Author: Joseph Ngunjiri
Date: Februar 4, 2007
Type of article: Lifestyle Magazine
Source: The Daily Nation - only available online by registration and paid subscription fee

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How cool heads from the South preached love at meeting of activists in Nairobi — and spared us an emotional meltdown

There were many weighty issues addressed during the just-concluded World Social Forum.  These ranged from globalisation, race, land, terrorism, poverty, to corruption amongst others.

As expected, the delegates were passionate about their presentations. This came as no surprise as they raised the issues they felt barred them from bridging the world’s social gap. 

And trust activists to drive home the various messages in the best and loudest manner possible. Thus,  demonstrations were staged and placards waved to protest against all manner of evils. The Forum had a global outlook and the grievances were many and varied.   

In the midst of heated debates and presentations, there was another variety of “activists” who, though they had their own grievances to air,  were here to inject an air of sanity or reality if you like.

Dignity of life

“We were here to remind the delegates that even as they were protesting at life’s injustices, there is still the dignity of life to be upheld,” explained Lebogang (Lebo) Mashile, an award-winning poet from South Africa. “Suffice it to say that we were here to preach the message of love.’’

Her sentiments were echoed by her compatriot, Prof Pitika Ntuli, also a poet, who added that an issue like love merged different spheres of life.

“Even hardcore activists do love. We must not forget the human side of love,” he said in a deep South African accent, with the letter “r” more pronounced. “Even as we express our frustrations against the IMF and their monetary policies, we must not forget how we relate to other people,” he added.

To drive his point home, he gave the experience of a poor family living in a crowded single room in a slum who, he said, still have human urges to fulfill. 

“Even as they live in this squalor, the parents have the urge to make love. However, if they express this human urge in the presence of their children in the crowded one room, then it becomes immoral,” he said.

These, Prof Ntuli added, are some of the weighty issues that must be addressed using the only means they know how — poetry.

The two were in a group of poets from South and East Africa whose poetry performances were titled ‘‘Poetic Perspectives on Migration.’’ Other poets who gave performances were Dennis Brutus (South Africa), Chiwoniso (Zimbabwe), Susan Kiguli (Uganda), Bantu Mwaura (Kenya) and Shailja Patel.

The poetry component hosted by Poetry Africa, is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts, based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. It celebrated its 10th birthday last year.

Lebo explains that poetry enables her to address normal issues in an unusual manner. She calls for restraint when bringing out even the most of emotional issues. “Even when you are angry, be human and remember what it is you are demonstrating for,” she adds.

The two are not just dispensing “wisdom”. Their country — South Africa — recently emerged from decades of apartheid and, for most, it is through media like art that they managed to remain sane in an otherwise maddening situation. At the end of it all, they came out as better individuals. “I planned to come and give, as well as receive, but ended up giving more than I expected and receiving more than I expected,” said Lebo.

The crowds would not have enough of their performances. “We were bombarded with pleas from the crowds who wanted us to perform for them,” said a smiling Prof Ntuli. “Eventually we found ourselves giving many impromptu performances to groups of as few as six persons.”

The melting point of cultures that was the Forum meant that the  great language divide had to be overcome if they were to speak with one “voice”. There were people who did not understand English, yet they too needed to hear the message the poets had brought for them.

Lebo especially treasured the priceless moments when her poems were translated into different languages, so that they could be digested by all people present. Lebo is many things rolled into one. She is a bundle of energy and creativity waiting to be unleashed. 

She has been called the ‘‘IT’’ Girl of South African poetry, a wordsmith extraordinaire, a visual verbalist, an icon of modern South African poetry. She is not only a published author, but an executive producer, actress, independent record producer, corporate and independent event MC, life skills facilitator and television series presenter.

That’s not all, she debuted as a film actress in the Academy Award nominated  Hotel Rwanda, directed by Terry George in 2004. Last year, she was awarded the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa for her poetry anthology In a Ribbon of Rhythm. She self-produced and released an album, Lebo Mashile Live!, which combines poetry with hip-hop and R&B.
 
For the ambitious farmer, your guide to success

Farmers have a chance to improve their knowledge — and yields — with a series of books developed by Techno Resource Trainers. 

Success in Agriculture, a series of five of books, provides practical illustrated farming guides. According to Mwangi Nderitu, who has authored the books, those who read the books will discover how to make farming more profitable, as well as ensure food security. 

“The books cover all aspects of crop production ranging from seed selection, soil management, irrigation requirements, pest and disease control among others,” he explains. 

The books are retailing at Sh600 and are distributed by Text Book Centre. They are also available at selected agrovet stores.

Clinical research between the lines

Focus Publishers has released a new book that seeks to regulate the way medical research is conducted. 

The Law and Regulation of Clinical Research: Interplay with Public Policy and Bioethics is authored Dr Pamela A. Andanda, a Kenyan who teaches research methodology, biotechnology law at the University of Witwatersrand School of Law.

Mr Muthui Kiboi, the publishing manager at Focus, says that this is the first book to critically analyse issues in clinical research from a bioethical, policy and legal perspectives. 

“The book targets stakeholders who may be searching for ways of improving an existing regulatory framework for clinical research or developing an effective framework where none is in place.
 
“It offers detailed comparative study of international guidelines and national regulatory frameworks of five countries, namely; Australia, Kenya, South Africa, The UK and USA,” he says.                                  

Another season of Kwani poetry opens 

The monthly “Open Mic Sessions” by Kwani Trust takes place on Tuesday, February 7 at 7pm at Club Soundd, situated at Hamilton House on Kaunda Street. 

“Poets wishing to participate are requested to send their work to poetry@kwani.org for consideration. Participating poets will be advised on email, and must attend a sound check at 5pm on the day,” says June Wanjiru, who is in charge of marketing at Kwani?