Please Call Me Inventor in Legal Battle

By Sinethemba Mthabela

An inventor is always admired and held in high regard for their level of genius. But what happens when the inventor, in question, is being refused recognition for the same invention they created.

Former Vodacom employee, Nkosana Makate, is in an ongoing legal battle with his former employer for not recognising and compensating him for his invention.

Makate claims to have invented the 'Please Call Me' service that allows Vodacom users to send a free message to a fellow user they would like to call. The invention dates as far back as 2000.

Vodacom has agreed to settle with Makate after the Constitutional Court ruled in his favour in 2016. The mobile network was willing to pay Makate R49 million but the latter refused the offer stating that R70 billion was owed to him.

The case has gained massive media coverage with prominent public figures, such as Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi and former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, voicing their support for Makate.

In the midst of this debacle another individual formerly employed by Vodacom's rival network MTN is claiming ownership of the 'Please Call Me' invention.

Ari Kahn claims that MTN was already using this service when Vodacom decided to launch their own. He had allegedly done so a week prior to Makate pitching his idea to Vodacom.

Vodacom's financial benefit from this service was allegedly due to MTN not taking any legal action and enforcing their patent.

Confusion and frustration might describe this predicament which is almost two decades long. 

We'll keep you updated with any new developments. Keep on following Mish Mash and our exclusive stories. #MishMash

Protests over water

By Sinethemba Mthabela

Locals barricaded the street

Kwa Zulu-Natal is popular for its tourist attraction sites adorned by the tranquil Indian Ocean that makes for a beautiful scenery.

This introduction paints a wonderful picture right? But unfortunately not everything is all rosy.

23 years into democracy and the inequalities of this country continue to affect the poor. 2019 started off with protests over poor service delivery as well as a water crisis that has been looming, in Ladysmith, for almost a decade.

The area most affected is Ezakheni township situated on the outskirts of Ladysmith. Residents are fuming over the continuous water cuts, despite heavy rains, and the municipality's incompetence in dealing with the matter.

It is alleged that some officials from the Uthukela Municipality District have concocted a money-making scheme from the people's suffering.

According to residents the water supply is allegedly cut on purpose in order for water tankers to be leased out to affected areas. These tankers are believed to belong to certain officials who then pocket the funds.

A week barely passes without seeing residents lining up in the street with buckets and laundry basins to fill them up with water. 

"Our township is always the target and for what reason I don't know. You won't find this problem in the suburbs because every issue is fixed within minutes", complains Njabulo Radebe.

To express their frustration residents barricaded the main road with stones and burning tyres and vowed not to vote this year. Lucky Xaba says, "I'm not wasting my time and energy by voting for a government that has clearly failed us. For people planning on voting rather vote for other opposition parties". 

In December plain-clothed Hawks agents raided the municipality's offices in connection with an on going investigation and confiscated important documents.

Some senior officials were taken in for questioning but no arrests have been made thus far. The Uthukela Municipality District could not be reached for comment. Look out for more stories on #MishMashReload 

The Unapologetic God. Black. Youth Movement!

By Palesa Mohlamme

I love Soweto because we get to be inspired, ignited and fed infinite wisdom by young people in the township. I was intrigued by God Black Youth Movement, because it's not everyday you get to hear young Black people owning their throne and recognizing their real power. Founded in 2015 by Thando, Oshun and Siphelele, the holy trinity from Central Western Jabavu,  provides teachings and thought provoking knowledge to young people and they also sell Afrocentric books to the locals as well.

Founding members of the movement 

The philosophy behind God. Black. Youth is about knowing oneself and celebrating the God that you are. I really think it's a stepping stone for Black Youth to gain and have the necessary confidence and tools to knowing oneself.

Food for thought.. 

 For a change, this is a movement that doesn't preach agreession towards white people or anything about race for that matter.
Its a platform whereby you celebrate being Black without being apologetic about it, being conscious about your spirituality, state of mind, and surroundings. The movement keeps on moving as they have been joined by more followers and later this month they will be opening their new store at Mofolo, Soweto.

Beautiful crystals also sold at the store! 

Authentic indeed..



They also host Sipher, poetry and MC sessions just to name a few every first Friday of the month. Alternatively, you can expand your schemer by checking out their Afrocentric books and buy some authentic God. Black.Youth T-shirts for R100. Having to interview and knowing more about the movement has been an elightenling and eye opening experience for me. Please check them out on Facebook- God Black Youth. Stay tuned for more exclusive content #MishMashReload

Township Social Hub At Its Best

By Palesa Mohlamme

Born and raised in Soweto Lehlogonolo Mangope is  the founder of Township Soweto Hub,  which focuses on township development and sustaining township economy by investing in young people and small businesses.  It acts as an umbrella to unleash opportunities and platforms for local business. 

Letlhogonolo Mangope founder of Township Social Hub

It was founded in 2017 with the aim to provide avenues and opportunities for entrepreneurs and young up coming artists. "Township Soweto Hub unleashes small business and it equips young people with necessary skills and confidence to partiparte in the local economy", said Lethlogonolo.

Ladies enjoying the vibe

The movement held their first launch on 15 December and it was a successful turnout as Mish Mash got to speak to some of the artists and entrepreneurs at the event. 

Songstress Karabo and T-Lay

The initiative emphasizes on utilizing and having access to services offered by local businesses in the community. Some of the local artists attending the event includes, T-Lay Dj & producer, songstress Karabo who also appeared in Idols last year, rapper King Tony and M.C FishXv. 

Unfortunately, Township Social Hub is not necessarily supported by local stakeholders in Braamfishcher and local businesses. Therefore, Mish Mash would like to advocate supporting local businesses and making each other rich as Black people.

Magents.. 

Lets make each other rich




Lets support Black businesses and make each other rich as a People. Mish Mash woukd like to commend Township Soweto Hub on paving thth e way for young people and unleaching endless possibilities  for local businesses. #MishMashReload

A LOST PEOPLE?

Photo By: Palesa Mohlamme

                       
Finally June 16 vibe has settled down, now I can speak my mind. How did you celebrate June 16? For sure you were drunk as ever ne? Not me though, I was enjoying my family's company and almost forgot it was a public holiday. I have been checking out the June 16 memorial arch at my hood. Funny enough the place is not fully equipped with information about the 1976 protest, the only original thing they have from 1976 is a dustbin lid used by students protecting themselves during the protest.

The documents displayed at the arch are copies and the originals are at the University of Wits. But why the hell don't we have the original copies here? I mean, after all its our history and what's written in those documents is what happened moo Kasi. I read the documents written by the Student Representative Council of Soweto and I quote, "June 16 shall be known as The Student's day. Prayer meeting shall be arranged by students and parents. A moment of silence from early hours in the morning till 9 am. On June 16 parents are requested to pledge solidarity with their children. Workers requested two days off from 16-17 June. Shops and business shall be closed on the 16th and half a day on the 17th. Shebeens must be closed from 13-19th June. Suspension of all sorts entertainment from the 16-19th June. Taxi services to have a moment of silence in the morning and no services rendered by Pucto drivers. And hostel people to align themselves with people of Soweto during the mourning period".

I tell you this because most of you don't know this and therefore the meaning of June 16 has lost it's essence. We commemorate the day by getting drunk and filling parks and pubs. Have we really given up on our "history"or are we just plain oblivious? What happened in June 16 taught me that, the Youth is supposed to be resistance, we are not supposed  to be comfortable with everything going on around us and we should question things.

You know, the only history we know is Black people have always been the victims of history. The only information that is given to us makes us feel less worthy of ourselves and I think that's why Black ladies do weaves, bleach their skin and speak english so well mara mother tongue, Dololo!. Why don't we ever question what happened to the Black history before colonial period? why do we define ourselves through colonial history and apartheid? Is that what we really are vele?  Outcast and victims of history? And what's worse about this is we have to pay for knowledge ya mahala at our so called Hector Peterson museum. This seriously pisses me off. Our schools are not educating us about Black Excellence, Black Pride and Self love.

Instead you have to search and dig up true heritage and origin of African people. And even when you research such info, you come across white authors. I don't understand why does a white person has to write about Black history, My history, after all this proves that what you know as history has been filtered and manipulated.  Lets tell our own stories guys, snap out of it and stop being passive with everything! Queen Elizabeth decided to have a White Wedding and now its supposed to be my culture. what is White Wedding moo Black culture? No wonder you have so many divorce. What is divorce anyway moo Black culture? OOOh Shame re rata dintho wa tseba! Bo Khulani ba bua nnete ha ba re VUKA DARKIE! when I say Vuka Darkie I'm not talking about being an entrepreneur but I'm talking about knowing yourself, Be aware with yourself and Love and Respect yourself. I must confess that I feel lost that I don't know my true heritage, raw history written by a Black person. Are we really a lost people? #MishMash

Local is lekker

Creativity at its best. photos: Palesa Mohlamme 

After the SABC announced that they will provide 90%of local content, it got me and most people excited. Locals attended a panel talk held at Soweto, Jabulani, and they discussed the impact of promoting local content and young people from the creative industry were motivating their peers to do what they love, and love what they do.

(Co-Founder of Arts and Craft) Trigga was the host at the panel talk

Indeed local is Lekker!

(Left) Thabo Mdluli, the founder of Fab 5 Media.

It is very important for us as young people to engage in constructive conversations and always question things. The panel speakers included, Fry pan the owner of RHTS online store, Sfiiso Xabashe a social entrepreneur, Nthabiseng a social entrepreneur, Mambila Magaza an MC and businessman, Afrika owner and fashion designer of Originally Kasified Clothing, and Lebugang Mnisi a theatre performer. The panel spoke about their achievements and positive stories in the township that deserves recognition.

Beautiful handmade jewellery by Afrophik.

Tshepo Lefoko Phetlhu co-founder of Soweto Arts and Craft.

Fresh local fashion by Afrophik.

Look at the guy posing at the back.

Crazy vibes after the panel talk.

Beautiful ladies enjoying local talent.

I really enjoyed engaging with like mined people and I hope this won’t be the last time for young people in Soweto to engage in constructive and mentally stimulating conversations. The panel talk was organised by the Soweto Arts and Craft and Fab 5 Media. Outside the panel talk, social entrepreneurs came in numbers to show off their local products and handmade crafts. And yes, it was refreshing to see more ladies doing it for themselves.  #MishMash

A burning society

A burning society. photos: Palesa Mohlamme

Members of the African National Congress (ANC) from Molapo organised a protest against the Councillor of ward 34, Mr. Shimmane Motlamme.  Out of frustration and anger residents expressed that the community does not benefit from economic opportunities in the township. They claimed the people who mostly benefit from projects at ward 34 are the people who reside outside ward. One of the issues raised by community members is corruption, maladministration and nepotism.

Residents barricaded the streets with burning tyres and stones blocking cars to enter.  But you know such behavior must be suppressed quickly before it blows out of proportion, right?. The police made a grand entrance with a helicopter monitoring around the area and cars of SAPS and Metro Police.  Then I realized how easily intimidated the residents were,  they were smooth talked by a so called “deploy from the regional office” sent by the Councillor. 

Angry residents before the police came.

Mind you me, there was supposed to be a community meeting arranged by the Councillor but when he heard that shit is real, he decided to bring another poker face as a negotiator. There was not much of negotiation though because we know how we are so hungry for power and influence. People are always looking out for themselves yet they still pretend to represent your views and working for the people. The poker face exchanged numbers with the so called community leaders and till today as I write to you that nothing has been done about the community’s concerns. What a waste of petrol and matches.

Smooth talker getting the residents attention.

At the same time, candidates for the local elections are said to be appointed by the internals of the organisation and not the community.  You know, I have registered for the local elections but I realized afterwards that what is the point of voting while the whole system itself is a problem. Are we really solving the problem by voting or are we choosing to work 40 hours a week just to put bread and butter on the table. Basic food on the table guys! Its horrific when you think about it. 

Police monitoring the area.

What is the point of voting because we will still have greedy people leading us, perhaps there are other realistic ways to look at it. Most people who are into your community forums and what not, have showed me that they are only looking out for themselves. They want to make people to step down from their comfortable positions because they want the same power, glory and greed.  It’s just a continuous pattern. Who am I to judge bathong! But come to think of it we allow such things to happen to us, especially the older generation. They guard and protect their own monster, hence we still have Jacob Zuma as president.  #MishMash