South Africa
During Apartheid, black South Africans were not allowed to learn math and science, and that inequity persists today.
Join us at the Team4Tech Family Gala to learn how Team4Tech is supporting learners in South Africa.
Team4Tech has supported education nonprofits in South Africa with technology and training to empower learners with skills for educational and economic success. During COVID, Team4Tech has continued to support teachers with virtual training as they transitioned to remote learning.
Asive's Story
Growing up, it was too difficult for Asive to complete her homework and she stopped studying. The library was too far of a walk during the school week, and when she would arrive on the weekends, it would be full.
Asive moved in 10th grade and was thrilled to start at Makupula High School – it had a computer lab! The lab was supported by the Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust, a Team4Tech partner. Asive transformed into a motivated student, “I am ahead of my own studies. I have joined study groups at school and online. (Technology) made me more focused and determined about what I wanted to do. I am more confident.”
What are Asive’s future dreams? She wants to get a scholarship and attend university. Through her achievements, she wants to help her family financially and be able to pay for her younger siblings’ school fees. “I will become a provider for my family.”
Sawubona! (Greetings!)
Malva Pudding
An easy, melt-in-your-mouth recipe!
Ingredients for the batter:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon apricot jam
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- generous pinch salt
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 cup milk
Ingredients for the sauce:
- 1 cup cream
- 4 oz (125g) butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 (half) cup hot water
Directions:
- Beat the egg and sugar well in a mixer (if you have one – otherwise, just do it by hand).
- Add the jam.
- Sift flour, baking soda and salt.
- Melt the butter and add the vinegar.
- Add liquids to egg mixture alternately with the flour.
- Beat well and bake in a covered dish at 180 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Melt together the ingredients for the sauce and pour over the pudding as it comes out of the oven and enjoy!
Diketo
A game of skill and agility played by children of all ages in South Africa.
A game played by two individuals at a time. Two circles of about 10cm in diameter are drawn on the floor with 10 small stones in each of them. One bigger stone or “ghoen” is held by each player.
You throw the bigger stone up, move all 10 stones out of the circle, and catch the bigger stone with the same hand just before it touches the ground. You then throw the ghoen up again and move exactly 9 stones back into the circle leaving – one stone outside – before catching the ghoen just before it touches the ground. That’s the first win. You repeat the procedure, moving 9 stones out and 8 stones in, 8 stones out and 7 stones in while throwing up the ghoen and catching it until no stone is left in the circle.
If the ghoen touches the ground while coordinating the smaller stones or you move more or fewer stones in or out of the circle, you lose.
This game is so much fun! It keeps you glued to the floor because you just want to make sure you win while praying that your opponent misses a step. It is common amongst kids but played by people of all ages.
The Soccer Fence: A story of friendship, hope, and apartheid in South Africa by Phil Bildner – This story of friendship depicts a brief but critical moment in South Africa’s history and the unique role that sports can play in bringing people together. (great for elementary-aged children).
Journey to Jo’burg: A South African Story by Beverley Naidoo – During the apartheid era, two siblings must face the dangers of their divided country. When their baby sister suddenly becomes very sick, Naledi and Tiro know that they need to bring their mother back in order to save their sister’s life. (great for middle school-aged children).
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela – An autobiography written by South African President Nelson Mandela. The book profiles his early life, coming of age, education, and the 27 years he spent in prison.
The Heart of Redness: A Novel by Zakes Mda – A story of South African village life against a notorious episode from the country’s past. This is a novel of passion and reconciliation.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah – An autobiographical book written by the South African comedian Trevor Noah. It is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist.
“Cry Freedom” – Made in 1987 and based on a best-selling book. It tells the story of the arrest and subsequent death of black activist Steve Biko, and the way in which he was forced to leave South Africa because of it (rated PG, drama).
“Beyond the River” – Based on the true story of the 2014 Dusi Canoe marathon where Siseko Ntondini and Piers Cruickshanks overcome cultural differences to work together and win gold. Shows a more recent South Africa and highlights some of the challenges facing the country today. (not rated, sports/drama).
“Sarafina!” – An unlikely topic for a musical, it tells the story of the 1976 Soweto Uprisings. The film stars Whoopi Goldberg and Leleti Khumalo, who also won a Tony award for the Broadway version. (rated PG-13, musical/drama).
“Invictus” – The heart-warming story of how newly appointed President Nelson Mandela used rugby to unite a country fractured by years of apartheid and activist violence. (PG-13, sports/drama).
“Tsotsi” – Winner of the 2006 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Movie, this is a tale of teenage angst in modern South Africa. Tsotsi (“thug” in Township colloquialism) gets more than he bargains for when he steals a car and finds he’s got a baby to look after. (rated R for graphic violence, crime/drama).