Profile- Mrs Shama Chetty (herbalist)

Herbs and spice - South Africa’s Indian African Traditional Healer

                                           

Medicines have been around for many years yet today a simple ‘popping’ of a pill is regarded as medication, but where do these pain killing, illness curing blobs of pressed medicinal powder come from?

  Shama Chetty is a 68 year old Indian woman

who has been in the herbalist business as long as

she can remember. Learning about the different

roots and leaves at the tender age of 20, ‘it didn't

take me long to learn how to make all the

different mixtures, I guess its in my blood to

heal people.’ Mrs Chetty’s father was originally from Newcastle, he was the first Indian man to learn about African healing methods and it was he who introduced these medicines in the Transvaal.

 

Mrs Chetty has helped countless people with various illnesses, some who thought they wouldn't pull through but survived with the help of her medicines and as a form of thanks people would bring her gifts like pots and pans etc. Up until today, even the younger generation of African people are going back to their roots as they believe that the raw form of medicine is its most pure form.

 

When asked if one needs to study to become a traditional healer,Mrs Chetty proudly replied ‘yes indeed, you need to know every type of root, leaf and bulb that cures all different types of illnesses and what other raw plants should be mixed with it.’

 

   One thing among many others which was quite
   interesting, was when Mrs Chetty explained how  
   Gavascon (medicine for indigestion) is made. One of the
   key ingredients in this indigestion fighter is a root known as
 'Shongwe' it is ground into a powder and consumed in the raw    form in small heaps, off the palm of your hand, in order to cure
heart burn and indigestion

 
                                                

This year marks 48 years that Mrs Chetty has been in the business of helping people, ‘I refer to myself as a traditionalhealer as I have an undying passion to
help those who are in need whether they
have money or not, I give medicine on
credit!’ She strongly believes that people
who are skeptical about traditional
healers, should know that there is a vast difference between witchcraft and traditional healings. She assures all, that herbalists do not use body parts or any of the bogus things that people, who claim to be healers but are just plain down money grabbers use.

 

Mrs Chetty remembers her grandmother who only used the raw African medicines for her own illnesses, she lived till the ripe old age of 98. Reminiscing, Mrs Chetty talks about when she was a little girl, her father would ask her to fill small empty bottles with animal fat. In the African culture it is believed that the fat of an animal gives a person strength. She remembers helping a man whom the doctors said there was no other way but to amputate his leg due to the rotting of his calf. She gave him a ground powder to rub over the wound and in a matter of 2 weeks the man had returned to Mrs Chetty, thanking her and showing her how miraculously his leg had healed.

 

This business has been in Mrs Chetty's family for over 60 years and today it remains a family business with everyone owning their own branch. At the beautiful age of 68, when she should be retired, she chooses to continue helping people through her herbal healings. ‘I have a gift of healing people and I wont stop as this is my whole life.’ So in actual fact, the medicines we buy over the counter, are given to us by mother nature herself!

Feature- Classical Indian Dance

Journey of a Classical Indian Dancer

 

India has always been known to be rich in culture and mythology. This land which holds so much history not only as a country but as traditional Indian dance, has various types of art forms which are closely studied and then performed with perfection.

The most common and ancient form of Indian dance

is known as Bharathanatayam and is commonly known

as Classical Indian dance. This majestic art form

originated in the southern state of India, known as

Tamil Nadu. The name ‘Bharathanatayam’ depicts a

combination of BHA- Bhava which means expression,

Ra- which means music and Ta- which means rhythm.

This art form is deeply inspired by the sculptures which

are found in the ancient temples of southern India, it is mainly performed by a group of women who are temple dancers and have dedicated their lives to serving the temple as dancers.

 

Classical Indian dance is an art form through which scriptures of Hindu mythology are told. The process through which a dancer goes before being able to learn a specific dance item, is quite a long period of time. After learning all the different steps and hand gestures, along with expression, the dancer then starts learning various dance items and slowly but surely approaches his/ her graduation day. The amount of preparation that goes into this one day is enough to plan a wedding! From the different colours of outfits to the various designs of jewellery adorned by the dancer, the main part of the day are the dance items that the dancer is to perform before being handed a graduation certificate.

 There are a number of well-defined items, namely: Allaripu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varanam and a Thillana. The allaripu item is a traditional invocation that consists of movement with the eyes, neck, hands and feet, displaying beautiful abstract movements.

Put simply, Allaripu is a prayer done through pure dance, it is like a first step towards entering a temple. The Jatiswaram is strict compositions done through pure dance displaying beautiful rhythmic patterns that are based upon different time signatures. The Shabdam is an interpretive, narrative performance usually performed in seven beats. The Varanam depicts elaborate descriptions of the Hindu God of dance, Lord Shiva. Lastly, the Thilana is usually performed toward the end of a graduation performance. The Thilana is a purely abstract form of narrative. The performance then ends with a short dance prayer in praise of Lord Shiva.

 

 

The bells that a dancer adorns her ankles with, are prayed for before being used. A prayer to Mother   Earth is done before a dancer begins to perform and is then repeated once the dancer has completed, to thank Mother Earth for allowing the dancer to use this land to perform and to apologise to for stamping their feet so hard.

 

Priya Darshni Naidoo is a 32 year old woman who has been dancing for the past 24 years. She has been awarded the opportunity to dance in all corners of the globe. She started dancing at a very young age and didn't know why she was being put through all the hard work. Eventually she fell in love with the art form and at the young age of 18, she graduated from dance and continued to dance professionally. ‘To be a dancer, one needs to have an undying passion for the art form. Dedication and discipline is what brings out the perfection in every dance.’

 

Priya remembers her days of practicing for her graduation. ‘We felt sick because we literally ate, slept and breathed dance, it’s during these times that you find your true passion and devotion for the art form. You walk out of your graduation feeling so proud because people think it’s a glamorous process because of the outfits and make up.’

 

Priya Darshi is one of the most dedicated dancers of her generation, this proves that these art forms will never die as those who develop an undying passion for it, will forever keep its flame burning. It is one of the most beautiful experiences to see a Classical Indian dance performance, one may get lost in a world totally unknown to them as the dancers take you on a spiritual and fascinating journey with them

Graeme Smith Retires - Feature

A legend leaves his battle field

 

The former South African cricket captain, Graeme Smith announced his retirement on the 5^th of March 2014. The shock announcement said that he would be quitting international cricket once their Test match against Australia was completed.

 

Graeme Smith, whose full name is Graeme Craig Smith and nicknamed Biff, was the left handed opening batsman and South African Test captain.

 

The 33-year-old captain had lead the South African cricket team in 108 Test matches and played 347 games for the country, scoring over 17 000 runs from the opener position.

 

Many memorable moments come to mind of our now former cricket captain. One being the unforgettable memories he made in 277 vs England, Birmingham 2003. This still remains very memorable even though its quite overused. To be able to attain South Africa's highest individual score at the stage when he was only in his third innings as captain, shows that he paved the way for a million dollar career. He then proved that it was no magic streak with 259 in the next Test.

 

Another unforgettable memory is the SA vs Australia match which took place in Sydney in 2009. With Smith being described as the “ bravest man in world cricket”, batting with a broken left hand at No11, he managed to keep out 16 deliveries before Mitchell Johnson bowled him 10 balls short of what would have a been tremendous draw.

 

With South Africa being rated the worlds No.1 in Test cricket, it was a shocker that they faced serious defeat against the Australians with the series sitting at a draw stage of 1-1 going into the game at Newlands.

 

On the third day, after Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris bowled Australia into the winning position,Smith was dismissed for only five runs. It was after the days game that he had broke his long awaited retirement news to his teammates. “ This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life” said smith. ‘ its a decision I have been considering since my ankle surgery in April last year.

 

Smith also said that he has a young family to consider while being married to Irish singer Morgan Deane and being a new dad of only two years to their daughter, Cadence Christine Smith who was born in July 2012.

 

Smith also admitted that he felt retiring at Newlands would be the best way to end it as he has called the place home since the tender age of 18. South African cricket fans who really appreciated Graeme, wish him well for the years to come and also thank him for always having his eye on the ball and his heart on the trophy for his country.

Travel - Margate South Coast of Durban

Heaven on the South Coast

 

The waiter put down in front of me, what seemed to be the smallest poikie pot(a round caste iron pot supported by a tripod of legs) I had ever seen. Inside was a bubbling sauce with chicken livers, served with authentic African dumplings. The cheer and joy filled the air of this half restaurant half pub, where laughter of friends over a meal could be heard along with the clinging of glasses, as people enjoyed the vibe. Senzi’s is a vibrant chill spot in Margate and is a stone throw away from the sandy beach of the South coast.

 

Watching the sun rays crack through the silver lining of the clouds, I could finally smell the warm sea breeze and feel the early humidity of the Durban air. My eyes were patiently awaiting to come into contact with the different hues of the dark blue waters of the Indian ocean. As the sun leaned over the sea, I started my journey of exploring the different places this heaven had to offer.

 

Up the road from the gold crown resort, Margate Sands, came a smell that could satisfy the biggest hunger. The smell of curry and spices stuck in the air from a little shop that sells the famous bunny chow, a quarter loaf of bread filled with any curry of your choice...the sting that comes with it is worth it.

 

The smell of the sea covers the area like a blanket, the breeze touching your skin and immediately putting you into holiday mode. Standing on the peer looking out at the big blue horizon, the sea decided to play with me a bit when a huge wave swept over the concrete and dunked me like an oreo in milk,satisfying.

 

Rich African culture surrounds the sidewalks with typical looking African women selling beaded accessories, shoes and beach wear. The restaurants that line up along the roads all have plenty to offer. Larry’s, a sea food restaurant, that brings family and friends closer, a place where you can carve your memories onto a wooden board to be hung up as decor which gives the place a chilled feel.

 

I could barely wait to feel the ocean waters touch my feet while I searched for interesting looking shells along the coast. A few km away I found a tidal pool, an amazing gift from nature to see what small creatures call the big blue, home. Sea snails, marine fish, along with baby eels can be found among this rocky wonderland, I wont forget to mention the crabs, they own those rocks.

 

I climbed up to the highest rock, sat down and just absorbed what mother nature has gifted to us, I was a mermaid for a few moments. One can really lose track of time when visiting this beautiful heaven South of Durban.

Feature - youth in their communties

The young and the restless

Compared to previous generations, the youth of today are so different. Different by the way they talk, the way they walk and also in their style of dressing. What youths previously called fun, are clearly thoughts of the past.

Blayne Davids is from a suburb next to Florida known as Discovery. As a youth, he has his own look on how youths of this generation choose to have fun, drugs being the worst decision. Since Blayne is a youth, he has his own type of enjoyment, “I’m at my happiest when its chilled. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a wild party but fun for me is a small group of people. Some drinks, some smoke, just chilled vibes.”

 Blayne admits that his parents would not approve of all the things he chooses to do for fun but on the other hand he is quite honest with his parents “ I always let them know where I am and what im doing, some details are just left out.” Compared to other youths, Blayne feels that his type of fun doesn't really differ, “ I’m not about this Cosmos and GQ vibe people be on”, Blayne sees himself as a hippie and believes that it’s all about being yourself.

Living in this generation Blayne is exposed to many things that his parents, at his age, would never have even dreamt of being exposed to. The way the youth choose to enjoy themselves today is usually by partying but going to the extent that there’s a need for alcohol and other mood enhancers, to enjoy themselves at the highest level. “Everyone is on this turn up lifestyle. I’m not against having fun but western culture is indoctrinating us, giving us a very materialistic view of what fun is. A positive I guess, is that it provides an outlet for reckless youth energy.”

Valasen Chetty is a community leader and is always involved with the youth. Compared to his days, the youth don't know how to be youths anymore, “ the youngsters today are very fast compared to my time. They don't listen to their parents and always want to have the last say. You don't find them playing outside like we used to.”

Valasen describes the youth as being arrogant, he believes that getting involved in the wrong company is very common with this generation and the worst thing they end up in is drugs. Not all youths are the same, even though they have fun in different ways, todays youth know what they want and are headstrong which gives them the drive to succeed.

 Times are changing and no one wants to stay the same forever, we keep evolving in terms of technology and the way in which we think. Valasen still remembers climbing trees and playing hide and seek where as Blayne simply feels that chilling is part of having fun. It is a vast difference to the past because what was fun then, is boring now and what was a wrong thing to do then, is enjoyment now. The world is changing and so will the generations to come. What we call fun and enjoyment now, will possibly change in the years on the horizon.

Press Conference- Feed a child campaign

Ogilvy & Mather- ‘WE’RE SORRY’

 

The current challenge in South Africa is the fact that children are starving to death. Every 1 in 10 children suffers from severe malnutrition and some are only lucky enough to live a short life span of 12 months. Many children are physically and mentally underdeveloped due to their level of malnutrition. A child dies every 5 seconds on average.

 

On behalf of the Feed a Child campaign, Ogilvy & Mather, Cape town, created an advert which sparked flames on social media platforms around the globe and angered South Africans in their masses. The advert which caused outrage, depicts a wealthy white woman sitting at a table eating a meal while a little black boy sits at her feet as she feeds him left overs. In other parts of the ad, the child is seen lying over the womans lap while she pets him and feeds him popcorn. Another part of the commercial shows the little boy fetching the newspaper and handing it to the woman in the same manner in which a dog would. The part that caused an outburst of anger, was the part where the boy is seen licking the womans fingers clean.

 

This advert had clearly not taken racial sensitivity into consideration and brought with it, the history of our country. The television commercial was created for the Feed a Child campaign in order to bring attention to the fact that so many of our country's children go to bed hungry and the severe poverty that certain areas of the country, face. The initial aim of the child being portrayed as a dog was to show the public that the average household pet is fed more often than our country's children.

 

Ogilvy & Mather had removed the advert from television as well as from the YouTube site, but struggled to remove it entirely from social media platforms, due to it being shared and retweeted countless times. The brand has come to the conclusion of uploading the link back onto YouTube but this time with an explanation of the message that the advert is aiming at sending across.

 

 Both companies insist that with all the arguments stirring, it has detoured the commercial as their prime objective was to simply raise awareness on behalf of the Feed a Child campaign. The campaign aims to raise funds to feed those children who do fall part and benefit from the charity regardless of their skin colour.

Press conference- Elwierda Bus service accident

15 children killed in bus accident

 

Fifteen Wendy Wood school children were killed in a bus accident on Thursday 4 September after the bus had collided head on with a taxi. Elwierda Bus service was the company used to transport the children to a sporting event; the bus carried 35 children in total, 2 teachers and the driver. The cause of the accident is undergoing investigation.

 

Rumour has it that the bus driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol but that allegation has not yet been proven. At a press conference, when asked whether the brand has a system to test their drivers for drunken driving, the reply was no, although their drivers do go for intensive training such as advanced driving so should they need to take complete control of a vehicle, they are fully capable. A representative also said that whenever there is an accident, the issue of alcohol is always raised.

 

The buses on average are 6 years old and are replaced once every 5 years. Each bus is annually inspected, tachographs; which are the black boxes of a bus, are monitored. Especially when transporting children, safety is key. The brand believes that this is not their fault entirely, ‘we cannot say it’s our fault as a brand.’ They also believe that their reputation has not been tarnished to a point where no one will use the service again, the brand feels that they offer ‘quite a safe service to the public.’ In the past 15 years, the company has suffered only 4 major accidents. According to the brand representative ‘when dealing with public transport, these things are inevitable.’

 

The bus driver is currently injured but will return to work once he is fully recovered.

The Elwierda Bus service expresses their condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives in the accident, by paying for all funeral arrangements as well as the medical bills of the other 11 injured.