The Youth Dialog- Not forgotten.

''It always seems impossible until it's done'' Dr Nelson Mandela

'Fighting colonialism' 50 years anniversary.  On Thursday 12, Rivonia Trial marked 50th anniversary of eight men who stood in the dock, and were sentenced to life imprisonment.  Death penalty was what they thought they''ll get, but judge said 'I sentence you to life imprisonment'.  It preserved them to see and live another day.  Lilliesleaf Farm, a place of liberation; a secret place for struggle stalwarts.  The farm became a high command- place of refuge for ANC activists who had gone underground.

The like of Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Raymond Mhlaba, OR Tambo, Andrew Mlangeni, Walter Sisulu, Dennis Goldberg and Nelson Mandela.

Yesterday, South Africa was celebrating 38th anniversary of June 16, 1976 Soweto Uprising.  Students across South Africa especially in Soweto, Johannesburg were protesting against Bantu Education, particularly Afrikaans as a language to be banned in schools.  

Youth Unemployment is the biggest issue spoken about in various areas of youth day commemoration.

FAREWELL: EDDIE ZONDI

Popular Metro FM DJ Eddie Zondi dies of a heart attack.  It was confirmed that he is ''No More'.
''He fell ill in the early hours of the morning complaining of chest pain'', Metro FM spokesperson Happy Ngidi said.  He was rushed to the hospital but died on arrival.

Zondi was known for the 'Romantic Repertoire' on Sundays.  He died age 47, yesterday morning.

                                                   Soweto-born DJ Eddie Zondi
News Rap convey condolence message to the Zondi's family, friends and colleagues at Metro FM radio station, may his soul rest in peace.

By: Nelly Portia

Gone, but Back

Dr Maya Angelou; One of the creative and inspirational person in the world.  A struggle stalwart, a poet, an activist; writer...and so on. Her passing touched many and continues to give wisdom to the old and young generation across the world; blessed to those who knew her personally.

NEWS RAP would like to share few of Dr Angelou's quotes with you: As follows_

''If you're always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be-'' Maya Angelou ''Lean ON No ONE and Only Bow To God''- Maya Angelou

 ''You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them'' Maya Angelou 

''Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes human voice to infuse them with shade of deeper meaning '' Dr Angelou ''You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody'' Dr Angelou 

''We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty''- Maya Angelou 

We also pay tribute to Former President Thabo Mbeki's mother, Epainette Mbeki; commonly known as 'MaMbeki'. The former ANC stalwart has died at the age of 98. Praised by many, especially those who liberated South Africa from apartheid, including politicians from various parties and South African in general. 'We Thank You MaMa' such message was twittered and repeatedly, also ''you gave us the son of the soil'' means Thabo Mbeki displayed on various social network - 

May Your Soul Rest in Peace. My sincere condolence to Mbeki's family.

NOT THE CHOSEN ONE 'DAVID MOYES'

If your are not a fan of Man United, no worry for you!!!  And a relief for Man United fans..

Just 10 months into the job after succeeded former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, he got sacked.  David Moyes career as Manchester United manager eded yesterday.  Manchester United Football Club has confirmed the news on their website and twitter account that indeed Moyes is fired.

                                                        Scottish, David Moyes

Moyes was shone the door as many say ''he was never the chosen one'' simply means he was not right for the job.  Ryan Giggs is named an interim coach for the moment.  The current player -coach  Giggs and Nicky Butt are reportedly set to take temporary charge for Saturday's match against Norwich City.

United thanked Moyes for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role.

By Nell Portia

Over View; News around the World

 News in Brief
 
News: Asia_ The Ferry capsize in coast South Korea yesterday.  290 people are still missing, and 4 people are confirmed dead.  Many of the people were high school students.

Nigeria: Maiduguri, Borno_ Since 2009, more than 6 000 people have been killed in Islamic violence.  Over the weekend 60 people killed, Islamist militants set ablaze houses and killed residents who tried to escape terror attacks.  Kidnapping: Yesterday, police in Borno state confirmed attack on boarding school.  Parents claim over 100 female students abducted.  Attackers suspected to be Boko Haram memmers.

Still on Nigeria: Many people died after two bombs exploded at the bus depot on the outskirts of Abuja during rush hour on Monday 14.  No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.  Islamist militants Boko Haram have attacked Abuja before.

AMERICA -USA

39 year-old women in Washington arrested after the bodies of her seven babies were found stuffed in cardboard boxes in her garage of her former home.

Malaysia: Search for Flight MH370 Deployed Robot submarine to assist with the search.  The underwater device will create sonar map of ocean floor.  The plane disappeared during flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

South Africa: 86 year-old raped in George, Western Cape.  Security alerted at University of KZN, Durban after drug operation on the Westvill Campus was reported to the Police .

Prosecution Questions Dixon's Expertise: Oscar Murder Trial

7 Days of cross examination the athlete finished his testimony on Tuesday 15.  Overwhelmed and exhausted; yet relieved.  Both Advocates, Nel and Roux agreed to postpone the case to May 5, 2014.
A new witness was called on day 24:  Former police Forensics analyst Roger Dixon continue testifying on crack and hole in door.  Defence counsel Barry Roux cross examined Dixon on Tuesday.  ''Woods splinters caused by bat hitting the door'', said Dixon.

Roger Dixon is the Defence witness: State prosecutor Gerrie Nel started yesterday to cross examines Dixon.   Nel: Are you a BLOOD SPATTER EXPERT? Dixon: No my lady, I have received 'some' training.  The credibility of a gun and bat sound was questioned, whether is been edited or not.  ''The deceased was shot in quick succession contradicting police ballistic expert version'' , says Dixon.  He also confirmed he didn't test Pistorius sock-worn the night he murdered Reeva, and most of the evidence in the crime scene.  Forensic Geologist Roger Dixon demonstrated bullets trajectory in court yesterday.  Dixon admitted he attended only 3 postmortem in his career.

Court in session at the moment; afterwards it will be adjourned for two weeks

Have a fabulous long weekend

By Nelly Portia

The Cross Examination: Athlete breaks down in court...

News Rap: Gruelling Moments:  Day 3, Oscar murder trial continued.   Oscar version of Events- 2`1st day, Friday 11.  A lot of discrepancy in Oscar's version.  ''I got a gun and I told Reeva to get down and get the police'',  said Oscar Pistorius.

                                                                       Adv Gerrie Nel

''It's so improbable that you can't remember''; said State Prosecutor Nel who was asking about the incident on highway.  Oscar claim he was shot at on the highway, and  he can't recall who he called and fetch him that night.

Ne3l again probed 2012 incident; Pistorius  was in altercation with Van der Burgh.  Explained the altercation which took place at Khayalami driving event centre.  Oscar was adamant he didn't threaten anyone at the event.



Adv. Nel asked about the moment before shooting Reeva Steenkamp: February 14, 2013.

                                      
Nel: You reasonable thought an intruder came through the toilet window and lock the door? Pistorius: My Lady I heard a door slam... my intention was to make someone flee not kill.  Nel: She was talking to you when you shot her.  Nel: You will not convince a court that she said nothing.  Pistorius: Reeva didn't scream... shots were too loud .  Nel: You never perceive anyone coming through the door.

Adv Gerrie Nel continued; You walk through the danger, why did you approach the danger? You say you're vulnerable, but why did you go towards the danger?  Why didn't check up with Reeva first when you heard the noise?  ''Reeva did you hear that''?  Pistorius: I never heard her response.  Nel: ...And that didn't bother you?

A  denim was on top of the duvet not on the bedroom floor.  The state argued that, whereas defence saay things were moved by police or tempered with...(contaminated).  Pistorius: The photographs are inconsistent.  If it was on top then Col van Rensberg's version is wrong.  During cross  examination, Judge Masipa told Adv Nel to mind his languege; ''you don't call the accused a liar while still on the witness dock.  Then, few minnutes later court adjourned for tea.  After tea, court adjourns shortly as the blade runner broke down once again.  Court resumes today.

Addition: 14 April 2014

Pistorius Evidence in chief : 'I whispered to Reeva to call the police...in a low tone'. 

Nel: On Friday you didn't mention that you've whispered.  Nel: You see, you are trying to stir the truth.  Pistorius: I made a mistake my lady, I'm sorry I don't follow Mr Nel's evidence in chief statement.  Nel: You choose to use a low tone, not whispering.  Pistorius: I made a mistake, because it was not put to me like that ''evidence in chief''.
Nel nailing Pistorius 'Lies' _ Nel says Pistorius is concocting his evidence.  The athlete breaks down few times during cross examination.  Emotional as he continue to testify.  ''I understand this doesn't sound rational'', said Pistorius.  He kept changing his version on what happened leading  the shooting in the early hours of Valentines day.  Nel repeated questions to Pistorius about the morning he shot Reeva.  {edited}

sources consulted: SABC, eNCA and ANN7

By Nell Portia


  


 

Gruelling Moments

This Week: Crazy Dewani arrived in South Africa

He appeared briefly in the Western Cape High Court, 12:38pm. Dewani's case was postponed to May 12.  State and Defence have agree that  Shrien Dewani needs extra medical care. Family, including Dewani's parents attended his first appearence in court.  Meanwhile, he will be held in General Unit at Valkenberg Psychiatric hospital.  Charges against him are, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice.  Tax money is being used once again ''to pay Dewani's travel expenses''!!!

Oscar Pistorius Murder case resumed on Monday 7.

19thDay  'I heard noises from toilet and fired shots'

On Tueday 8,Image og bathroom window was shown in court.  From day 1,the blade runner broke down in court.  He is emotional as he continues to give testimony.  'Reeva died before the ambulance arrive, there was nothing I could do.  I felt her blood running down me.  I was crying I didn't want to talk to anyone', said Pistorius. 

Defence Adv. Barry Roux focused on the night of 13th February 2014,to what exactly happend. Shooting at the resturant:  Pistorius claims he offereded to pay for the damages caused by Darren Fresco's firearm at the resturant. Claims he did not know that the firearm was charged.

13th February 2013; ''Dinner after seven oclock(pm), Reeva cooked and after wards, we sat chatted about our day''- explained Pistorius.  Later on they went to sleep.... around 9 to10 pm. I locked bedroom dooor after Reeva came inside, said  Pistorius.  I coudn't sleep,I heard the sound of window opening.  I frozen, thought somebody came in through a bathroom, and first thing that came in mind ''I needed to arm myself
and protect me and Reeva first'', said Oscar Pistorius.

Pistorius: Before I got to the passage, I heard a door slam; that's when I thought burglars are in the bathroom or have gained entry through bathroom window.  Yesterday, he was asked to demontrate with acricket bat.  Later on stage, when State prosecutor Nel cross-examine Pistorius who failed to compose himself; avoided to answer questions and said everything was tempered with...moved from their original spot.  He broke down again,when been questioned about the watermelon known as (zombie stoppers) at the shooting spot.  Warning!!! graphic image of Reeva's head was shown in court and Nel persisted Pistorius to watch the image.  He apologized to Reeva's family and friends for shooting and killing her.

News Abroad: You have heard by now, US Health Care secretary Kathleen  Sebelius  to 'resign'

Australia Cyclone category 4 storm headed for NE coast of Cains

And Malaysia updates: It's more than a month since bowing MH370 disappeared.  New development from Australia, a connection from the black box.