Xenophobia a crime against humanity....

It is so very troubling to see the recurrence of xenophobic violence sweeping our streets, city centers, and our communities. Last night eNCA (also referred to as eNews Channel Africa) is a 24-hour television news broadcaster focusing on South African and African stories) provided a direct translation by Zulu academics of the remarks made by King Goodwill Zwelithini. According to some reports The Good King's remarks have been a source to fuel these recent evil xenophobia based crimes against humanity in South Africa. Provided that the translation of the Good King's sentiments are correctly decoded, then as a free South African my thoughts are that the Good King has been quite evil, malicious and villainous in describing foreign nationals as ants to be left out in the sun, or lice which we must be rid of! As a reconciliation activist I call on my reconciliation community to speak up and speak out against these xenophobic crimes against humanity, in and amongst our communities, our families, our faith and religious spaces, and our work places. Let's shut down irregular ideas, thoughts, actions and behaviors that demean, and diminish foreign nationals in our beloved South Africa. Foreign nationals who reside in South Africa are our people, and we must ensure that we together maintain an inclusive culture that is affirming of all culture, race, language, religion, gender, nationality and abilities. Let your voice be heard, and let's make our effort to stamp out intolerance of any kind! Sincerely, Seth Naicker, Reconciliation Entrepreneur, @ indiAfrique http://indiafrique.yolasite.com/

Expressing our race related views

Expressing our race related views in this day and age, have become more complex than simple. in the past we could just target the problem and state clearly that Apartheid was the enemy. In our current South Africa we are still to name that social evil that has been causing the continued social divide. Racism is a reality and the fear of the otherness of the other is a societal issue that presses on long way beyond the end of Apartheid and the beginning of our democracy. South Africa requires leadership to take on the re-framing of our nation state identity. In my viewpoint racism prevails in its active and passive forms, but it has become smarter- for even the active racist in mindset has found a way to orient one' self into a polite racist. I believe that the only way forward is to enter into places and spaces of intentional community that exists to deconstruct the construct of a racialised South Africa. We as Madiba would encourage, need to find the common purpose, or as Charles Marsh in reflection of M.L.K. would suggest that we find the common ground. If we don't have inspired leadership and active participators who seek intentional racist free communities, we will keep losing the battle against a constructed social evil, and human natural shortfall to divide and segregate, instead of unite and reconcile. I choose to fight the good fight in my family circles, friendship circles, and broader community circles. In these spaces of reconciliation practice I find success gradual and slow, but the result of seeing racist views expelled, or gender biased views challenged, or xenophobia diminished is worth the work of pursuing intentional, inclusive, and beloved community.

Have you heard from Johannesburg! (A spoken word by Seth Naicker)

Have you heard from Johannesburg! The city of gold it was known to be, now there is a whole lot of platinum floating around and its not for free:):) In fact, you may find it quite appalling- But Bodies have been brutally falling! a land almost 19 years ago that triumphed over Apartheid in one sense- has already seen the failings of political hegemony and Christian acquiescence! Have you heard from Johannesburg! The Marikana mine uprisings resulted in loss life, police on civilians, and vice versa, but who cares about black on black strife! The mine owners sat in their cushion offices While mine workers voiced their anger at their bosses...... Have you heard from Johannesburg? Our honorable Madiba has lived to see the sunset on many a human atrocity, so much for Freedom, equality, and human dignity! It is reported that our revered Father of our nation is not at that place of peace to say his final farewell- It maybe that Madiba is waiting for one amongst his comrades who will ensure that he or she- will not their souls too sell..... Have you' heard from Johannesburg! We have seen a blade running global phenomenon- who was happy and glorious- but now he is quite notorious Watch out for power Don't be blind and just follow- For what can be here today may very well be long gone in the morrow! Have you heard from Johannesburg! The night lights, busy streets, kind of city buzzes with vigor vibrancy and sometimes a whole lot of volatility Have you heard from Johannesburg? So there we have it what I would call critical collection of reflective thought about Johannesburg what we know as Jozi or as of late Mzansi.... But if I were to leave us all right here hanging my word would not be true to the social beat banging. Have you heard from Johannesburg! I am honored to inform the who so ever that Johannesburg is a place where many a people really put to practice never say never Have you heard from Johannesburg! I believe humbly that there are those amongst us, fiery fantabulous folk WE who seek to innovate, & initiate, resisting the shuck and jive or should I say the social hegemony choke Have you heard from Johannesburg! There is a young lady- I'll call her lady X to maintain her confidentiality! In grade 10- she survives 2 rapacious acts of sexual violence- living in a family where love is expressed in a culture of physical violence and emotional negligence! But lady X is stepping out believing she is able- Of overcoming life's challenges she feels capable! Lady X has graduated you see- most recently from a leadership academy! Herein Lady X has been immersed in a value base experiential learning week- where she has begun to establish her healing, her strength, and ability to head to her mountain peak! Have you heard from Johannesburg! It is lady X and many more like her who are overcoming the most ridiculous kind of social, family, and community evils- As they seek to do their best to create and take action to design solutions for their social reality upheavals. Have you heard from Johannesburg! Now as we look forward to our 20 year democracy- Alutta continua is required with fierce urgency! May we proclaim that the struggles continues- for our rights to safety- education, work, and human dignity! Have you heard from Johannesburg! So I am hopeful for the future of our nation- As I am honored to work with amongst and alongside people who have great determination We who desire to go the distance in faith hope and love kind of unity- As we bring change and build beloved community!!!!! Have you heard from Johannesburg! Seth Naicker, Reconciliation Entrepreneur, @ indiAfrique http://indiafrique.yolasite.com/ seth@indiafrique.co.za

Have you heard from Johannesburg! (A spoken word by Seth Naicker)

Have you heard from Johannesburg! The city of gold it was known to be, now there is a whole lot of platinum floating around and its not for free:):) In fact, you may find it quite appalling- But Bodies have been brutally falling! a land almost 19 years ago that triumphed over Apartheid in one sense- has already seen the failings of political hegemony and Christian acquiescence! Have you heard from Johannesburg! The Marikana mine uprisings resulted in loss of life, police on civilians, and vice versa, but who cares about black on black strife! The mine owners sat in their cushion offices While mine workers voiced their anger at their bosses...... Have you heard from Johannesburg? Our honorable Madiba has lived to see the sunset on many a human atrocity, so much for Freedom, equality, and human dignity! It is reported that our revered Father of our nation is not at that place of peace to say his final farewell- It maybe that Madiba is waiting for one amongst his comrades who will ensure that he or she- will not their souls too sell..... Have you' heard from Johannesburg! We have seen a blade running global phenomenon- who was happy and glorious- but now he is quite notorious Watch out for power Don't be blind and just follow- For what can be here today may very well be long gone in the morrow! Have you heard from Johannesburg! The night lights, busy streets, kind of city buzzes with vigor vibrancy and sometimes a whole lot of volatility Have you heard from Johannesburg? So there we have it what I would call critical collection of reflective thought about Johannesburg what we know as Jozi or as of late Mzansi.... But if I were to leave us all right here hanging my word would not be true to the social beat banging. Have you heard from Johannesburg! I am honored to inform the who so ever that Johannesburg is a place where many a people really put to practice never say never Have you heard from Johannesburg! I believe humbly that there are those amongst us, fiery fantabulous folk WE who seek to innovate, & initiate, resisting the shuck and jive or should I say the social hegemony choke Have you heard from Johannesburg! There is a young lady- I'll call her lady X to maintain her confidentiality! In grade 10- she survives 2 rapacious acts of sexual violence- living in a family where love is expressed in a culture of physical violence and emotional negligence! But lady X is stepping out believing she is able- Of overcoming life's challenges she feels capable! Lady X has graduated you see- most recently from a leadership academy! Herein Lady X has been immersed in a value base experiential learning week- where she has begun to establish her healing, her strength, and ability to head to her mountain peak! Have you heard from Johannesburg! It is lady X and many more like her who are overcoming the most ridiculous kind of social, family, and community evils- As they seek to do their best to create and take action to design solutions for their social reality upheavals. Have you heard from Johannesburg! Now as we look forward to our 20 year democracy- Alutta continua is required with fierce urgency! May we proclaim that the struggles continues- for our rights to safety- education, work, and human dignity! Have you heard from Johannesburg! So I am hopeful for the future of our nation- As I am honored to work with amongst and alongside people who have great determination We who desire to go the distance in faith hope and love kind of unity- As we bring change and build beloved community!!!!! Have you heard from Johannesburg! Seth Naicker, Reconciliation Entrepreneur, @ indiAfrique http://indiafrique.yolasite.com/ seth@indiafrique.co.za

Have you heard from Johannesburg! (A spoken word by Seth Naicker)

Have you heard from Johannesburg! The city of gold it was known to be, now there is a whole lot of platinum floating around and its not for free:):) In fact, you may find it quite appalling- But Bodies have been brutally falling! a land almost 19 years ago that triumphed over Apartheid in one sense- has already seen the failings of political hegemony and Christian acquiescence! Have you heard from Johannesburg! The Marikana mine uprisings resulted in loss life, police on civilians, and vice versa, but who cares about black on black strife! The mine owners sat in their cushion offices While mine workers voiced their anger at their bosses...... Have you heard from Johannesburg? Our honorable Madiba has lived to see the sunset on many a human atrocity, so much for Freedom, equality, and human dignity! It is reported that our revered Father of our nation is not at that place of peace to say his final farewell- It maybe that Madiba is waiting for one amongst his comrades who will ensure that he or she- will not their souls too sell..... Have you' heard from Johannesburg! We have seen a blade running global phenomenon- who was happy and glorious- but now he is quite notorious Watch out for power Don't be blind and just follow- For what can be here today may very well be long gone in the morrow! Have you heard from Johannesburg! The night lights, busy streets, kind of city buzzes with vigor vibrancy and sometimes a whole lot of volatility Have you heard from Johannesburg? So there we have it what I would call critical collection of reflective thought about Johannesburg what we know as Jozi or as of late Mzansi.... But if I were to leave us all right here hanging my word would not be true to the social beat banging. Have you heard from Johannesburg! I am honored to inform the who so ever that Johannesburg is a place where many a people really put to practice never say never Have you heard from Johannesburg! I believe humbly that there are those amongst us, fiery fantabulous folk WE who seek to innovate, & initiate, resisting the shuck and jive or should I say the social hegemony choke Have you heard from Johannesburg! There is a young lady- I'll call her lady X to maintain her confidentiality! In grade 10- she survives 2 rapacious acts of sexual violence- living in a family where love is expressed in a culture of physical violence and emotional negligence! But lady X is stepping out believing she is able- Of overcoming life's challenges she feels capable! Lady X has graduated you see- most recently from a leadership academy! Herein Lady X has been immersed in a value base experiential learning week- where she has begun to establish her healing, her strength, and ability to head to her mountain peak! Have you heard from Johannesburg! It is lady X and many more like her who are overcoming the most ridiculous kind of social, family, and community evils- As they seek to do their best to create and take action to design solutions for their social reality upheavals. Have you heard from Johannesburg! Now as we look forward to our 20 year democracy- Alutta continua is required with fierce urgency! May we proclaim that the struggles continues- for our rights to safety- education, work, and human dignity! Have you heard from Johannesburg! So I am hopeful for the future of our nation- As I am honored to work with amongst and alongside people who have great determination We who desire to go the distance in faith hope and love kind of unity- As we bring change and build beloved community!!!!! Have you heard from Johannesburg! Seth Naicker, Reconciliation Entrepreneur, @ indiAfrique http://indiafrique.yolasite.com/ seth@indiafrique.co.za

We are the Children of Abraham Bonnie Sue Lewis Dubuque, Iowa October 12, 2013 We are the Children of Abraham gathered together on an unusually warm October evening, in Dubuque Iowa. We are students, teachers, doctors, pastors, businessmen and women, infants and retirees. We are Muslims, Christians and Jews from around the world, and the nation, who find ourselves now living in the heartland of America. We are becoming family. The room buzzes with the friendly greetings of those who haven’t seen each other since our last gathering a month ago, and of those who see each other regularly at work or worship in their own faith communities. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation as we settle into our seats, coffee in hand, to listen to a Christian brother visiting from South Africa, Seth Naicker and his wife, Merrishia. They come to share about the work of God in reconciliation and inter-faith relationships taking place in post-apartheid South Africa. There is a hush as Dr. John Eby, professor of history at Loras College who is not only our host this evening, but the major convener and principle architect of the Children of Abraham, introduces the Naickers. Seth takes the mike and opens by turning us to our neighbors in a show of welcome: we clap, rub hands together and then extend them outward toward those next to us in a “shower of love.” We laugh, welcoming others around us in this manner, and then turn back to Seth. In a pastoral but prophetic voice, he draws us into his world of a nascent democracy with a long history of injustice and pain. But Seth’s words come to us as words of hope. He tells us the story of his memtor and long standing friend, Ismail Vadi, a Muslim, who participated as formal respondee in Seth’s ordination into Christian ministry on July 8th, 2007. He shares of Christians, Muslims and Hindus living together and building communities of support and caring in the midst of peoples still in need of healing and reconciliation who bear the scars of the divisions of apartheid. He speaks of sharing sacred spaces and coming together to pray with one another, regardless of religious affiliation. He calls us to resist a “lazy pluralism” for an “active solidarity” with those who seek God, and with whom we may differ in our understanding of God, but whom God has placed in our neighborhood. He closes in song, a witness to his faith in Christ Jesus and a hymn of praise to God’s glory. We are all moved. The three respondents are long-time members of the Children of Abraham: Dr. Adib Kassas, a psychiatrist with Medical Associates and Imam of the local Tri-States Islamic Center, Dr. Donald Wood, a Jewish professor of Spanish at Clarke University, and Dr. Bonnie Sue Lewis, a Presbyterian professor of mission at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. All three express their appreciation to their guests in behalf of the gathered community. Bonnie Sue lifts up Seth’s call for us to move beyond pluralism to solidarity, beyond toleration of one another to standing with one another. This is what Jesus calls us to: not just putting up with one another, but loving one another, turning the other cheek when wronged, praying for the one who suffers you harm. And this takes commitment to one another, taking opportunity to build relationships with one another, seeking to honor God and one another, as is what the Children of Abraham have been participating in over the last three years. Donnie Wood echoes the theme of our call to love and reconciliation as spelled out in the Talmudic texts. He affirms that what we do here is holy and a response to our love for God and God’s love for us. When Adib takes the mike, he expresses his profound gratitude for Seth’s encouragement to seek reconciliation, for his call to live in peace with one another, and for his witness to the fact that this is possible even in the face of grave injustice and suffering. A native of Syria, Adib acknowledges the sorrow and deep pain of his own people in the midst of his country’s disintegration into chaos. “How can we even begin to recover peace in Syria, heal the divisions, and forgive one another?” he asks plaintively. His cry is echoed by Dubuque seminary student, Gilo Agwa, a native of Ethiopia whose people, the Nuer, have suffered death at the hands of warring militias and who, himself is now in asylum in the U.S. “Where do we begin?” Both Seth and Merrishia respond by affirming what we are doing here, in this place. It is a beginning, an opportunity to build friendships and a safe place to get to know one another, overcome prejudices, listen to the “other.” It is the chance to move beyond stereotypes and enable trust in one another and in God to lead us in the pursuit of peace. Because God is a big God, this effort toward developing relationships of trust carries the potential of extending even beyond Dubuque. A series of conversations between Jews, Muslims and Christians, the Children of Abraham is open to the public of Dubuque. This is a small city of approximately 70,000 people, located on the Mississippi in a region where religious diversity is relatively new and traditional Christian culture is rooted deeply in society. The Children of Abraham was initiated through the establishment of personal relationships between specific individuals, some of which developed out of a weekly Qur’an study hosted by Loras College (a Catholic liberal arts college) that preceded the Children of Abraham series. A few individuals agreed that they would like to try to create a public conversation between differing faith traditions as a way to model civil discourse, facilitate learning about other religious perspectives, and, most importantly, build positive, strong relationships between people of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The Children of Abraham has been meeting monthly for three years, with an average attendance of about 70. The conversations it facilitates are thematically organized. There is always a speaker from each of the three Abrahamic traditions, sometimes men, sometimes women, of varying ages and ethnic backgrounds. Participation is encouraged by including questions for discussion, and lively conversation is the norm. The program, however, views listening as the most important tool in relationship-building and therefore each host consistently reminds participants that the event is not a debate. There is no effort to convert or proselytize. Each speaker (and each person in the room) is simply speaking out of his or her own experience of a faith tradition, not speaking for that faith tradition. A final but crucial aspect of the Children of Abraham program has been that most of its meetings are hosted in sacred spaces, in various houses of worship – Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. This helps to transform the image of such spaces from something uncertain and divisive to a place that is welcoming and knowable. As this evening’s meeting closes, many gather around the Naickers to express thanks. Plans are made for next month’s gathering, dinner invitations are extended, Adib invites Seth to speak at Friday prayer at the mosque. We are the Children of Abraham seeking to glorify God by loving God and all of God’s children.

the FIRE in my life

On this woman's day I am considering - the woman who have in my life made an offering- of service, sacrifice, love- remaining most awesome and wonderfully mind boggling:) I am grateful for my mother- Elenor Joyce Naicker- for the gift of life- and your service of community in the midst of many a social strife. What about all the other mothers?- my big mother, small mother, in law mother, and grand mothers? For all these mothers major gratitude for the giving, loving, spending, and informing of my attitude! I am grateful for my sister, from her early days I cuddled now hug, what a joy to encourage, irritate and to bug! What about all my other sisters-in laws, cousins, and beloved community friends? I am grateful for how you challenge, encourage, and remind me- of the ways of our world and the prejudice that you as a woman can see! I am grateful for my teachers (Dawn Naidoo, Karen McKinney, & Merrishia Singh-Naicker), for the coaching, mentoring, and teaching- that has changed, and revolutionized my life practice and my social change preaching! I am most grateful for the woman of my I love eternal- it is in her arms and with her love- that I remain filled with purpose, passion and motivational- my wifie Merrishia- you are my rock that I will never strike- unless I intend to hit the dock:) I am eternally grateful for my daughter Mahalia- you are truly my strong, tender shining light Khanya. These woman are to me like Fire: They are Fierce They are Inspirational They are Revolutionary They are Enriching To the WOMAN in my life I respect you, honor you, and love you. Thank you for the FIRE that you bring to my life, the lives, of our family, and our community. Viva WOMAN Viva!!!!! Seth Naicker.

Walking in the footsteps of Tata Madiba- our RECONCILIATION inspiration. Let's get real and authentic with RECONCILIATION- for too many people are sick of weak declaration and cheap proclamation!! Will we be true to the call of seeing no one from a racialised, unjust, and prejudiced point of view- for this is a precursor of RECONCILIATION- that many people read right past and forget to reflect on, and pay attention. So how then do I begin to see people whom I deem the other- will I have the boldness to see the wholeness of another. Madiba upon his release from prison reached out to Betsy Verwoerd- to the wife of the architect of Apartheid he demonstrated humanity and brotherhood. Will I throw off, and lay down my judgment and fear of the unknown- and enter into a common place of solidarity,  where acceptance and understanding is enthroned. Madiba took time to groom and mentor former MK militant operators- into men and woman who respect, embrace, and understand the actions and insanity of former- crimes against humanity perpetrators.       Oh how we are encouraged to consider and see RECONCILIATION- in its complex form of race, class, and gender fragmentation- for when it is made just black and white like simple- its is then that we are rudely awakened by gender based and xenophobic violence in our nation. It is unfortunate that Madiba has had to see the sun setting on many a post Apartheid human depravity, but for the sake of Madiba's legacy may we propel that vision of a beloved community.      There comes a time when some one has got to stand- would it not be most amazing instead- if a beloved community cried out for our land. Madiba has invested his life into the work of healing, forgiveness, and RECONCILIATION- and we must acknowledge that there are many who have become ambassadors of unity in diversity celebration.   A moment for movement has once again been supplied-the life, love and legacy of Madiba cannot be denied- a worthy social intervention rooted in Ubuntu values must be tried. For it takes significant events to ensure a process-but let our yes be yes and our no be no-if we are to make significant progress. Progress in the way that I see, value, and acknowledge thee other, and do away with religious preconceived ideas that just become a bother. So on the 95th birthday of Tata Madiba - here lies for me, us and we an opportunity-Lets make authentic RECONCILIATION a social reality. A blessed birthday our healer, leader and legend-MADIBA. Seth Naicker. RECONCILIATION entrepreneur.

The following thoughts I penned down on on the morning of the 21st of March, 2011. It was sent as an e-mail communication that was then published online, and was engaged via -mail communication s people responded with affirmation, and more critical thought as to the social concern of human rights. Today while we enjoy our public holiday, we must be in tune with the origins of this day March 21st- a day impacted by the painful and traumatic loss of life captured in the title "Sharpeville Massacre 1960". "On Monday, 21 March in 1960 police opened fire, without order, on a crowd that had gathered at the Sharpeville station to protest pass laws, stipulations that required Africans to carry books and produce them for law enforcement officials on request; 69 unarmed people were killed and another 180 were injured." (Cape Town Magazine.com) Today we live in a democracy where people can move freely without the dehumanising process of being regulated by a pass book or as it was known back then 'dompass'-meaning stupid pass. However while the dompass is no longer required in our post Apartheid and 2 decade old democracy, we must ask ourselves: •what is our modern day dompass? •what access is denied to people and upon what bias? •who are the gate keepers regulating the dompass and who is trying to get in? •am I gate keeping or am dompass burning. I still see the dompass when people have to ask for access to what is their human right! The right to quality education, the right to work, the right to eat, the right to shelter, the right to speak, the right to disagree etc. We have walked a long road to Freedom as a nation, but the journey is far from over and the quality of the Freedom is still riddled and gated with modern day dompass injustices. May ours hearts and pursuit of justice, equality and human rights continue to beat in our every breath that we take and every step that we make, remembering that our human rights are resting on the shoulders of people who were had to fight and die for us to acquire our right to humanity. A blessed human rights day! Seth Naicker

Creating a place and space for authentic dialogue and transformational conversation

To be in a place of equal voicing, where all present are on an equal playing field is not the everyday real life situation! I have been honoured to design, develop, and deliver by way of facilitating experiences of conversation and dialogue over the last 3 years of my consulting, and community change, and transformation work. As I reflect on my journey upon returning from the states where I studied and worked at Bethel University from 2004 to 2009, even in the states I was afforded the blessing to operate projects and programs that ultimately encouraged, and set the tone for conversation, dialogue, and people coming together. During my work at Bethel University my flagship project was project "Heita South Africa", which primarily focussed on providing participants the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through conversation and dialogue that would enrich learning in reconciliation, diversity, justice and inclusivity. In August 2009, having returned to South Africa I was honoured to consult and deliver work for streetfootballworld, and the Football for Hope movement of FIFA. Here my role was operational, but still anchored to engaging people in conversation and dialogue to mobilize our Football for Hope movement 2010. In October of 2010, I was honoured to serve the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation in designing, developing and delivering the youth focussed non racialism dialogues, and the inaugural youth festival of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation 2011. My work involved project management and project execution to ensure that we brought together a diverse grouping of youth and community leaders in 3 series of dialogues to further explore the learning and understanding on non racialism. In July 2011, I was contracted by the Salvation Army South Africa to deliver their focussed engagement as an organization and a Church on Reconciliation. I was honoured to design, and develop the content, experiential learning, and delivered with a team of 9 other skilled and motivated facilitators a worthy crucial, critical, and courageous conversation. People shared deeply in an open forum of their personal and organizational struggles, and even if nothing changed dramatically, several participants described the relief they experienced by merely having their voice heard. In September 2011, I was contracted to Young&Able to consult for the Gordon Institute of Business Science and the centre for Leadership and Dialogue. Here I served as the project lead on project Qiniso (truth) dialogues. Our focus to bring together a cross sector of leaders, and so called mover and shakers to consider the critical questions we should be asking as South Africans as it relates to our democracy and our future. We delivered 5 series of dialogues that inspired people through experiential learning, conversation and engagement of the other. In November 2011, I was contracted again to Young&Able as a transformation and diversity connoisseur on a contract for Transnet Freight Rail, on a campaign to bring about an experiential learning conversation to aid employees across South Africa in the area of conflict engagement. Participants shared personal and professional hurts and trials, and there were those who described the conversation as a saving grace. In March 2012, I was honoured to facilitate the Heartlines Comes to Town community dialogues for the community of Veesplaas in the Eastern Cape. Our key focus to develop a social compact as participants from different sectors of the community to engage in conversation, dialogue and experiential learning that would spark the flame for social innovation and community change. Also In March 2012, I was honoured to lead facilitate the Columba 1400 SA leadership academy, that was customized to have adult learners from the corporate space, together with teachers and students from the high school space, work through a week long journey of value based conversation to explore leadership and living life to our full potential. In June 2012, I began a conversation with the Hervormde Kerk Brackenhurst Congregation “Seester Gemeente”, our conversations turned into a 2 series conversation for their leadership team, a broader group of small group leaders, as well as a transformational preaching series, where I coached and critically analyzed the minister’s message of a 6 series of messages, designed to address 40 days in the word. It was an honour to look into Rick Warren’s series that was contextualized for an Afrikaner Christian community by Rev. Gys Els, and to bring along a theology of reconciliation and transformation that would encourage, inspire and challenge the community. In September 2012, I was afforded the opportunity to deliver a pro bono consult for the Johannesburg Roads Agency, hosted by MMC Rehana Moosajee. This conversation was focussed on change and transformation. Our conversation was enriched by the participation of a diverse grouping of community leaders, staff and leadership of the JRA. I was honoured to show case my offering, and consulting services, but more especially I was motivated by the deep conversation and the desire people have to be in a place and space that allows for critical learning, and learning that encourages and mobilises positive change and transformation. Also in September 2012, I was honoured to serve on the Heartlines team of designers, and facilitators for the inter faith dialogue that was ultimately hosted by Brand South Africa. This dialogue engagement was focussed on building relationships and allowing for people from different faith traditions to come together to consider the possibilities of partnering in light of addressing the social issues within our current democracy. My focus the social issues of racism, xenophobia, and the need for continued reonciliation conversation and activism! As I look back and take a moment to reflect on the last 3 years being back home in South Africa, it has been an honour to be of service in a great diversity of systems, organizations, communities, and people of a rich diversity of culture, language, religion, nationality, age, ethnicity/race, gender, class, and physical abilities. It is my hope to “Get up in faith, community, and purpose, as I pursue the New Year. "2013", I declare will be a year of a greater sense of belief, belonging, and becoming for myself, our family, our community, and the people I am honoured to engage with in authentic dialogue and transformational conversation!

Building a non-racial society through multi-racialism, anti-racism & reconciliation!

To build a non racial society we ought to be recognizing the social construct of racism, and acknowledging that racism in its passive and active forms are still plaguing our society. Apartheid, slavery. Colonialism and post colonialism has taught us the social techniques to recognize people based on their outer appearance, their color, their hair, their sound and accent. From recognition and acknowledgment that we are a racialized society, we ought to propel the opportunity for people to become anti-racist or an anti-racism agents, who are required in the everyday practice of living for, or toward the dream of realizing a non-racial society. Multi-racialism I believe also has a role, for the journey that we embark toward non-racialism cannot be realized when we have no focus on building a multi-racial/multiethnic/multicultural society. Moving from a racist apartheid South Africa requires us to be in spaces and places where multi-racial/ethic/cultural peoples are able to live, work and be in with comfort. Journeying towards non-racialism requires people to stumble through the chaos of a multi-racial society being true to our difference, as we journey on into a place where our difference grows dim in the luminous darkness of our social engagement and enrichment of our diversity unrestrained. Being a student and life long learner of reconciliation. I would suggest that a reconciliation framework, ideology and way of being is strategically the selected underpinning approach upon which a non-racial society is anchored and built.

A reflection on the 11th of July, 2012: 49th anniversary of the arrest of the Rivonia Trialists: who are the voices that are silenced?

On the 11th of July, 1963 Ahmed Kathrada together with 9 of his close confidants and comrades were arrested by the police of the Apartheid Government. After a raid by security police at Lilliesleaf farm in July 1963, the police arrested many prominent leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK). Amongst them were, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Rusty Bernstein, Dennis Goldberg, James Kantor, Andrew Mlangeni, Elias Motsoaledi, Raymond Mhlaba and Bob Hepple. i Uncle Kathy and his conscious crew were charged with sabotage and attempting to violently overthrow the South African government. At the conclusion of the Rivonia trial in the Pretoria Supreme Court, Justice Quartus de Wet sentenced eight of the accused to life imprisonment. Among the accused were Nelson Mandela, the central figure in the trial, along with Dennis Goldberg, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Elias Motsoaledi and Raymond Mhlaba.ii The 11th of July, 2012 marks the 49th anniversary of that arrest, personal and communal trials and hardships that were ensured by our honourable uncle Kathy and his equally honourable comrades. These leaders’ lives, have been a whirlwind of activism, advocacy, and pursuit of justice as they counted the cost, and made the sacrifice in solidarity with the majority of our marginalized South Africans. Uncle Kathy however, in his humble and honest way always reminds us that his struggle is equal and parallel to the liberation struggle of all our beloved people in South Africa, and associated global comrades who have stood in solidarity and in critical consciousness for the rights of the marginalized in South Africa. Making the stand in solidarity for the marginalized has been a struggle continued throughout the Apartheid Regime, and is continued for the rights of those of our beloved people who even today, bear the brunt of marginalization within our young South African democracy. Forty nine years following the Liliesleaf Farm arrest, nineteen years of life outside prison, and only eighteen years into our democracy uncle Kathy continues to press on in his hope, belief and dream for a non racial, just and democratic society. John Robbie ,702 talk radio host interviewed Mr. Ahmed Kathrada together with his fellow Rivonia trialist Dennis Goldbergiii , their reflections in conversation as comrades, friends and activists for human rights shined through as they spoke of their experiences during a very stressful and torturous time in South Africa. In October, 2010 I had the amazing opportunity to come into conversation with Neeshan Balton the current CEO of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF). Our conversation turned into an opportunity for me to serve AKF in a consulting capacity as director of Youth services. My mandate was to conceptualize the inaugural youth festival of the foundation and to deliver three non racialism dialogues for youth. During this time I was able to meet uncle Kathy, as well as work closely with him in conversation during our non racialism dialogues. Uncle Kathy became the keynote speaker, as I formulated questions to draw out the understandings and wisdom of Mr Kathrada concerning non racialism. One specific part of Uncle Kathy’s reflective, and personal sharing approach really struck me deeply; it has to do with the absence of children, and his longing to hear the voices of children. Over the months since my direct work with Uncle Kathy and AKF, I find myself reflecting on the voices that are not present, or possibly the voices that are silenced in my life, my family, and my community. I have wondered about my role as a father and whether I encourage the voices of my three beautiful children to be proclaimed with strength and assertiveness. I have had to reflect on my role as a husband and whether I am cognizant of the voice of my wife- her wisdom and insights. I have had to consider my role as a youth mentor, and whether I am hindering the voices of the generation of young people that I am called to serve. In every facet, and arena of my life there are places and spaces where I can do more by taking time to listen and take active participation in listening. I can do more to consider the voices that are not present, and consider the voices that are required for the wholeness of my humanity. Uncle Kathy in a more recent correspondence concerning the absence of the voices of children states, “I try to make up for the deprivation in jail. You may recall; in jail I literally saw at close quarters, and held a child for the first time after 20 years! Yes 20 years. I had reached a state where I wanted to hear even a child's cry”iv. Drawing from the deep consideration of our honourable leader I acknowledge and declare that my humanity is more whole when the voices and even the cry of children, youth, elders , my wife, my children, friends, family and beloved community are part, parcel, and proclaimed in my everyday life so I can be the whole person I ought to be! Forty nine years later post the Lieliesleaf Farm arrest and post the Rivonia Trial, the following questions must be considered:  Who are the voices that are silenced?  Are people present but have no voice?  When will the voices and cry of the marginalized be acknowledged and granted reparation?  Whose voice is not at the table?  Whose voice has been excluded?  Who is the person or the people that I need to hear from for my humanity to be made whole?  Who is the voice or are the voices that are silent? i http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/rivonia-trialists-are-charged-sabotage-and-attempting-violently-overthrow-state ii http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/eight-eleven-accused-rivonia-trial-sentenced-life-prison iii http://t.co/ixTHX8nq iv Sat 2012/07/07 10:10 PM, correspondence

The future

Today I attended a motivational conference for people who are into the field, and work of social entrepeneurship, consulting and training. I am attracted to the notion of the future, and I find myself always caught up in thinking about what's next. The negative side of such an outlook is that one can miss the here and now. Being mindful of my here and now, I can exercise my social understanding and the understanding I gain from the community of trusted social critics, and entrepeneurs that I belong to. With this community of practitioners, and my personal analysis I have the the ability to scenario plan and project trends that the future will bring. Living in my here and now is important, and having a connection to my past is equally important, but I am not to be trapped in my past. Having a sobre connection to the past, a firm acknowledgment of my here and now, I can design, develop, and conceptualize the future that I desire fOR myself, my beloved community and the world in which I live. I am not a victim of my circumstances, as I have been critically and consciously set free from the mind and soul trap of social evils that were by design intended to kill my spirit and the spirit of many other. I commit to projecting, and working toward the future that I desire within a community of people who hold me accountable to being a person of moral code and conduct of excellence,humanity and integrity!

Youth Day 2012 - Let’s catch a wake up - for the sake of our youth and our future!

Hector Pieterson (1964 – 16 June 1976) became the subject of an iconic image of the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa. A news photograph by Sam Nzima was published around the world of the dying Hector being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo another 18 year old student, while his sister Antoinette Sithole ran next to them. He was killed at the age of 12 when the police opened fire on protesting students. For years, 16 June symbolized resistance to the brutality of the apartheid government. Today, it is designated National Youth Day — when South Africans honour young people and bring attention to their needs. Inspired by the words of Oliver Tambo, I paraphrase, “if our country doesn't catch a wake up about the pressures faced, care needed, and nurturing required by youth (0 to 35), then we are planning for a future of doom!” I am grateful for youth who possess purpose & passion. The tough reality however, is that purpose and passion have to be matched with access to resources, for realisation of youthful potential. It is my belief that decision making, resolve, making informed choices, of youth within the Apartheid era, was made reality by the underpinning of mentorship, coaching and personal connection with available, caring, committed and courageous leaders. Post Apartheid youth especially those in chronic economic situations are living with their backs against the wall, where resolve is more complex than it is simple, and many of our elders, adult role models, and leaders are not willing, unable, or just too busy to do the work of coming alongside youth! To ensure that youth make informed choices, and have resolve, we need people to step up and empower, mobilise, and walk with youth: out of their lack of resolve, their lack of quality information, their lack of this and that!! I have found that we have amazing young people across the length and breadth of our beloved South Africa. Young people in Lenasia, Glenvista, Chesterville, Veeplaas, Gugulethu, Sandton, Bloemfontein, and every other crack and crevice, who are willing to make a stand with passion, purpose, and resolve, all they need is the support. Government, Corporates, development organisations, non profits, & religious organisations need to catch a wake up, about our future and put their time, moneys, and resources, where too many times we find just judging voices and too many trickle down and bogus youth development initiatives! Our youth must make a stand and revolutionaries and champions, and we as the broader public must come alongside with our fervent investment of time and resources to ensure that young people are successful and live out their lives to their God given potential! In this youth month and as we commemorate June 16th,1976 may young people have the inspiration, motivation, determination and perspiration to make their hopes, dreams, missions and visions become a reality. Seth Naicker seth@indiafrique.co.za

Youth Day 2012 - Let’s catch a wake up for the sake our youth and our future!

Hector Pieterson (1964 – 16 June 1976) became the subject of an iconic image of the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa. A news photograph by Sam Nzima was published around the world of the dying Hector being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo another 18 year old student, while his sister Antoinette Sithole ran next to them. He was killed at the age of 12 when the police opened fire on protesting students. For years, 16 June symbolized resistance to the brutality of the apartheid government. Today, it is designated National Youth Day — when South Africans honour young people and bring attention to their needs. Inspired by the words of Oliver Tambo, I paraphrase, “if our country doesn't catch a wake up about the pressures faced, care needed, and nurturing required by youth (0 to 35), then we are planning for a future of doom!” I am grateful for youth who possess purpose & passion. The tough reality however, is that purpose and passion have to be matched with access to resources, for realisation of youthful potential. It is my belief that decision making, resolve, making informed choices, of youth within the Apartheid era, was made reality by the underpinning of mentorship, coaching and personal connection with available, caring, committed and courageous leaders. Post Apartheid youth especially those in chronic economic situations are living with their backs against the wall, where resolve is more complex than it is simple, and many of our elders, adult role models, and leaders are not willing, unable, or just too busy to do the work of coming alongside youth! To ensure that youth make informed choices, and have resolve, we need people to step up and empower, mobilise, and walk with youth: out of their lack of resolve, their lack of quality information, their lack of this and that!! I have found that we have amazing young people across the length and breadth of our beloved South Africa. Young people in Lenasia, Glenvista, Chesterville, Veeplaas, Gugulethu, Sandton, Bloemfontein, and every other crack and crevice, who are willing to make a stand with passion, purpose, and resolve, all they need is the support. Government, Corporates, development organisations, non profits, & religious organisations need to catch a wake up, about our future and put their time, moneys, and resources, where too many times we find just judging voices and too many trickle down and bogus youth development initiatives! Our youth must make a stand and revolutionaries and champions, and we as the broader public must come alongside with our fervent investment of time and resources to ensure that young people are successful and live out their lives to their God given potential! In this youth month and as we commemorate June 16th,1976 may young people have the inspiration, motivation, determination and perspiration to make their hopes, dreams, missions and visions become a reality. Seth Naicker seth@indiafrique.co.za

the movement forgood @ WITS University

The movement forgood was on the move, as we connected with learners and NGO's @ the volunteer fair of Wits University (20/04/2012).

Forgood, a social platform, movement & catalyst for positive social action was honoured to be amongst a host of non government organizations that are making an awesome impact in their respective societies. Learners @ WITS came around in their inspiring numbers to visit & establish how they can get involved in the work & play of bringing about healthy change in our broader communities. It was also awesome to facilitate "race of life" an experiential learning exercise that informs & brings understanding to the social gaps or degrees of separation that exist and prevail in society. In the middle of the volunteer & NGO fair we engaged in conversation and dialogue about the social gaps & continued disparities in our society. Learners of WITS & NGO leaders put forward their inspiring and challenging thoughts as to bringing about positive change in our everyday world. I am honoured to work alongside Karuna Singh as the program and project coordinator of the wits volunteer program forgood. Heartlines & Young&Able as collaborating & initiating organizations, have landed this home grown idea as a movement forgood. It has been awesome to have had the support, interest, & commitment of the student development leadership unit,& the WITS volunteer program of WITS University. Please connect and stay with the movement forgood that is learning, growing and developing. Checkout the movement forgood as follows: http://www.forgood.co.za/Pages/aboutUs.aspx http://www.facebook.com/forgood.co.za. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Seth Naicker project manager forgood ambassadors (youth and community engagement) 0794827445 011 341 0190 fax: 0866 33 2343 seth@forgood.co.za www.forgood.co.za Suite 160|Dunkeld West Centre 281 Jan Smuts Ave| Dunkeld| Johannesburg|Gauteng|South Africa

Augustine Ankiah (Uncle Moses): A Champion and Community Stalwart!:31-08-1926 to 11-02-2012

On the 11th of February, 2012 at the estimated hour of 12pm, Uncle Augustine Ankiah Moses took his final walk to eternal freedom as he passed away. Uncle Moses had been hospitalised on the 30th of January, 2012 at Chris Hani Bharagwanath Hospital for an emergency hernia operation, which lead to several other complications. A combination of tricky medical procedures, frailty, and old age finally caused this strong, determined, community stalwart to take his last breath and journey into his much awaited life after.

Augustine Ankiah was well known in and amongst the broader community of KZN, more specifically Chatsworth. His voluntary work and service for organizations like Child Welfare, FOSA, SANCA and the Red Cross, collectively amounting to 4 decades of service, is exactly the social proof that solidifies the passionate activism and determination of this honourable champion and community stalwart.

Known to many as Christian Uncle or Uncle Moses, Augustine Ankiah was a man of faith. His purpose, passion, and approach to life were anchored by his study of biblical scripture, and his sincere commitment to following the person, life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He served the Baptist Mission, formerly known as the Indian Baptist mission as Chairperson with distinction. Christian Uncle had a desire to see the development of the Church, Christian living, and purpose driven faith.

Psalm 23, a biblical text and well known scripture was one of Uncle Moses’ favourite readings.
Psalm 23: A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

This beautiful scripture served as a personal comfort, and steadfast reminder of the important matters in life. Psalm 23 was a reading that caused Uncle Moses to reflect and introspect. In the latter years, days, and moments of his life Psalm 23 encouraged his desire to “Dwell in the House of the Lord forever”. Uncle Moses believed that his life after certified earthly death would bring him into the presence of God.

We will remember our father, grandfather, great grandfather, family member, friend, champion, and beloved community stalwart for his:

Tough Love: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Used the terminology tough love, derived from his reading of the gospel of Mathew 10:16, “Be wise as a serpent and gentle hearted as a dove”. Augustine Ankiah was a disciplinarian, and was tough on the people he loved. However if we were only to remember this stalwart for his iron clad tendency we would be sorely mistaken. His toughness was balanced with a serious dose of love. It was his tough love that allowed him to go about his love for his family, community, and his country. It is tough love that brought him full circle to be cared for, washed and fed by his dear children. It is tough love that brought him to a place of saying the words I love you.

Social Change: If you were blessed to be part of the daily devotional time at the Augustine family home in Chatsworth, you would have experienced an hour filled with reading of the “Daily Bread”, Biblical reflection, and prayer. More specifically you would be captured by Augustine Ankiah’s closing prayer. In his prayer he remembered his family members and extended family members by name, their children and their children’s children. He would press on to pray for family friends, their children, and their children’s children. Lastly Uncle Moses would prayer for South Africa, ministers, councillors and the President. His life of service and his activism to see a better South Africa was immersed in a life of prayer. His faith based communication with God propelled his social action for positive change.

A closing word:
We will love you and miss you Papa,
But we celebrate your life and your laughter
We will remember the cane shots on the buttock
But also your sincere love solid as a rock
You are now in rest and complete peace
But we must take up the path you journeyed with ease
To fulfil the call of service and faith
That you championed always
Hamba Kahle Papa, our champion and stalwart
God be with you till we meet again!

Rev. Seth Naicker (grandson of Augustine Ankiah-Uncle Moses).

Considering our workplaces!

Where is your workplace? How does it feel? How does it smell? What are the aesthetics, and layout and design of your workplace?

Workplaces vary from high tech to low tech! and even onto no tech environments. Workplaces take the shape of: corporate plush, educational mush, hospital slush, building rush, gardening wush, and domestic push.

Where ever we are at offering our skills, services, and talent in exchange for financial or monetary gain, these places and spaces are our workplaces of life.

The make up and feel of our 21st century workplaces, are advised and encouraged to be places that inspire, motivate and incentivize people to be the best they can be.

Excellence as a value is strategically explored in concern of capital gain, but is further explored for the human capital gain. People who are inspired by their work and inspired to deliver their work, will positively affect the bottom line production or monetary forecasts of any company, industry and institution.

The workplaces of our everyday world require social actors and igniters who have the ability to facilitate and regulate a dynamic and inspirational workplace environment.

How can we take positive steps toward the development of a healthy and inspirational workplace culture?
Will we identify and encourage ambassadors and champions, who have the skill, ability and knowledge to bring about healthy workplaces?

Consider your workplace today and be the change you require in your workplaces' arrange!

Seth Naicker.

The love factor in a world fractured by conflict

A simple exercise called “sharing the love” or as I like to call it “the love factor” has inspired my work and been consistently setting the right tone in workshops and learning spaces all over South Africa in 2011. Working together with my trusted friends and colleagues within the Young&Able network and consortium of trainers, we have seen firsthand how an experiential learning warm up exercise brings the right “flavour to savour” into our training, workshop and consulting spaces.

In the South African landscape 17 years into our democracy conflict has continued to plague our social circles, in and amongst the expansive cultural diversity of our land. Everyday learning, working, playing, and living spaces are filled with social crashes having the potential to lead to volcanic social eruptions.

In many cases the conflict that underpins people’s everyday existence has lead to actions which result in a culture of greater conflict. Economic challenges on the work front have brought about increased stress, and conflict on the home front and vice versa. In the professional working places mismanagement of conflict and the rage or conflicted-ness of people has lead to actions of violence, and in the worst case scenario even death. In the political arena South African’s have seen a rise in national and local political disputes that have brought about criticism, demise and intense feelings of discontentment with the state of our nation. Conflict is all around us.

Slaikeu and Hasson (1998) explain, “One corporate attorney told us that he viewed the dollars spent on litigation as the clearest waste of money that his organization ever encountered. These expenditures served only to “resolve” matters that usually did not stay resolved, and the money spent was irretrievable- it did not accrue to the bottom line, and it did not help the business grow”(1998, pg. 14).
Conflict management systems, and people who can facilitate dialogue and discussion to curb the need for litigation and disciplinary hearings is most strategic in a context where conflict is rife. Conflict engagement and management must become a skill and at best a craft to ensure that our social spaces are reformed and transformed for the health, wealth and sanity of our people.

“The love factor”, has been an amazing exercise to set the tone for truthful, transparent and deep dialogue. What intervention can we think through or be inspired to test in narrowing the gaps, or degrees of separation that exist between people, based on their differences, disputes and conflict? What can you and I do to bring understanding and sober reflection of conflict within our community, and family spaces? What preconceived ideas will I hold lightly to reduce the stereotyping and demising of people in my every world? How can I share and spread the love?
Inspiring and motivating social interventions must be considered to mobilize a movement of value based learning e.g. respect, dignity, honesty, and courtesy etc., values that bring change and propel change in our social, work, play , and community spaces of life. Conflict need not be the end of us, we can forge new beginnings and realize inspired resolve in the midst of our ruckus, conflict and chaos!


Reference: Slaikeu, K. A. and Hasson, R. H. (1998) Controlling the costs of conflict: How to design a system for your organization. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Seth Naicker
seth@indiAfrique.co.za/
seth@youngable.com

Reconciliation and Social or Community Change

In the journey of bringing change, for people who maybe change agents and consider ourselves to be movers and shakers in the world of social justice and reconciliation, do we have methodology or approaches, tools, techniques and tricks of the trade to bring about the change we desire in our world's arrange?

Do we influence and advocate? Are we creative in our advocacy? Is our conscience and consciousness clear, or have we sold out to a system that is designed to keep the status quo? Are we creative in our social imagination and pursuit of change? Are we staying connected with people and a community who truly seek to inspire our world through the social interventions, innovations and knowledge they create?

We must continue to dream the dream and envisage the future, for without a prophetic dream and vision our social justice and reconciliation intentions will perish!