Book Review

Title: My last Best Friend
Author: Mehboob Ali Wajoodeen
Reviewed by: Mehboob Ali Wajoodeen
Main Theme: Apartheid
Summary:
Freddy and Zulu are two gentlemen who saw each other after a long time and decided to catch up on their life events. Freddy is a white man who realized that Black people are not what they seem to be e.g. criminals. He was good friends with Zulu and their friendship started on the farm. Everyday they played with each other and got closer thinking that thier friendship will last forever. One day policemen came to raid the farm and they found that Zulu and his family were staying on a White person’s farm. Due to the Apartheid policy and their hatred for Blacks, they chased Zulu and his family to a black settlement, commonly known as Soweto. Zulu was very poor and he worked hard in a mining field. Eventually, freedom was prevailed in South Africa, spearheaded by a political leader known as Nelson Mandela. They are happy that their children don’t have to go through what they went through e.g. oppression.

Young author, Mehboob Ali, creates a marvelous setting to the story. He writes this book in such approach that readers would actually encounter a real life image and the moods created between characters are astonishing. The author often notifies the reader that apartheid rules oppressed blacks and other coloured skin groups therefore; a clear massage is set that blacks were frequently treated as slaves.

For me this book would attract more children to read as it unfolds the real story of apartheid and the choice of words are suited for ages 6-11. After reading this book, one would have a superb understanding of how people struggled and fought until freedom prevailed.
The massage is to remind the younger generation about our country’s history so that they don’t become ignorant. A frictional book that’s well prepared but with a factual storyline.

Xenophobia

A face for all occasions

If you ever find yourself in a crowd and then find me constantly starring at your face, don’t be surprised. I have this terrible fascination with faces. It all started when I was still very much younger. To some extent, the English language is actually to be blamed for this problem.

The first time I heard my father call someone a faceless creature, I was astonished. On the face I could see two ears, nostrils and a mouth but I spend hours figuring out whether these were real or plastic.

Then, my mother comes along and describes her best friend is a two-face. I thought I was beginning to have a visual problem because no matter how much I starred at my mother’s best friend’s face, I could still only see one.

Then, I heard my father say that when he comes face to face with his boss, there’ll be fireworks. I spent the whole mourning in the bathroom starring at the mirror. I was face to face with my self, but I never saw any fireworks. Instead, I had to clean the mirror.

At school, I heard the teacher say that the principle has no skin over his face. During the break I went to the office and starred at him. I was hoping to see his skull gaping at me. Rather, he sent me back from the office with six of the best.

When I explained my problem to my sister, she said I should stop taking things at face value. I was even more confused but then what does she know. After all, she spends most of her time having a face-lift.

Brutus Speech VS Antoney Speech

Two great men who carved their way into the history books, Marcus Brutus and Mark Antoney. These two men had love for Julius Caesar and for the country, Rome. Brutus had enormous love for the country, while Antoney had immense love for the mighty Julius Caesar. After Caesar’s death which was plotted by the conspirators, the final speech said by these two men had a great impact on how life would be viewed by Romans as well as the rest of the world.

Brutus’ speech was appealing because he had a direction in which he wanted to follow, and that direction was that of killing Julius Caesar for the battement of Rome. His utmost demise was that of speaking to the people using high language and that he left the crowd to reason for them selves. The commoners were not that much of intellectual people and this was to his disadvantage. His greatest blunder and greatest tactical slip-up was that he allowed Mark Antony to speak at Caesar’s ceremony. Mark Anthony was a wise man and used reasoning towards the people. Before opening his speech, he had drawn the people’s attention by caring out the corps of Caesar and placing it before the crowd. He started his speech as if he was addressing his peers e.g. “Friends, Romans, Countrymen,” This to me is a tactical maneuver which brought people together as a united family.

Antony was a populist. He touched the hearts of the crowd. Antony stirred their emotions and quickened their hearts. He conveys Caesar's eulogy in poetic and heavily nuanced language.
Brutus, on the other hand, appeals to their intellects, to the cool and tempered view of the matter. He does not appeal to the popularity of the assassination, but to its justification. If killing Caesar was right, then it had to be done. Brutus was plain-spoken and prosaic. They are both well-respected men in their community, but they appeal to very different aspects of Roman culture.

With regards to the two speeches, I consider Brutus' speech weaker and Antony's stronger, because...
1)"Believe me for mine honor..."(3.2.16) He's basically saying, "You people should believe me for I am honorable." He is telling the people what they should do and that for me is a bad idea.
2) Brutus is politically naive, because he left before Antony spoke, and in the first place, Brutus should not have allowed Antoney to speak.
3) Antony uses logic and rhetoric to lead the crowd to the way he wants them to think. To those who haven't studied logic, it's basically premise + premise = conclusion. For example, (lines 88-90-paraphrased), If Caesar was ambitious, then he should be killed
(Premise 1)
(Line 99-use of rhetorical question-paraphrased), Caesar was not ambitious
(Premise 2)
Conclusion -> People put two and two together and if you add the two premises, you arrive at the conclusion of "He shouldn't have been killed."
4) Antony's used sarcasm: He calls Brutus and the conspirators honest, but observe the frequency and syntax.
-Line 86-"The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was ambitious.
-91- "(For Brutus is a honorable man, so they are all honorable men)"
-93- "And Brutus is an honorable man"
-103- "And Brutus is a honorable man"
-108- "And sure he is a honorable man"
-136- "Who (you all know) are honorable men"
-163- "I fear I wrong the honorable men."
5) He also works emotions by praising Caesar's image. In Act 1, Cassius calls Caesar, a man with a "colossus" reputation. By praising Caesar's "idol-status" image, he works up the crowd.
6) Finally he appeals to emotions of the crowd.

Animal Farm

The novel Animal Farm is a great book in terms of politics, but this novel has exposed in me how humans and animals are alike and how people have lost their ethics and principles. This novel, in my opinion, is full of truth. Each character is represented by a political figure. Snowball, Napoleon and Squealer (pigs) are the important characters in the book and they were driven by a great vision Old Major had. They were inspired to carry out which Old Major has said. These characters firstly forced the other animals towards “Animalism” and thereafter change everything to suit them. It is said by Mr. Sujee that corrupt people become corrupt, thus, lives will become cheap. Napoleon is a tyrant and a dictator. He goes to such an extent that he takes puppies from their mother and indoctrinates these young minds into serving him as personal bodyguards. Napoleon is a greedy pig e.g. he drinks all the milk and leaves nothing for the other animals, proving the he is a heartless animal. In the end, men and pig appear to be the same of which other animals cannot differentiate. In the world today, men are looked upon as pigs who are not concerned with what they do and how it will affect society, often referred to as heartless beasts. The reading of Animal Farm has taught me how absolute power corrupts absolutely. The fact that men are becoming like pigs makes me ponder on what we are doing wrong and how we can help change people’s lives for an improved standard of living. I conclude by saying that Animal Farm is a great novel which can change ones views and which people can learn a lot from especially life lessons.

Propaganda

As a teenager, often our views are important to us. What we see and hear is what we believe thus, propaganda indoctrinates our minds into believing what they want us to believe proving that we, teenagers, are manipulated. Propaganda affects the world as it leads to a subjective view. Propaganda is a method in which people distort the truth and it is a lethal weapon to twist the truth so much so that fear in propaganda works as a phobia. Ideological persuasion is the strongest selling tools of propaganda and propaganda is made to sway people into believing them and thus people’s perceptions and approach are changed thus it leads to them being brainwashed. There are many tools of propaganda and here are various examples; advertising, television, radio, print media, newspapers which are all means of communication. Propaganda is enforced into our daily lives without us beings aware of it and that leads to a big dilemma.

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Evaluations of term 1 & 2... "2008"

Term 1: I was eager to take on the challenge in the first term since many people said that this grade was the most hardest for them and that I should concentrate with full 150%. This was the term that really had me all worked up and keen to continue doing well, since I passed the term with good marks. We studied the book ‘Julius Caesar’ which I thought was a great learning experience. I learnt many aspects in that book which relates to the current world we live in e.g. superstition and friendship, and also it made me aware of what really happened in the pass. I worked hard and devoted my time to my school work, knowing the fact that I have to prepare for metric and work to deal with pressure. I enjoyed term 1 and I was ready to combat the next term.

Term 2: A term which carried a lot of pressure and surly a term in which I had to produce stunning results. Pressure was mounting as I felt that every minute was going to prove vital in order for me to excel in my studies. We completed the last section of ‘Julius Caesar’ and progressed with ‘Animal Farm’. The highlight for me in this term was that of how we compared humans to animals in the study of ‘Animal Farm’, proving true that humans are certainly connected with animals in sum issues and aspects. Many other issues came forth e.g. what we wrote on the newspaper, which was intended as a joke without realizing its consequences but we had to adore to the punishments set out by Mr. Bapoo. Never the less that was the only blunder in that term but all in all it was an awesome term in which I had fun and enjoyed my self. Surly I was ready for the exams and geared up for the 3rd term.

Reflective essay

Character remains supreme

Nabi (S.A.W), the greatest human to walk on the surface of the earth. His divine personality and lifestyle won the hearts of many people, proving that his character stood bright in the times of the non-believes.

A way in which my father, Liaquat Wajoodeen, tries to inculcate his ways of living by being good to others, just as how our Nabi (S.A.W) done in his life. In the apartheid years that he struggled to live, whites were very discriminative and took no heed in different coloured skin people. This is because they thought they were superior to other coloured skins. The incident comes to play, when my father actually gained trust and friendship due to his refined character, how he won a white mans heart. The job was hard to earn because of the apartheid rule and the Boer’s were very selective about how much wages they’ll earn in contrast to the work load.

The character by which he lived upon, compared to his current personality, is a major difference. In his apartheid days, the Boer’s were hash and mean therefore, making him see things in a different angle. In fact, it was a matter of controlling hatred towards whites, earning him dignity and honour. Not to boost but, to say “I had won the hearts of people who were ignorant, thanks to my Nabi (S.A.W) by which I’ve leant character.” Soon, because of his patience, he got a job at a white man’s office, not knowing who he actually was.

In today’s time, he realises that the apartheid scheme was a great challenge, not knowing what success it brought within him. His character has really been developed to an extent that he never sees people with a bad eye. His views changed his ways of living but, still having those memorise of the incidents that occurred in the apartheid era.

Thanks to Allah, he has not lost anything rather than developing his character and increasing his love for people.

Letter to the editor (crime)

P O Box 21489
Roshnee
1936
24 August 2007

The Editor
The Star newspaper
P O Box 12367
Johannesburg
2000

Dear Sir/Madam

RE: Crime rate in South Africa

I know that this is a topic that many people harp on but my experience in the last couple of months made me feel unsafe in the heart of South Africa (Johannesburg).

South Africa, a country that shocked the world. A country that fought Apartheid but still are loosing the battle on crime. I feel that the government are doing too little to fight and prevent crime, highlighting the country’s progress in overcoming deprivation and easing poverty. South Africa has one of the worst violent crime rates in the world, averaging at least 50 murders in a single day.

According to nationmaster.com, South Africa has the 2nd highest crime rate in the world. The crimes of the top statistics are as follows:

Assaults-535,461

Car theft-99,963

Kidnappings- 11

kidnappingsMurders (per capita)-0496008 per 1,000 people

Murders with firearms- 31,918

Murders with firearms (per capita) - 0.719782 per 1,000 people

Rapes- 53,008

Rapes (per capita) - 1.19538 per 1,000 people

Total crime- 3,422,740

In response to that, I would like to say that the government should try and boost cooperation between the police and the massive private sector. The government should try and increase the number of police officers to 180 000 as to the current 152 000 in under three years, maximum.

I know that I’m not the only person in the whole of South Africa that’s concerned but, rather for the safety of our people, its time the government step up and takes control.

Concerned
Mehboob Ali Wajoodeen

Merchant of Venice essay

A friend in need

Johnny is a friend who would never lat me down when I needed his help. He wanted to get married to a woman by the name of Paris. She lives in sandton while he lives in Roshnee. He is in debt but wants to be a suitor to her but; he can’t afford it as he lives too far away from her. That meant that more money will be spent on the wedding.

I, Mehboob, would like to help him as much as he had done for me but, at this current position, I am not making enough money for me to be thinking straight. My business lies between the seas. I try to make plans and try to contact a sort of men. They all are engaged in business except for one caring gentleman. “I would like to help you but you must agree to a treaty”. “If you don’t pay me the money by a due date, I will have you ceased.” I then agreed to his will and he gave me the substantial amount which was needed to pay his debts and to get married. The wedding took place and everything went according to plan.

The day arrived when I had to settle my debt and pay for the money I took. On that day, Andrew never arrived at base; my heart was in my mouth. My lawyer, Abdullah Sujee, made means to try and twist, Yusuf, the caring man. In court it was found that Yusuf was a fool and never agreed to the money he claimed he gave me. He caused conflict between the judge and himself, charging me for interest. In South Africa interest is against the law. I won the court case and Yusuf had been sentenced to jail for five years, although, I had to pay him for what he gave me in reality.

Johnny is melancholic because of what trouble I had to go through. After all, he is my friend and I was willing to put my soul on the line to settle his debts. He paid me beck within no time, after the court case, he now looks up to me not only as a great friend but, as a brother.

He now lives a happy life with no debts and lives with the happiness of his wife. I went through a hard time but only to see him live a life of happiness.

Setting my own Test paper

Those who love teaching and would like to take up the profession would most probably love this task but, I would challenge them as I got the talent to produce what ever it takes in which my test paper can be published for a real exam. The task was sure to test my mind as a real teacher and using the novel Cry, The Beloved Country as a base; I came out with an idea. I endorsed questions like how Mr. Sujee does and to my perfection, I became a teacher. I had fun setting my own paper and enjoyed the papers set by my peers. It was a difficult task but I was up for the challenge knowing the fact that I was a student and a teacher.

Term 4: Film Study

Film Study: In this term I learnt a lot about films especially “Kingdom Of Heaven” which for me I really enjoyed. I think that films are produced in such a way that is a remarkable story on its own and how the crew manages to excel in the camera department is something to ponder on. In particular “Kingdom Of Heaven” was studied because it had a lot to do with Islam and how Muslims conquered to rule the great land which currently still possesses 3 different religions. Technique is required to make a movie and those who were involved made good points about Islam. Certainly, I think, many more people should watch this kind of movies.

Evaluation on PowerPoint

PowerPoint: This lesson in particular was great as we could use technology to express our work just as how Mr. Sujee prepares for class everyday. Getting to set the slides were a bit of a problem as it was time consuming and took a lot of effort, if I was to produce the best slide. Technology is something that is moving faster than a car and the understanding of teaching via computers makes it a wonder on its own.

Evaluations of term 3 & Children's book

Term 3: This term was very educational in terms of our countries history. We started the novel, Cry, The Beloved Country. This novel made us aware of what people had to sacrifice in order for you and I to live a comfortable life of freedom with-out touchier. This novel expended my knowledge on apartheid by such an extent that I actually feel different towards blacks and I don’t think its right to judge them by the colour of their skin and their personal appearance. The poems that we did opened up my mind and I pray to Allah (God) that he should bless us with mercy and justice.

Children’s book: I, the author of “My Last Best Friend” am proud to announce that this assignment was the most creative piece and the most challenging assignment I have done for the year. I am grateful and happy to pass this book on to the younger generation as it narrates the actual story of apartheid in language suited for grades 3-6. The hardest part of the book was to get a starting point and how to get the clear massage of how black people suffered. My hidden skills came to light after I was inspired to go forth and seek knowledge; therefore, I stood up and related a story about the TRC and the Vaal-hearings.

Poem on Johannesburg

JOZI

Jozi is a very busy city

With many girls who are pretty

And sometimes they are witty

That is our beautiful city

And the crime

Is at it's prime

Safety is a priority

Because of the authority

You can get an occupation

At any station

There are many places to be

And alot to see at Sandton city

There's alot of clubs

Where people take drugs

Labour migration

Is dislocating the nation

With all good and bad

Jo'burg City is Jo'burg City

Character Analysis of Cry, The Beloved Country

1. REV.KUMALO
Private life: A loving, respectable, caring family man e.g. the way he responds to Gertrude and Absalom.
Public life: He is seen as a god fearing man.
People’s perception: People describe him as a patient man e.g. the way he responds to the bus strike.

2. JAMES JARVIS
Private life: Good person, was not involved in apartheid issues. Known to be a family man, he doesn’t want to stay in the city rather opting to live on the farm with his family.
Public life: Careless of politics in the country· He later helps people of Indotsheni.
People’s perception: Kept to himself and worries about himself. Respected among the people of Indotsheni.

3. ABSOLEM KUMALO
Private life: Honest, therefore, confesses to murders due to fear. Foolishness due to social dislocation.
Public life: Criminal. Steels due to the bad company (Friends).
People’s perception: Murderer. Good person within him and does great at the reformatory and gets released soon.

4. THEOPHILUS MSIMAGU
Private life: Caring and a respected man. Helpful to Rev. Kumalo. Priest of Mission House.
Public life: Well known priest. Spiritual person.
People’s perception: Noble and kind. Religious person with intellect.

5. JOHN KUMALO
Private life: socially dislocated. He is corrupt and supports his son’s lies, untruthful.
Public life: Political activist and public speaker.
People’s perception: The church dislikes him, arrogant. He is looked at as a good and strong man because he stands up for injustice.

6. GERTRUDE KUMALO
Private life: Socially dislocated. Good person. Fear, she wants to find her husband in Johannesburg and losses her morals.
Public life: Crime and prostitute.
People’s perception: A person with bad morals because she comes from a good home and resorts to prostitution instead.

7. ARTHUR JAVIS
Private life: President of African boy’s club. Interactive person speaks Zulu.
Public life: A just person. Interested in black people and helps them.
People’s perception: Wealthy man. Strong beliefs, did not give into apartheid.

Shanty town model

The day in which we were given this project was the day I came to realize what difficult lives the black people of the township had and what places they used to live in. We had to go and see a township and from our views, had to put a model of the township and how it looked. This mini model described how awful the blacks lived and how whites treated them as if they are dirt’s and as if they did not have feelings. This project also thought us how to work with each other and changed my views on African people. We should also thank Allah (God) for the wonderful life he has blessed us with, with-out having to live in a bad condition.

Audio assignment

The best thing that I ever done on CD/Cassette. It was the most brilliant idea that Sir, you told us to do. It forced me to make new friends outside the classroom area and to which I did that. To get started with the assignment was a task on its own. I was lazy and lost but I knew I had a talent in talking like a news reporter. It was a really nice and different assignment to achieve and to listen to what great quality I produced is something I still can’t get over. I would like to say that assignments like this is better to do rather than getting information from the net and doing case studies on it. I would like to do another assignment just like I did this one but not based on the current novels and books.

Evaluations of term 1 & 2

Term 1: Well, to me it was a very hectic term. The work load compared to the previous school years was immense. I really liked the way Mr. Sujee taught us; you were different as to how you used technology to implement your teaching technique. I learnt many new ways in which to make things sound complicated but yet true and factual e.g. ‘perform your namaaz before yours is preformed for you’. We got a chance to start the book “The Merchant of Venice” and I enjoyed that book the most because I had fore knowledge and was keen to see how Sir teaches it to us. English classes were great and exciting to attend because we discovered that every lesson is planned differently, the work we did in the class were time consuming and the standard of work was higher, but although it was fun, time management was a problem to me. I now felt positive and ready to take on term 2.

Term 2: A term which put a lot of pressure on us, the marks were vital and a term which I had to pass. It was a busy term and now the pressure stated to build. I felt like I’ve been pushed around in a corner and been picked on, that’s how much work was given out. I loved the idea of working on the active board and that to me, made me understand the work more efficiently and be more involved in the lessons. For me in this term, the highlight was that we started to do the novel “Cry the Beloved Country” and thus making me understand the challenges those people had to live and go through. So in term 2, it was challenging yet cool to do all the work that we did and I’m looking forward to the 3rd term and its work load.