In spite of what the title might suggest, I thought I'd write something positive for this Monday afternoon/evening. FYI, I'm a feign for Monday's, love em:)) Enjoy:
The saddest thing, the saddest thing of all
Is that if we all loved, over night, the world would be a better place
For love in all its forms would have me rejoice at seeing your face
I’d see beyond hair colour, sex, height, girth and race
I’d see you
In all your splendour.
And you, well you’d see me
For all the magic I posses, all the greatness I could be
Past the outside appearance, you’d see my ability
To turn the world around
Do things no-one ever imagined
You’d see me
Truly, for all I am.
We could do great things you know
Help the old and weak, take the minds of the young and sow
Seeds that’ll grow into thoughts
Thoughts that will breed feelings
Feelings that will inspire action
Desire
Longing to be more, to do more
To be better, to do better.
We can you know
You and I, make the world better.
It starts with love
Love for yourself, because with self love comes self respect
And with self respect come standards and a sense of worth powerful enough to move mountains.
Once you learn to love you
You can love others
Treat all as a sister would a brother
And vice versus.
It’s not such a funny thought really
Think about it
The world, over night
Would be a better place
If we all just loved.
Monday 31 October 2011
Wednesday 26 October 2011
What Unemployment Problem?
So, today I write about the “unemployment problem” in South Africa. It’s a very high level overview because to go in-depth on the issue would require a much longer piece, and I don’t want to bore you. It would be great if some of you would engage with some of the issues in the comments, then we could unpack it further…but only if that’s your thing;) Enjoy:
South Africa’s unemployment rate is over-inflated. I say this as an economics major who graduated from a fairly reputable institution. Not to say I know it all, but I have some sort of basis for this statement. I, however, unlike most people schooled in economics am not of a view that this is caused by a weak economy, a lack of skilled labour, the manner in which the figures are collected and measured or even by the use of the so-called “broader definition of unemployment”.
I think the high levels of unemployment in our country are caused by on thing – well, many things if I’m to be honest, but this one reason sticks out like a match in Manchester United’s history books where they’ve conceded 6 goals…at home. The abomination in question is the “experience snobbery” in the South African employment economy. Most companies use years of experience as a filter to “weed out unsuitable candidates”. The issue with this is that so often the baby gets thrown out with the proverbial bath water!
I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know a large pool of widely talented and very capable individuals in my lifetime; some of them with matric and tertiary qualifications, some without. Sadly, for a number of these individuals they will never be given the chance to shine, an opportunity to max out on their potential, and in so doing add immeasurable value to the South African economy. Why? Simply because they don’t have experience, or they don’t have this qualification or they don’t know that person. It’s a sad reality indeed.
A reality that South African business and South African governance needs to come to terms with and take corrective measures for. One need only look at the companies rated “Best Employers” to see what their edge is in recruiting suitable talent which in turn leads to them often times outperforming their competitors. It really is a “simple” case of processes. I put the word “simple” in inverted commas because these are obviously well thought out and practiced processes which have been perfected over time.
If South Africa’s government and business community is really serious about tackling our crippling unemployment problem, a minimum process should be mandated for recruitment. There should be certain basic assessments and tests that should be done when one submits their CV/application. The purpose of this is to objectively and expediently identify potential talent. Not to negate years experience as a filter, but just because it’s the most obvious filter doesn’t make it the most correct. I have encountered many an individual with years of experience who come up short when it comes to job knowledge and performance.
Fix how you find your talent, and you fix your internal issues. Sort out your internal issues and this will reflect in the open market, adding to your bottom line. A better bottom line means expansion of your product/service offering which means you have the opportunity to create more employment, and thus the cycle begins again. I know that this is a very simplistic view of things, but in the context of a market like ours with so much untapped potential in both the labour and consumer market, I don’t think I’m that far off
South Africa’s unemployment rate is over-inflated. I say this as an economics major who graduated from a fairly reputable institution. Not to say I know it all, but I have some sort of basis for this statement. I, however, unlike most people schooled in economics am not of a view that this is caused by a weak economy, a lack of skilled labour, the manner in which the figures are collected and measured or even by the use of the so-called “broader definition of unemployment”.
I think the high levels of unemployment in our country are caused by on thing – well, many things if I’m to be honest, but this one reason sticks out like a match in Manchester United’s history books where they’ve conceded 6 goals…at home. The abomination in question is the “experience snobbery” in the South African employment economy. Most companies use years of experience as a filter to “weed out unsuitable candidates”. The issue with this is that so often the baby gets thrown out with the proverbial bath water!
I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know a large pool of widely talented and very capable individuals in my lifetime; some of them with matric and tertiary qualifications, some without. Sadly, for a number of these individuals they will never be given the chance to shine, an opportunity to max out on their potential, and in so doing add immeasurable value to the South African economy. Why? Simply because they don’t have experience, or they don’t have this qualification or they don’t know that person. It’s a sad reality indeed.
A reality that South African business and South African governance needs to come to terms with and take corrective measures for. One need only look at the companies rated “Best Employers” to see what their edge is in recruiting suitable talent which in turn leads to them often times outperforming their competitors. It really is a “simple” case of processes. I put the word “simple” in inverted commas because these are obviously well thought out and practiced processes which have been perfected over time.
If South Africa’s government and business community is really serious about tackling our crippling unemployment problem, a minimum process should be mandated for recruitment. There should be certain basic assessments and tests that should be done when one submits their CV/application. The purpose of this is to objectively and expediently identify potential talent. Not to negate years experience as a filter, but just because it’s the most obvious filter doesn’t make it the most correct. I have encountered many an individual with years of experience who come up short when it comes to job knowledge and performance.
Fix how you find your talent, and you fix your internal issues. Sort out your internal issues and this will reflect in the open market, adding to your bottom line. A better bottom line means expansion of your product/service offering which means you have the opportunity to create more employment, and thus the cycle begins again. I know that this is a very simplistic view of things, but in the context of a market like ours with so much untapped potential in both the labour and consumer market, I don’t think I’m that far off
Saturday 22 October 2011
Zahara - An Artist Worth Making
It's been a while since my last post, I've just not been in a blogger state of mind. Apologies. I know it's a bit late, but I thought up this topic amidst the initial hype about Zahara (@ZaharaSA); I only finished it now and thought its still worth posting. Enjoy:
Finally, it would appear, South Africa has come to the party and made an artist. She goes by the name Zahara.
She's been making big waves on the local music scene and after listening to her debut album "Loliwe" I can understand why. So many of South Africa's "artists" get public attention for things other than their craft. Showing off their lady bits at a concert, being gold diggers, getting into public spats, etc.
Finally, someone with actual talent has come to the fore, and South Africans have done their bit to keep her at the party. Many a talented artist will tell you it takes more than just talent to become a star - people have to buy into what you do, they have to buy into your brand.
Luckily for Zahara, South Africans have done just that. Twitter and Facebook were abuzz with comments of her talent and bemoaning the fact that her album was sold out everywhere they went. South Africans fed the hype, and justifiably so.
I hope she takes a page from Artists such as Lira and Loyiso who've been in the SA music game for a while now and in spite of their success have kept hard work and appreciation for their fans at the heart of their craft. If she can do that, I have a feeling she will be around for a long, long time to come.
In my view, Zahara certainly was an artist worth making.
Finally, it would appear, South Africa has come to the party and made an artist. She goes by the name Zahara.
She's been making big waves on the local music scene and after listening to her debut album "Loliwe" I can understand why. So many of South Africa's "artists" get public attention for things other than their craft. Showing off their lady bits at a concert, being gold diggers, getting into public spats, etc.
Finally, someone with actual talent has come to the fore, and South Africans have done their bit to keep her at the party. Many a talented artist will tell you it takes more than just talent to become a star - people have to buy into what you do, they have to buy into your brand.
Luckily for Zahara, South Africans have done just that. Twitter and Facebook were abuzz with comments of her talent and bemoaning the fact that her album was sold out everywhere they went. South Africans fed the hype, and justifiably so.
I hope she takes a page from Artists such as Lira and Loyiso who've been in the SA music game for a while now and in spite of their success have kept hard work and appreciation for their fans at the heart of their craft. If she can do that, I have a feeling she will be around for a long, long time to come.
In my view, Zahara certainly was an artist worth making.
Thursday 6 October 2011
Vision
So this morning I read of the passing of Mr Steve Jobs. A legend of his time, Jobs is probably the closest any man will ever come to achieving true immortality. Inspired by a speech he wrote for a graduation he spoke at in 2005, I wrote this piece (via @Entrepreneur_SA , http://www.entrepreneurmag.co.za/entrepreneur-today/in-the-words-of-steve-jobs/ ). I hope it inspires you even a hundredth of what this man inspired me. Enjoy:
For my unborn children, I wish vision
If they’re healthy and strong
If they get to live lives that are long
That’s a plus
If they’re talented, beautiful
Smart, athletic and have great personalities
That’s an added bonus
An added bonus God knows I’ll be grateful for.
All these things I would cherish in my children
But these are traits I will not wish upon them
For my children I wish only one thing
That they may have vision.
Vision beyond the minds of the masses
Vision beyond themselves
And most importantly, vision beyond the human condition
Which holds us back from exploring the boundaries of our true potential.
I wish that they may have vision to enlighten them in the darkness of their exploratory years
Vision to give them patience when they get restless
Vision to give them perseverance when things get tough
Vision to reveal to them the fact that impossible is a state of mind.
To my unborn, yet to be conceived children, I write this letter to you
To wish upon you, vision.
For my unborn children, I wish vision
If they’re healthy and strong
If they get to live lives that are long
That’s a plus
If they’re talented, beautiful
Smart, athletic and have great personalities
That’s an added bonus
An added bonus God knows I’ll be grateful for.
All these things I would cherish in my children
But these are traits I will not wish upon them
For my children I wish only one thing
That they may have vision.
Vision beyond the minds of the masses
Vision beyond themselves
And most importantly, vision beyond the human condition
Which holds us back from exploring the boundaries of our true potential.
I wish that they may have vision to enlighten them in the darkness of their exploratory years
Vision to give them patience when they get restless
Vision to give them perseverance when things get tough
Vision to reveal to them the fact that impossible is a state of mind.
To my unborn, yet to be conceived children, I write this letter to you
To wish upon you, vision.
Vision
So this morning I read of the passing of Mr Steve Jobs. A legend of his time, Jobs is probably the closest any man will ever come to achieving true immortality. Inspired by a speech he wrote for a graduation he spoke at in 2005, I wrote this piece (via @Entrepreneur_SA , http://www.entrepreneurmag.co.za/entrepreneur-today/in-the-words-of-steve-jobs/ ). I hope it inspires you even a hundredth of what this man inspired me. Enjoy:
For my unborn children, I wish vision
If they’re healthy and strong
If they get to live lives that are long
That’s a plus
If they’re talented, beautiful
Smart, athletic and have great personalities
That’s an added bonus
An added bonus God knows I’ll be grateful for.
All these things I would cherish in my children
But these are traits I will not wish upon them
For my children I wish only one thing
That they may have vision.
Vision beyond the minds of the masses
Vision beyond themselves
And most importantly, vision beyond the human condition
Which holds us back from exploring the boundaries of our true potential.
I wish that they may have vision to enlighten them in the darkness of their exploratory years
Vision to give them patience when they get restless
Vision to give them perseverance when things get tough
Vision to reveal to them the fact that impossible is a state of mind.
To my unborn, yet to be conceived children, I write this letter to you
To wish upon you, vision.
For my unborn children, I wish vision
If they’re healthy and strong
If they get to live lives that are long
That’s a plus
If they’re talented, beautiful
Smart, athletic and have great personalities
That’s an added bonus
An added bonus God knows I’ll be grateful for.
All these things I would cherish in my children
But these are traits I will not wish upon them
For my children I wish only one thing
That they may have vision.
Vision beyond the minds of the masses
Vision beyond themselves
And most importantly, vision beyond the human condition
Which holds us back from exploring the boundaries of our true potential.
I wish that they may have vision to enlighten them in the darkness of their exploratory years
Vision to give them patience when they get restless
Vision to give them perseverance when things get tough
Vision to reveal to them the fact that impossible is a state of mind.
To my unborn, yet to be conceived children, I write this letter to you
To wish upon you, vision.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Someone I Want to Love
Inspired by words in a tweet by my twomie and tweditor, @Oobakeng, the title of this piece became what you see below. Enjoy:
You are, you
Everything about you
Your skin, your touch
Your lips, that glint in your eye
The way you call for me, long for me
Makes me want you
Makes you someone I want to love
I want to, but I can't
I can't give you, me.
My time, my energy
My focus, make you the centre of my attention
Give you my all, my energy
My love. I want to
You, are someone I want to love
I want to, but I can't
I can't give you, me.
There is no reason to my actions
No logic to be applied
But rather than be with you and lie
I'd rather walk away till I'm ready to try
Give you, me. All of me.
Because you are
Someone I want to love.
You are, you
Everything about you
Your skin, your touch
Your lips, that glint in your eye
The way you call for me, long for me
Makes me want you
Makes you someone I want to love
I want to, but I can't
I can't give you, me.
My time, my energy
My focus, make you the centre of my attention
Give you my all, my energy
My love. I want to
You, are someone I want to love
I want to, but I can't
I can't give you, me.
There is no reason to my actions
No logic to be applied
But rather than be with you and lie
I'd rather walk away till I'm ready to try
Give you, me. All of me.
Because you are
Someone I want to love.
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