Issue #19 Special Edition~From the Heart of Cape Town, South Africa: Poets Respond to Visual Artist "Shameeg van Schalkwyk"

Indiana Voice Journal

Issue #19

February 15, 2016

"Deforestation" by Shameeg van Schalkwyk

Welcome to this Special Ekphrastic Edition of Indiana Voice Journal. This issue was inspired by an introduction to self-taught visual artist Shameeg van Schalkwyk through a mutual friend and poet, Don Beukes.

Shameeg is an impressive young artist living in an oppressed, gang-riddled area on the Cape Flats in South Africa. His dream is to study art, and to learn techniques and terminology from a professional mentor or attend art school. In Shameeg's own words, "I want to make people smile when they look at my work, and I want to teach other young people who are interested in art."

I invited a teacher from the area, Jacquelyn Kruger, to share what it's like educating children on the Cape Flats. She generously responded with a personal essay about the challenges and the rewards of teaching, while providing insight into daily life on the Capes.

The poets appearing in this issue were each sent a variety of Shameeg's paintings, given a very short deadline, and an invitation to respond. I'd like to thank each one of them for rising to the challenge and responding in such a powerful way.  Those invited include: David Allen, Elizabeth Brooks, Don Beukes, Scott Thomas Outlar, and Bruce Owens.

My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone participating, reading, and sharing in this issue.

~Janine Pickett, Editor

Introducing Visual Artist Shameeg van Schalkwyk

An Essay by Jacqueline Kruger: "Teaching on the Cape Flats"

Poet David Allen Responds to "Deforestation"

Poet Elizabeth Brooks Responds to "Image Defined"

Poet Don Beukes Responds to "Entangled"

Poet Scott Thomas Outlar Responds To  "Crown of Water" and  "Talking to the Moon"

Poet Bruce Owens Responds To: "Talking To The Moon"

Poet Janine Pickett Responds To: "Distress"

Introducing Visual Artist Shameeg van Schalkwyk

About the artist whose images grace this issue of Indiana Voice Journal

Shameeg van Schalkwyk is a self-taught visual artist. He is 25, has one sibling, and lives with his parents in Heideveled, South Africa.

His passion is art, although his favourite hobby is playing football. Shameeg belongs to an N.G.O that offers various sporting codes along with community upliftment programmes which includes soccer.

In his spare time, he hosts an art programme where he teaches young learners about the skill of art and creativity. It's a positive, fun activity for the children.

Shameeg states, "My teaching the art class won't be able to change the world, but it has the ability to change a life. We come from a gang-riddled, poverty driven area where everyday life is a blessing to just make it thru the day." 

During one of our many conversations via social media, I mentioned to Shameeg how impressed I was, not only with his artwork, but with his heart. He is humble, respectful, and has such a caring attitude toward others. Given the harsh area where he struggles to rise, I wondered who or what has made such a difference in this young man's life, and how did he keep from getting caught up in the gangs?  His answer, "Thank you Ms.Pickett.  I think my art has moulded me into the person I am today. Thanks to my parents for whipping me when I was younger. Without my humbleness, sincerity, and respect, I don't have anything at all Ms.Pickett."

Recently, Shameeg finished a colorful 3-D art mural for one of the primary schools in the area; and the Athlone News wrote a feature article about Shameeg and his artwork.

To learn more about Shameeg van Schalkwyk, please visit the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/Empir3D-Art-624910864200016/

News 24

An Essay by Jacqueline Kruger: "Teaching on the Cape Flats"

Teaching on the Cape Flats

  

"Butterfly" by shameeg van Schalkwyk

I did not choose Heideveld High, Heideveld High chose me. I have been at this school since 1983- fresh from university, helping out during November and December.

The area is an impoverished one. People are really very poor. They struggle to make ends meet. You will see a lot of unemployed people in the area. Most of the residents are unemployed because they left school early or lack basic skills.

Our learners walk to school. We have a huge problem with latecoming and are trying our best to deal with this. But how can we? If you do not have food to eat, how can you afford to pay for transport?

We have three home languages: Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa. We offer a number of subjects. Unfortunately we do not offer art and dancing. We are lucky to have it as extra-mural activities. Many learners are academically challenged and do not get additional support from the authorities.

Heideveld is also an area where gangsterism is a major part of the community and rival gangs often disturb the peace. Unfortunately we have school-going gangsters as well. Teachers at our school do not tolerate any form of violence at the school. We have systems in place to deal with any gangsterism activities. Learners who fight, get suspended and must appear before a disciplinary hearing. In extreme cases learners get expelled. That is something that doesn’t really happen. We do not want our learners on the streets. Whenever shooting or fighting between gangs take place it is always after school, when the teachers are safe at their own homes. A few of our learners have died at the hands of gangsters. Such incidents either took place after school, weekends or during holidays.

As with many areas on the Cape flats, Heideveld has the same socio-economic problems. People were relocated to Heideveld under the Apartheid Regime in the 1950’s .With the passing of the Group Arrears Act, individuals were forcefully  removed from Cape town Central Business District and surrounding areas because of the colour of their skin, and most ‘coloureds’ or mixed race people live in the suburbs on the ‘Cape Flats’, which is a flat area between Table Mountain and the Atlantic ocean.

Challenges that we are faced with daily:

• Substance abuse by learners
• Teenage pregnancies
• Illiterate learners who have been passed on through the education system.
• Learners with a disregard for recycling and who litter the school premises every interval.
• Learners without writing books.
• Parents who ignore registration due dates to ensure a place for their children at the school
• Learners who do not hand in their textbooks at the end of the year. (yes, learners don’t buy their own textbooks!)
• Latecoming
• Parents who do not pay the school fees of R500 (Rand) per year
• Learners who drop out of school without a senior certificate

What do we (the teachers) do?

• We try to instill a culture of reading. We have an Argus Newspaper Quiz annually where each learner is expected to read the paper. They then compete in class groups.
• We have extra-mural activities. This includes:

-Basketball: we have the BEST team!!!

-Softball

-Visual art classes

-Steelband: plays at the Cape Town Festival on a regular basis

-Fieldband : gets invited to travel and play in other provinces

-Peace Club: this is a community outreach. Last year we had a knitting project. Teachers were knitting blocks that was sewn together for blankets. Four hospitals benefitted from this. We have an annual high tea for the elderly in the community where they get treated and spoilt.

*Our feeding scheme feeds the needy learners. We are also starting a vegetable garden that    will be used for the feeding scheme.      

One of the major challenges that we are facing is oversized classes. Some classes have more than 40 learners. The department determines how many teachers there should be at a school. This is determined by the number of learners at the school. It does not always make sense. I am the grade head of the grade 10 this year. My one class has 49 learners. The classes are too small for this class. This is where crowd control comes in. As a teacher you need to control the crowd. Teaching this huge class is a challenge for any teacher. What makes teaching easier is the fact that 17 classes were equipped with smart boards last year. Technology at last! We have a state of the art Physical Science lab. Our principal and deputy go to great lengths to look for funding to improve our school. We have two computer labs. When we do take learners into the labs we need to keep an eye on them because some of the learners vandalise and steal the equipment.Sad but true.

Matric is the last level of learning where successful pupils obtain their Senior Certificate. Every year we have a matric dance for the learners. These matric dances are not cheap. The teachers go all out to make this event memorable. We have a few teachers who sponsor a poor learner to pay for their tickets and also help them buy clothes for this evening.

All is not doom and gloom at Heideveld High. Our learners also go to university to study. We have produced quite a few very successful adults! And they do give back! Whatever project we have at school, I put on facebook and I appeal to our ex-learners to make contributions. They jump on board! That is what makes teaching worthwhile. As a teacher we never get to see our end results, but the fact that our ex-learners are giving back, tells me that we at Heideveld High are doing something right!  

You do not learn to be a teacher, you are born a teacher. I believe I was born a teacher. I am very passionate about my work and especially about the learners. I love my learners, even those troublesome ones!  

I encourage my learners to travel the world. I know for most of them it is not possible but a girl can dream right?

Jacqueline Kruger

Teacher : Heideveld High


About Jacqueline Kruger:

I am Jacqueline Kruger a 54 year-old high school teacher on the Cape flats, South Africa.

I teach at Heideveld High where I am a Head of Department, as well as the Subject Head for Afrikaans, one of the 11 official language in South Africa. I live in Belhar, Cape Town, South Africa in the Western Cape Province, one of 9 provinces in the country. I teach Afrikaans Home Language for grade 10 to 12 and Afrikaans Fisrt Additional Language for grade 8.

I obtained a BA degree from the University of the Western Cape, where my two majors were Afrikaans and History.

I am a single parent that has raised a son, who is now a 27 year old civil engineer. I have always strived to ensure that my son does not lack anything.

I have been teaching for the last 32 years at the same school. In my younger days I was also the athletic coach for our athletic team. I am also the grade head for the grade 10’s. I oversee all aspects with regards to the learners. This includes disciplining , fees collection and class allocation.  At our school we have many projects and I am always one of the “front people”.

I am also a lead teacher at the Department of Education. I tutor Afrikaans Home Language for matrics who need support. This tutoring happens every Saturday.

Apart from teaching , I also joined the Butterfly Crafters who knit vests, beanies and blankets for the premature babies at Tygeberg Hospital. I am in charge of two groups that are knitting for these premature babies.

I work diligently to better the lives of the disenfranchised community I teach in and am proud to be able to give them the tools of life in a new democracy.

Poet David Allen Responds to "Deforestation"

Doomed to Domes

 

 

"Deforestation" by Shameeg van Schalkwyk

 

 

DOOMED TO DOMES

I wonder

how life

will be

when we’re

all living

under the domes;

safe inside,

away from

the ecological

disaster scientists

warned us about

and the politicians

ignored.

~by David Allen


David Allen is poet and freelance writer living in Central Indiana. He is a retired journalist with 36 years on newspapers in Virginia, and the Far East, the last 19 years as Guam and Okinawa Bureau Chief for Stars and Stripes, the daily newspaper for the American military community overseas. He has been published in several on-line poetry magazines and has two books of poetry, “The Story So Far” and “(more),” both available from Amazon.   He has been married to his Muse, Ruth Ellen, for 27 years.   www.davidallen.nu

Poet Elizabeth Brooks Responds to "Image Defined"

Poems: Broken and Hunted, and Unbridled Potential

"Image Defined" by Shameeg van Schalkwyk

Broken and Hunted

Things are tough and times are rough.

You feel broken and hunted

vulnerable and threatened

Stay alert to disruptions and doubts and squabbles

flashing lights and sirens,

and oppression- subtle and blatant

that is not news but the norm.

Don’ let that get you down or invade your spirit.

Continue to stay in tune to hear and develop what is

your spirit, to discern the magic and the joy

within that no one can take away from you.

Comply to protect your body. Don’t be defiant!

Set yourself apart be true to your spirit

you have work to do. You are authentic.

Not an endangered species

or any protected list

You are not wild or an animal.

You are a proud talented

and intelligent male who

happens to be Black an African.

Continue to dream!

Live the life you imagined. You are a wonderful

human being who will contribute

to the heart of your community.

You know your value

to humanity, you are privileged

Because you are aware of the

precious gifts God has

Given to you.

~Elizabeth Brooks

Unbridled Potential

A remarkable opportunity

which reveals beauty and strength.

Unbridled potential, reflected from

within little ole me

manifested as distinctive and exotic

steadfast and mysterious.

Focused in solitude

perked ear listening

to that small voice,

eye showing determination

full of intent, as I experience

being in the Presence.

Image defined. On water

as natural as solid ground.

I feel the power and magnitude

of the burning sensation of

my passion,

the boldness of my vision

which is sometimes threatened,

sometimes elusive

when confronted with challenges

with tension as I transition

because others are not able to see

what has been revealed to me

the brilliance of my talent

the beauty of my gift

that the world eagerly awaits

I am very blessed, encouraged

and fortunate

that my purpose has been

made clear to me

and I know what I am entrusted to do.

I have the choice to recede or blend in.

But for now my audience

is quite selective.

It is an audience

of one, my protector,

provider, and life-giver.

He is counting on me to

utilize my full potential

to use the gifts He has given me.

I have been chosen

I am Spirit led and Spirit fed

filled with divine inspiration.

~Elizabeth Brooks

Elizabeth Brooks resides in Tampa, Florida. She is originally from Trinidad and Tobago.  A lover of life, family, friends, a good book,  lots of laughter and continues to grow in her faith and accept many challenges.  She is a librarian by profession and a part-time reference librarian at Saint Leo University, St. Leo Florida. She continues to enjoy reading and sharing her poems with many, at events in Tampa Bay.

Poet Don Beukes Responds to "Entangled"

Poems: The Ghetto Chronicals, Child of Colour, and Belhar High 1985

"Entangled" by Shameeg van Schalkwyk

The Ghetto Chronicles

Born into inherited prophecised

spiritual poverty uncertain longevity

a soulless society welcomes yet another

unplanned oddity – ignoring their declining

moral depravity whilst

wicked whispers spread by toxic jealous

vipers spit vicious raucous rumours

of future man-made tumours able to infect

an entire species most heinously

ignoring various opinions deliberately

turning a blind eye to gangster small-fry

unable to prevent a freak wave of revolutionary

societal anarchy – hoping to derail a politically

engineered gravy train halting historical elitist

gain going against the grain ensuring relief of

centuries of generational pain

shameful scarlet stain preaching deliverance

in vain – their conscience offering a foretold

solution in the shape of a celestial confusion

misunderstood bound by a judgemental

neighbourhood unable to discern between what is

evil and good dismissing potential healing soul

food idly standing by whilst each believer cast their

own stone eye to the obvious carnage around failing

to stop the deadly decline of a nation going blind

sudden realisation mankind not that kind – hoping

to finally find a chosen saviour sent to miraculously

heal disintegrating devastating behaviour

not denying personal faltering failure – the

chokehold confession of each sinful act bound

by a crucifying chain reaction born from man's

fleeting earthly mansion preventing liberating escape

of a people on their knees hoping to find some spiritual

release – even willing to listen to a ghetto Mary rapping

of an unknown future reciting forgotten scripture trying

to once again nurture against their nature –

a hope to be able to cope and release

their self-imprisoned beautiful beast

yearning to be invited to the

celebratory promised feast

obtain the eternal keys

to at last experience

everlasting peace

Child of Colour

Earthly existence

universal persistence

one species our

own nemesis

divided development

colonial entrapment

human currency

dented democracy

north south east west

land grab 

 

mankind's best

authoritarian test

enslaved fest

cursed skin

historical kin

generations asking

self – appointed king

desperately seeking

foreign fertile shores

settling scores

drawing borders

barking orders -

divisive policies

dismissed heritage

insecure feelings

shady dealings -

self-made apartheid

decades of racial 

 

heart-wrenching 

 

melting heartache

cunning cultural rape

my beloved Cape

masking my 

 

child-like hate -

beneath the shade

of Table Mountain

my life-giving

historical fountain -

Born from a mixed

mother I have no

shame being branded

child of colour

Belhar High 1985

My inaugaral secondary education

twenty five years after a horrific mass

demonstration township massacre -

Sharpeville still an unknown childhood

mystery – Nelson Mandela

a household whispered revered enigma,

My childhood world cacooned in media

blackout – Secondary education commencing

under an invisible brewing explosive

revolutionary choking cloud.

Lasting new friendships cemented although

confidence still dented – Strange whispers

of discontent swirl and coil, feeding my

uninformed confused generation causing

a sickening dreading sensation

of an imminent imploding warring nation.

A normal morning playground conversation -

just me Heinrich and Gavin acclimatising to

an educational haven – Becomes a

life-changing teargas assault initiation

sudden realisation of draconian racist military

intimidation at our coloured only institution -

The Casspir visible at the front gate

no escape, a slow motion scene so obviously

obscene – Yet no retreat as we stared frozen

on our feet, the unidentified camouflaged

lily-white soldier positioning his shoulder -

Balancing a weapon of mass destruction

suspended in mid-air just for a fraction,

Explosive pop maybe a real shot

our faces suddenly burning hot – Unknown

nuclear sensation eating our skin causing

instant inflamation lack of information,

Realisation this is no ordinary situation -

Momentarily blinded shocked dumbfounded

surrounded by a battlefield grey cloud – The

piercing shouts our forced revolutionary

freedom shroud – Cape Town city a foreign

unfamiliar beauty reserved for whites

what's it all about ?

Teachers guiding many of us whining others

seperated hastily gated treated with facial

oily treatment – Confusion delusion despair

nothing quite clear, each to their own

increasing military drone – The playfield now

a hazy killing zone

caught up in the aftermath, forced daily

mass meetings preaching current racist

autocratic apartheid teachings – Still

confused our gaze rather obtuse so much

to lose, we really had no clue who is who

what to do ?

The school knell once again announces

the remaining few to return home our

mothers testifying to a choking teargas dome

yet they do not want us home – Daily police

school raiding squads order those present about

unable to return home sprayed with identifying

colour foam – This is no fun fair our racial

incarceration unfair, another shooting victim

laid bare illuminating our cadaver stare.

Generational despair blinding global media

glare – PW Botha in the misguided driving seat

unleashing his minions onto a teenage killing

field – Religious leaders insist we kindly resist

the urge for revengeful abyss, to atempt

ultimately defend our right to an educational

first year end – Torn between generational scorn

a hopeful liberated dawn,

Exams written under ironic military protection

the pen now our liberating weapon – sudden

splintered glass classroom filled with scornful

brick missiles our peers increasing our fears.

Now thirteen our lives warped like a living corpse

devoid from personal emotion angry contortion

split devotion twisted religious notions – Brief

revolutionary relief, subsequent educational

consequence our future of increasing significance,

The news still showing shocking

township necklase murders but not missing

freedom fighting fathers, enemies of the ruling

state cadavers – Mismatched political lovers.

Another decade of revolution

our educational gap

no illusion – An era of frustration

who will save our broken nation ?

References ofr Belhar High 1985

Sharpeville

1960 massacre after 5000 black township residents marched to the local police station to protest against the apartheid regime's 'pass laws' which forced black South Africans to carry at all times a pass book to identify them as 'black' and which was to be their ticket to crossing internal provincial and city borders as well as a document to get employment. 69 people were shot by police.

Coloured

According to South African racial laws, this term was given to those of 'mixed race heritage' and along with black africans and whites, had a unique Identity Document number to identify them as such.

Casspir

A military combat vehicle manufactured and used in the South African army and police originally to detect mines in war zones but increasingly used during the student uprisings between 1976 and 1992 to stop the revolution.

P.W Botha

Leader of South Africa from 1978 - 1989 He ruled under apartheid and fiercely tried to prevent any uprisings against the racist government.

Necklace murders

A 'black' township street justice execution of 'political' enemies within their own communities during daylight executions in townships mostly in the north of the country during the 1980's political uprisings, by burning a petrol douced tyre around the necks of 'accused' traitors to the 'people'. A practice widely abhorred and shunned by the rest of society, no matter which racial group, even by their own political leaders.

~Don Beukes

I was born, raised and educated in Cape Town, South Africa in the last two decades of Apartheid and also have British and EU citizenship. Now a retired teacher of English, I am following my passion to write poetry and hoping to share my literal mentality with our global village, hoping to make global citizens check their moral compass now and then in an ever changing world. As a person of mixed race heritage, I want to share my experiences whilst growing up, living  and working in a totalitarian racist regime.