatrice and Barnato Strs, Berea

Time: 14:00 – 17:00

Guest speakers confirmed:Chief of Police for the JMPD, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.



Word count: 681



The City of Jo’burg will be graduating a group of 278 learners after their participation in an innovative behaviour change programme designed to strengthen youth development in the City and curb violent behavior levied at themselves and others.



According to Dr Marelize Schoeman, senior Criminology professor at UNISA, who carried out pre and post implementation research on the programme, violent behavior is identified by aggressive verbal, emotional and physical acts carried out in conflict situations, including abusing substances, bullying and name calling.



Sixteen of these 278 learners will graduate at Banato Park High school tomorrow, 29 October, at a ceremony with a keynote address by MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi.



Other guest speakers will include Chief of Police for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.



In August this year, the City commissioned national NGO Khulisa Crime Prevention Initiative to analyze the developmental needs of identified learners in seven schools within three of its regions and evaluate a suitable programme to meet these needs. Based on this research, the programme called “Silence the Violence”, was selected for implementation. The schools were selected by social workers from the Department of Community Development, as well as the South African Police Service, who were asked to recommend the schools which had a history of learners involved in some form of violent behaviour, towards themselves or towards others.



Silence the Violence takes participants on a journey of self-discovery in which they become aware of the extent and origins of their own violence, and introduces effective, non-violent alternatives. The programme illustrates how violence (physical, emotional and verbal) is ingrained in culture and belief systems and how it emerges in daily interactions. Participants learn practical ways to minimise violent behaviour. It aims to empower participants to restore themselves and develop the skills to restore other relationships. As part of this programme, participants confront their violent self and discover their original or true self through a series of facilitated therapeutic techniques.



Dr Schoeman’s research found that the programme heightened participants’ awareness of what constitutes violence and infringements of human rights, and their increased their sense of hope at being able to direct their life in a positive manner.



For the last three years, The City’s Department of Community Development, together with the City’s Safety Programme has focused strongly on youth development through its youth strategy as well as its city safety strategy and commissioned specialist service providers to research and address the needs of Youth-at-Risk. Youth that were previously identified by the Department of Community Development and the South African Police Service.



Banato Park High school, together with New Nation High school, also in Region F, were selected because some of the learners enrolled there are sheltered nearby and considered vulnerable, especially to substance abuse. The programme was run during their scheduled Life Orientation lessons.



MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi says, “This has been a significant project because it’s clear that the learners who have benefitted from this programme have made some amazing shifts in their attitudes and behaviour. These learners now have the tools to make better informed decisions about the kind of life they want they want to pursue. This project forms part of the city’s broader focus on youth because we realize the youth are a vulnerable group and need assistance and support.”



Yashina Pillay, Gauteng Area manager for Khulisa, says “Evidence from throughout South Africa reveals that children and youth are increasingly both perpetrating and becoming victims to crime and violence. This has a profound effect on the development of young people as well-adapted, healthy and socialized individuals who can positively contribute towards society. Recognising this trend within its own boundaries, City of Jo’burg had the foresight to address the cause and not just the symptoms of violent behaviour.”



Dr Schoeman has recommended that support systems should be established in the schools and appeals made to the public for donation of services.

Dwarsrivier DCS, Western Cape

“Don’t stop to inspire people like us, if you can be blessing to me you will certainly be a blessing to others like me” – BRUCE

“I think there’s a better person with a good heart in me, but I sometimes just can’t figure him out” – DUMISANI

“I want to stop violence between me and my community. I want to help those who are being violated and abused. To control my emotions with positive non-violent communication”- ALBERT

“My dream is to facilitate this programme in my community” – GILBERT

“This programme is a step towards my healing” – MARUWAAN

“I don’t like to fool myself as I did before. This course help me to reach my expectations to a brighter future” – ROBERT

“To be part of this course is just what I needed to break my cycle of violence and I will try my best to change my violent behaviour” – ELTON

“This programme should be must for every individual regardless of the crime they have committed” – MAKHAYA

“Everybody must stand up and fight the violence against women and children” – DUMISANI

“I like this course because it opens my eyes. Today I can help others with this information. I would like Khulisa to be more powerful to the outside world” – FEZEKILE

Comments from WORCESTER DCS

“I am excited to be part of this course, because even though I am not a violent person, I will still need to deal with issues of violence that I have personally experience” – EDITH

“I feel privileged to attend this course” – GAIL

“I have a very bad temper; it usually takes a small thing to set me off. I know this course will help me deal with my temper, anger and aggressiveness” – WANDA

“It will be good to know how to handle other people. This course is very powerful. I’m glad to attend it, I have learned a lot” – CATHLEEN

“My anger is so deeply rooted; I hope that this course will help me get rid of it. It’s like a shadow that follows me around wherever I go” – SHANNON

True Self Hat

Barnato Park High School Silence the Violence Participants

Silence the Violence participants at Barnato Park High School with Khulisa facilitator, Zain Halle. Zain calls them his "super stars" - and indeed, that's just what they are!

Busy with a session in the Cape

Vanessa West from our W. Cape office facilitates a session

The End is sometimes the TRUE BEGINNING

The sorrows and hardships are the true revival of self-awareness.

Jeffrey

WEGDWAAL

‘N sterverskiet trek ‘n lang wit streep.
Vallend verlos uit die hemelruim se greep.
Vergaanend val hy in doodsgang na benede.

Niemand mis hom tossen al die duisend
En voort skyn die ander flik-rend kuisend
Of wie gee dan om dis tog net ‘n ster.
Of wie het belange hy’s dan so ver.

Nou alook hoe nietig nou sterriekie wat kwyn.
Dis tog ‘n ou liggie wat nie meer skyn.
En al is daar ook baie, en een ster kunk nietig.
Met elke vergawe word God’s hart verdrietig.

Of al sou sy lig dalk elders dan flicker.
Is dit nie die doel gegeef sy beskikker.
Want hy’t tog sy plek, uniekheid sy baan.
Gegeef die gawe van voortbestaan.

Want klein, nietig, nederig bewoee.
Word groot geag in die skepper se oe.
En al sou jy dan voel soos ‘n ster wat verskiet.
Bid en vra, die here sal dit verbiet.

Die kwaad verwerp, die goeie beloon.
Of met verderf, of met ‘n kroon.
Hou al is jy dan onder of dalk bo.
Kyk na die lewe, deur ‘n kind se oe.

Seisoene

Tip tip tip tip, dis die wintertaal van die geute.
Soos die nasdou afdrup deur die splete.
Met koue wat jou op jou tande laat kners.
Kruip gou dieper, onder jou kombers.

Ja my friend die winter is hier.
Ons kan dit voel in die weer se gier.
Oortrek met ryp die welde sterf.
Groei kom tot stilstand op eleke werf.

Seisoene verander jaar na jaarom.
Soms wonder en vra ons waarom.
Dan kom die antwoord opgetooi.
Luister hier, en luister mooi.

In lente begin nuutgebore lewe
Raaisel agtig pragtig god’s gegewe.
Dan blom en bloei die veld in prag.
In kleur en geur foels sins en lag.

Dan kon somer met sonne skyn.
Die lewe groei met groot vennyn.
Word sterker, groter, reik nabowe.
Om god vir lewe te kan lowe.

Maar dan kom herfs, alles droog en vaal.
Boom en blom raak leeg en kaal.
Herfs klink na dood, maar dis tog soet,
Want dit skep plek vir nuwe bloed.

Ja seisoene moet kom en ook weer gaan.
Soms vreugdevol, soms met ‘n traan.
Nou wonder nie meer blaas dood die kers.
En kruip gou dieper, onder jou kombers.

WEGGEGOOI

In Hillbrow se vuil en donker strate.
Le kinders snags en slap, verlate
Met verwarring en weemoed is hulle bedeel.
Hul ken geen liefde lag of speel.

Dagga en gom, so gekrenke.
Om weg te kan kom van suiwer denke.
Want terugdink huistoe maak net seer.
Aan ‘n weggooi kind, so verweer.

Terug wil hy nie na overhuis.
Want te swaar is die dra van daardie kruis.
Geslaan, gevloek, verniel word hy.
Hier in die strate wil hy eerder bly.

‘N emosielose lewew en sonder gier.
Is beter as wat hy by die huis verdier.
By die huis is hy ‘n gevangene van geweld.
Hier is hy, soos ‘n vlinder in die veld.

Soms stort n traan wanneer hy dink.
Hoe sy ouers baklei vloek en drink.
Maar vee dan sy trane met die mou van sy hemp.
En vergeet sy hartseer, sonder nadink gedemp.

En wanneer hy dan bedwelmd aan die slaapraak.
Is daar tog niks wat eintlik meer saak maak.
En as wakker word ook nie kom in die more.
Is hy maar net weg, hy is tog verlore.

LEWEN’S STORMS

Die hemeldruin bo is swaar bewolk.
‘N dreigende massa wat maal en kolk.
Bliksem strale skiet na benede.
Vader, verhoor tog ons smeek gebede.

Dan donder die weer soos ‘n leeu se brul.
Die huis en skuur staan in vlamme gehul.
Mens en dier hardloop vir beskut.
Want die gietende reen dien geen nut.

Dan bars die hemelruin in water vloed.
Sonder genade vergiet hy bloed.
Verspoel, verniel, in dolle vaart.
Verwoestende, meedoonloos, onbedaard.

In ‘n oogwink is alles verby
‘N duiwel wraak is op die aarde bevry.
Maar tog so mooi is die wat nog lewe.
Aldan so bang met harte wat bewe.

En nederig kan se, ons,Heer ons koning.
Aan hulle gee hy, die hemel as woning.

The Way I are

How me, myself and I are
Hatred to me is a thing of the past (History)
Grudges to me is a sickness that need attention.
TRUST MAKES ME FEEL GOOD AT ALL TIMES.
Responsibility makes me prove myself that I can.
Fairness is the wings to make me fly high like an eagle.

Hope is a pillar of my strength
Smile is my comforter.
With my loud voice I release my stress.
With Love I connect myself with people.
And with the tears in my eyes I clean my eyes
The problems to me is a challenge.
Depression was my friend but now he hates me.
That’s how me , myself and I are.

Injury to me is a sign of healthiness.
Anger is a way of cleaning my mind and a sign of awareness.
Criticism is a stepping stone for me lies gossip about me.
Empty promises proves me how strong I are.
Worries was my late neighbour.
Happiness is now my new name.
That’s how me, myself and I are.

Hope is now my next door neighbour.
Smile is my best friend.
And tomorrow would be my first born.
That’s how I are.
I used to hate myself.
But now I trust myself.
Now I believe in myself.
That’s how me, myself and I are.

I used to think that everybody hates me.
But now I can see that people love me.
Feeling lonely was a daily thing.
But now I can feel people around me.
Thinking too much was my breakfast, my lunch and dinner.
But now I take things the way they are.
I have learned to accept and appreciate what I are.
That’s how I are.
I am me, myself and I.


By Jackson

Poem

I am coming back for you.
Oh violence – you sound is like a roaring lion, a roaring lion in my ears.
Oh violence I don’t know why you chose me, but deep down I know,
That you took advantage of me.
Because I was young and had no one to turn to.

My tears were real; I was in pain with no shoulder to lean on,
Oh violence how kind you were to me – you offered me a shoulder to lean on.
Of loneliness, desperation for Love-I couldn’t feel how cold your shoulder was. I was you and needed someone to advice me-someone to give me courage.
But Oh! Violence – you availed yourself and told me that I have proved my capability.

My self esteem, self respect and self Love, I asked how to do all this, then you gave me more fear, anger and a mask to put on.
Oh! Violence you made me feel dull, empty and dead.
You made me believe that the lose of personal power can only be found again through force.

Oh! Violence, I don’t mean to be loud and harsh – this might hurt you.
But listen all that you said to me-all that you told me and made me believe were lies and nothing but lies.
I know!!! I know!!!

I am unique, I am special, I am Loved and needed by others,
Kindly note……
I’m being prepared and trained to silence you Oh! Violence.
I am coming to expose you-I will bring you down in four days to come.


THULANI VS VIOLENCE

IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR CHANGE

Amazing: Thulani and the fellow inmate surrounded by the family He (Thulani) once victimized from left to right. Aunt Klalani, brother Thabo, fellow inmate Eric, Mother Dineo, Happy Thulani, behind cousin Dimakatso, sister Ellen, sister in law Nono, and below left to right son Luciano, daughter Natacia, nephew Njabulo and niece Poppy.

It was hard painful and torturing experience, I went through as a boy, I grew up knowing that violence was a simple way in problem solving and expressing how you feel. Humiliation, fear, terror and lack of love a strong grip in my life.
I left home at the age of 16 years to look for a life I thought would have been better than that of home. Guns, blood, money & alcohol, girlfriends were all around me. I thought I would be better man than my dad, but I became ten times a monster. Abuse, guilt and revenge refused to let go of me.

More fear, more anger, more violence held me tight.
I robbed people of their money, I stole money, I stole, I killed and abused my family and a friend, and my community too. But it was not for too late for change. I was shot badly and injured by police, imprisoned and sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Regret, more shame and loneliness tried to let me commit suicide. But through the love and the mercy of God I was saved from my sins and forgiven. I became a born again Christian and started to seek change, healing, forgiveness and love. The Love of God, the love of my family, the love of DCS members and the love of Khulisa brought a complete change that still continues in my life.

Today: I want (wish) to give love and respect together with my time for all the victims around the globe. I am willing to fight against crime, woman and child abuse by educating, giving information to those who have been victimized or affected by the acts of crime and violence, also perpetrators.

Silence The Violence – we can all do it together

T.

DIALOGUE I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE WITH MY VICTIMS

Sad Consequences

I was terrified; I was a boy who was terrified absolutely terrified about the position in which I have found myself.
In result of my anger, guilt, selfishness and violence behavior, I am in this position, dressed in the orange black printed, prisoner clothes here in jail, thinking about my life about my future.

The Victim Impact
You can only imagine the things going in the minds of the victims. I have learned from the previous sessions and the movie Tsotsi about the important that my violence behavior had on them. Pain, sadness, loss and regret for the victims-the victim’s family, friends and community. I regret the situation that I made all the above mentioned to face, because of my violent act, many lives will never be the same again.

As long as people fail to break the pattern, violence will continue. Anyone can break this pattern, first must be a change in the inside. From the experience I had on the programme, I have learned that victims need healing. Counseling and comfort from what they to put up with. And I am one of the medicine that can bring about healing in their lives, by admitting confessing and asking for forgiveness of the pain I caused them though this might not be easy for them, but I would just pay and hope for this. I’ll be soon going out of prison, and I am ready to give back to my community, I pray & hope that I will manage to open the victim support group.


As soon as you feel calm or as you keep yourself approach the person you feel has offended you:

a) Name the offence that was done to you by that person.
b) Say how you feel.
c) Say how you thought about the offence.
d) Request what you would need from them next time.

Love thy neighbour as thyself (bible quote) Remember Violence is born from a lack of Love.

T.

“Oh Lord Why Lord” and Shame Man

I think it will be wise for our Government to strategies how to deal about this violence against the innocent people.

Because when you look the statistics of crime it’s beyond the control whereby need the unit amongst ourselves and the Government to deal with the crime accordingly.

Moment of awareness
People needs the work shops to be thought about crime, and how to deal with it.
NGO must be involved support groups of awareness must be there to educate the people.


A photograph of Shame Man

Silence face means sorrow, sadness and consciousness to the things of the past.

This picture reminds me a lot of things I did wrong for my family to be not there for them.
This face is change because it was masked by things that violated the innocent, so the mask has been removed.

The new things has come and old has passed this is a guarantee for me and my consciousness that for sure I mean it.

Brooke, Zonderwater

ATM bombing

My Background

I grow up in the homeland where everything is green bright, but we had to move from homeland of which in rural area to come to urban settlement where everything is happening.

I came from the poor family where my father was not educated even my mother. But I get that chance to go to school for pushing myself and also my brother and my sister in order to get a better education.
Well I was so lucky to get a nice job when I completed my standard ten and work for Engineering Company earning a good salary. I bought a house for myself I married to the wonderful woman and we were blessed with five kids. We were living happy with my family until I misuse the opportunity to open my own business for a better future for my family even that thought is still bind in my mind, hoping and trusting when I go back to my family I will make an apology for what I abused them emotionally , verbal violence.


Agreement of change

It is not about agree, but it is to demolish this stigma of violence against the community.
When we demolished something we make sure it will never exist again. Then we need to use the strong tools to demolish it.
The proper tools are lepets mines explosion that will destroy it, these are the unity amongst the community supporting each other and stop the violence to our community, having NGO to our members of community and organize functions to address the burning issues about crime.

Change is turn from one way to other, that means turn from bad to good show seriousness of change to your neighbors, skillful of simple meeting strategies of dealing about the change to those who still abusing the right of the innocent, work 24/7 with community to able to solve the problems of others who know nothing about change.

We need to use a better method of approach to the people that they must know about change it good to deal with schools first where the stigma is started.

ATM (Auto Teller Machine) bombing suspect arrested
This is a terrible story around our country South Africa about bombing A.T.M of which is crippling our economic system; this sought of crime is carrying on day and day in different places of our country.

Well I read a newspaper last time mentioned some of the police officers were involved with this sought of crime, that gave me a confusion that if people like this are committing this crime of which we trust them and that are anti-violent to the community how much more the safety of community to protect from being violated by Government people. Crime is a crippling this country because even tourist will have fear to come to visit our rainbow nation country.

Well the mechanism of dealing with these various is to be one and united and fight against the crime because our country will face a blink of catastroph.To my point of boking things it will be better to change into a new method of using A.T.M, must be change into computerized and have anti-touch device to sense each and every person closed to it if you pause your eyes in this paste how the suspect is been shot by the Metro Police it shows that it is a unprofessional crime but violating the right of the community.

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything and season for actuality for our living phenomenon.

A Time to be born is a time of bless by God.
A Time of die is time of unpredictable.
A Time to plant good crops for the future.
A Time to u proof for the best.
But Why me lazy time!

Time wasted will never repay But Why Me Time
Harvesting season is near the corner but those who never sown want to get it freely.
Darkness of clouds will covered those who are work hard for their hands.
But Why me lazy Time?

It is time to talk about solution of grabbing the various crime in our community.
It is time to silence the violence of our children and woman abuse.

But Why people are silence not speaking.

Tsotsi and homework

Perhaps it sounds strange for the session that we attended today, why? It is because you ought to be open your heart and deliver everything that hurt you from your childhood until to the stage of been incarcerated. Well, to hear from the other people’s experience in life it reminds me for the things that past in my life.

Well again to the movie that I watch from the T.V about Tsotsi it is painful to grow to the family that they not gave love that you deserve as a child you possessed by the spirit of no mercy. Yes, indeed this movie showing us exactly the way the crime starts to our environment of living. To be irresponsible in your family as a father it makes things worse for the innocent people in the family especially the children.

I was been encouraged the way our Social workers and the Khulisa members being open to us and the way they treat us, as they treat their children. I feel relieved to each and everything that we done in that session of today. We all in all it’s about me and my consciousness to understand myself to the scenario. It is very interesting to understand from your mistake and acknowledged them and steps of solving them accordingly. Concerning the dialogue with my actions.

Well I would love to be down and not be angry as I use to be before to show them the love as I approach them for the forgiveness to what done, openly to my speech of asking the forgiveness, hoping to be humble from them will show them the fruits of change.

Michael, Zonderwater

THE DARK SELF & THE TRUE SELF

My dark side is full blown, it is with me and wants to hurt everyone, destroy everything so no one will ever be able to hurt me again.
Every minute of every day I see images of what I can do how I can hurt people in every way you can imagine.My true self in life is a small voice screaming in a raging storm of horror trying to keep the sanity, for all he wants is to love someone and have someone love him.

PAIN

Across the fields and through the sky’s
Rides thy demons with thy eyes
Though pain and sorrow is the game.
Just remember they have no shame.

When I was with my ex-fiancee before I was arrested, we always talked about having children and I took that we would have them.
When we have them because on one level I was not sure I could do better than what my father did to me.It’s only now with this course that I realized my fiancée really wanted children badly and I must have hurt her with my being not serious about it.


My pictureMy Background

I come from a background of physical, emotional and mental abuse which in turn led me to also do the same thing, due to lack of self-esteem I did not carry on with my studies and drifted from job to job, place to place, on the whole I never considered myself good/smart enough to better myself.I worked in the hotel/catering industry and have worked most of the different jobs in the industry from waiter to general manager.

My Goals

My Goals are now to sort myself physically, emotionally and mentally by use of certain programs and to try to find finance so I can further my studies so when I come out of prison I won’t be a burden to the community but a bonus and try to teach troubled people like myself not to destroy themselves like I have done.

My song that love is: Hate me” from Blue October it is a song about how one partner treat their partner badly through violence and how he left her so she can find someone who will love her better, so he asks her to hate so it will make it easier for her to stop loving him and move on.

Thulani
15 yrs imprisonment
Zonderwater Med A

Adam's Journal

Today’s experience in the program was quite eye opening, with what I shared today about what I remembered about when I was young. Also with the movie Tsotsi we got to see not only that happens to the criminal but also to the victims. It showed how a hard badly abused boy who through one of his crimes comes face to face with a baby and over time how he takes care of the baby. How the caring of the baby reawakened his humanity, how the he started to care for other people and did not want to do crime again. However at the end I understand that the ending was cut short so we did not get to see that tsotsi died got shot by police. Some people may not agree with me but the real end where tsotsi was killed represents the Governments look at a criminal. Even if you go to prison get rehabilitated, get released and you start to do good you still get treated like a criminal until the day you die.



Dialogue with my victims

There is so much to say and no words which can ever ease the pain and hurt. The only thing I can do is place my life in your hands and let you decide what to do with, if you want my life take it for it is the least I can do.


Adam

Untiring Love

There was once a Japanese man renovating his house, and in order for this man to revamp the house thoroughly, he had to tear open the walls of his exquisite (Japanese house, normally the houses have hallow spaces between the wooden walls. As he was so doing (Tearing down the wooden walls) he thus made an intriguing discovery of a beautiful looking’ lizard (small), stuck. Due to the fact that a nail had been hammered into one of its tiny structured but immaculate feet.

He sees all this taking occurrence and spontaneously starts to feel pity, thus simultaneously curious as to when and for how long had the lizard been stuck or nailed for. He delves deep in thought and he is suddenly thus astounded by the realization….that the nail was hammered 10 years ago when the wooded house was initially built: Ten years he thought.
Struck by awe and intriguement of the reality of this all. “How could this be”? He hissed questionably to himself. “The lizard has survived in such positioning for ten (10) years……!?...without moving…? It’s impossible and mind bugging…he thought to himself silently.
He then subsequently wondered as to how this lizard could survive for 10 years without moving a single miniature step, since its foot was nailed.

In this way he stopped his work and observed the lizard what it has been doing, what and how it has been eating all along. Later, not knowing from where it came, appeared another hasty lizard with food in its mouth.

“Aahh!” he was stunned and touched deeply, for the lizard that was stuck by nail, another has been feeding it for the past should I say…”10 Loving years”

Such Love, such a beautiful Love.
Such simple but profound Love happens even with these.
Tiny Creatures…..!
What can Love do….? It can surpass all adversity. It can do wonders!!! Love can and does miracles.
Imagine …! It (The Lizard) has been doing all that.
Untiringly for ten long flippant years.
Without giving up hope on it’s partner….
Thus I say, Love is a gift, take it and let it grow!
Love is a sign, wear it and let it show!
Love is an act, do it and let it go…….!

By Itumeleng, Courtesy of Khulisa-Zonderwater.
Support group (11 April 2008)



11 APRIL 2008

Initially: From Day one, I was basically all skeptical of the Khulisa Programme “Silence the Violence” Though at the back of my mind there constantly seemed to be a tingle of a sensed of great things ahead (Hope) Within me, and fortunately for me the strength and courage of my adamant but willing heart is really what got me through day one to where I am now-Day 5!

Yesterday, being day 4 of the Programme or more appropriately day 10th of April 2008, I was all sulky but then as the session proceeded , I felt the sense of Camaraderic and Spiritual aura rub off to me.
The session or part thereof…..that hit home the most thus far, is the part of having to divulge or purge out all the hurting, sorrow and grieving that one need to or rather had experience from childhood and there on. It honestly hit deep home for it re-opened old wounds on my part that I was forever suppressing.
That part of the session got me all teary and silently crying to myself, especially after Mr Mbanjwa, Peter/Piet and Philip gave a part of themselves to us by sharing all their sorrowful and hurtful lives to us.

On the part – session of us being lined up in a live of four individuals and thus purge out whatever thought one had concerning the programme or otherwise. For me that was the highlight of the programme for I really felt more in tune in expressing more about what I wanted or yearned for in life, rather than re-living my life past experiences, though yes! I do acknowledge that by re-living and purging out all my violent related experiences is a pivotal part of recovering and healing within, on my part.

Thinking of all that I went through via this programme I really feel a need to re-emphasize what a fellow inmate stated in one of the sessions, which is no one involved in the Khulisa Programme “Silence the Violence” sessions, can claim to be the same individual or claim not to be altered in his/her perspectives in one way or another.

I would now like to say I share the same sentiments as my fellow inmate in that I sincerely doubt that there’s anyone involved here in the programme who feels that all that was done here is / was all useless.

I thank you all for being generous to me and my fellow inmates in respect to all form of your generosity whether it be via your presence, your emotions, thoughts or whatever pivotal part of you that you may have given to us, we really appreciate it.
Your generosity to us is honesty and greatly invaluable.

Yours: Itumeleng, Zonderwater

‘n Nuweling

Daar is ‘n nuwe lig wat skyn
Sonder strale wat skroei of venyn.
Daar is ‘n nuwe Horison om op te kyk na
Ja waarlik, die seer het verdwyn
Oud verlore – nut gebore…..
Naak hier staan ek gebed verhore.
O hou my vas laat my nooit gaan.
Maak my tog, jou uitverkope.

Want le’lik was ek, nou nut gevonde.
My lewe was total tew gronde.
Maar opgetel af-gestof is ek.
En aan jou bly ek,ter dood gebonde.
O skoongewas jy voel so goed.
Dit jubel diep in my gemoed.
Jy lig my op na hoogtes ja.
Ek is nou skoon, ek het geboet.

Ek is weer kind met weerbegin.
Want in my sond het ek besin.
Ek Jubel weer van vroeg tot laat.
Want in my hart, is geen onmin.
Dankie dan, nou vir kwel oor my,
En al die hulp vir my bevry.
Die pad na voor sal’k loop in krag.
En al jou guns, sal my by bly.

Piet, Zonderwater

GOD is with Me All the Way

Secrets will always try to hurt all the time, but they will never succeed because you are destined to achieve your goals.
God has taken away all your pain, sorrow suffering and has given you joy and peace.

Courage is not the Strength to go on when there is no will but the will to go on when there is no strength.

I knocked on the Heavens door and GOD asked? What can I do for you Samson?
I said: Please God protect and bless all my Victims and who hear my message.
“He” smiled at me and granted my wish.
GOD protect and bless YOU all.

By Samson

THE OPTIMISTIC PESSIMIST

Doing hundred things regretting ninety nine.
I guess in madness, I’m first in line.
I am called crazy by foe and friend.
But what’s inside me, they can’t mend.
Hardship, bloodshed, institutions know.
What it made inside to grow.
This me inside me, a disguised danger.
Makes me to me a searching stranger.


It makes me loose when I win,
And shows me winnings, in a sin.
It leads my battles in voices grand,
But when I turn, alone I stand.
Achieving hurts and lost is formal.


Despair comforts, for it seems normal.
And in the end in crazy silence.
It all boils over into violence.
I hope by God one day to find,
The re-al me, in heart and mind.
For I Know inside me, is a diamond shining.
Though I’m a dark cloud, I have a silver lining.


Piet, Zonderwater Correctional Facility

Take my life in your hands

There is so much to say and no words which can ever ease the pain and
hurt. The only thing I can do is place my life in your hands and let you
decide what to do with it, if you want my life take it for it is the least
I can do.

Adam, Zonderwater

Message from Mark Johnson: July 2008

The biggest (baddest) guys turn into the biggest carers.

Resentment – I have a part in everything: sometimes it is that I don’t enter wrong with my thoughts – ie bad thoughts lead to bad things. I wish my enemies good things. I pray that one day they will see what I do.

Amends – the first part is acknowledging that it’s wrong. The second is not remaining in the practise. The third is helping others.Mark Johnson talking to Portia from Khulisa during his July 2008 visit.

For more info on Mark, go to www.mark-johnson.org.uk

Message from Nanette Minnaar – Facilitator of the Programme at Zonderwater

A son and his dad were walking on the mountains.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts and screams: “AAAhhhhhhhhhh!
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: “AAAhhhhhhhhh!
Curious, he yells: “Who are you?”
He receives the answer: “Who are you?”
Angered at the response, he screams: “Coward!”
He receives the answer: “Coward!”
He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?”

The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.”
And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you! The voice answers: “I admire you!”
Again the man screams: “You are a champion!” The voice answers: “You are a champion!”
The boy is surprised, but does not understand.
Then the father explains: “People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.

It gives you back everything you say or do.
Our lives are simply a reflection of our actions.
If you want more love in the world,
create more love in the world.
If you want more competence in your team,
improve your competence.
This relationship applies to everything,
in all aspects of life,
Life will give you back everything you have given to it.

Silence the Violence Magazine - Zonderwater

Break The Chain of Slavery

2008

Magazine

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances freedom of others.”
Dr. Nelson Mandela

Booklet written by : Zonderwater Inmates

Graphics and Layout: Bridget Makhonza

Typing and edited by: Bridget Makhonza


Bridget is an ex-offender and currently employed by Khulisa as a Programme Assistant.



MESSAGE FROM BRIDGET:

YOU CAN MAKE IT AND YOU CAN CHANGE IT, BUT IT ONLY BEGINS WITHIN YOU.

BEAR NO GRUDGES AS IT OPPRESSES THE POSITIVE ENERGY THAT YOU POSSESS.LIVE LIFE DREAMING BIG, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT TODAY MIGHT BRING!!!





GOOD LUCK! HOPING YOU WILL ENJOY READING THIS!