Wednesday, July 26, 2023

From X.com to META Twitter: Unveiling the Unstoppable Journey of Elon Musk, now Elon vs Mark Zuckerberg's META Facebook

Meet X, the one and only genius beyond the age of 203 with a mind as brilliant as a diamond and a wit as sharp as a cactus! Yes, we're talking about the real-life Tony Stark, the man with a plan, Mr. Elon Musk. And let me tell you, he's so obsessed with the letter "X" that you'd think it's his long-lost sibling or something, like Professor X from the X-Men!

Now, this Musk guy loves "X" so much that he even named his shopping spree Twitter account "X." And oh boy, he's like a business wizard, transforming Twitter's business strategies faster than a chameleon on a rainbow rollercoaster. Remember way back when Twitter was just a little birdie called X.COM?

An image of Elon Musk, written META TWITTER BEYOND TWITTER
Beyond Twitter
Back in the ancient days of 1999, Musk founded X.com, which Wikipedia tells me was one of the earliest online financial services or bank thingies on the internet. The co-founders were Harris Fricker, Christopher Payne, and Ed Ho (according to Wikipedia, of course, we trust the almighty Wiki).

Now, Mr. Musk is all about paving the path to the future, and that's why he changed Twitter to be known as "X." You see, he's got big plans for global communication, bridging the gaps between countries, like when the East dances with the West, and China high-fives the world. For instance, take WeChat, it's a little payment app, and you don't need to carry cash, just go "ka-ching" on WeChat.

And guess what? Even Facebook tried to copycat Musk's vision when it started as "Libre," but alas, it didn't quite get there. Musk is leagues ahead of Mark Zuckerberg from META (aka Facebook) in the "Who's gonna rule the business world" race. He's got his space-rocket company, SpaceX, taking off like a firework at a Fourth of July BBQ. It's almost like Musk is living out his dreams through Twitter, right? But hey, one of his dreams is to bring back X.com and create a virtual banking revolution, just like the good ol' days of the '90s.

So, brace yourself, world! If you want to order pizza, just hop on the Twitter train (a.k.a. X.com) and tweet your order away. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy!

Oh, and one more thing, the legendary X.com website now magically transports you straight to Twitter.com. Poof! The power of "X" is unstoppable!

Monday, July 24, 2023

The Dark Side of Convenience: How Technology is Making Us Lazy

Imagine this: Mr. Smith comes home from work at noon. As he steps inside his apartment, the lights automatically turn on. A computerized voice says, "Welcome back, Mr. Smith. I hope you had a good day." The smart TV screen turns on and Twitter feeds appear. The AI voice reads the messages for him, and then it proceeds to read important Facebook messages and emails.

An image of an office. Glass window, viewing a mountain and city. Upstairs.

The microwave makes a clanking sound. He had put food in it ten minutes ago. The computer voice notifies him of the dropping temperatures and the storm in the vicinity of his workplace area.

The cradle of human culture and innovations

It seems like humanity was created to live a simple life without sweat or stress. One could argue that all civilizations have been seeking to automate our daily lives. Indeed, all civilizations have contributed to the development of automation. 

Our ancient ancestors domesticated animals and taught them to do some work for us. Animals like donkeys carried heavy loads for humans, while animals like horses and camels served as transportation for humans and goods. Cats and dogs became security beacons. Dogs barked to notify us of strangers in the house, while cats fought and killed snakes before they could harm us.

Human beings seek a soft life through innovations

From using animals as helpers or slaves, humanity went on to introduce machinery to help fewer animals carry heavier loads faster. Humans invented wheels, which helped to bring about the invention of cart. Carts, with either humans or cargo on board, were pulled by horses or donkeys towards the cargo or passengers' destination. Horses or donkeys served as the engine, while the cart mechanism was mechanization. Whether the machine or cart was made of wood or metal, it was still mechanization.

A horse pulling a cart, with a driver onboard
After using animals for doing our work, we began mechanization. Image: Michelle Raponi

 Since horses, donkeys, and camels merely served as engines for mechanization, humans began to experiment with mechanization that did not require animal input. This step of mechanization was where we were becoming a fully mechanized species.
We began to experiment with our understanding of wheels and spindles, and we developed gears. This brought forth the years of the mechanical age. From that knowledge, humans have been experimenting with all different kinds of machines to transport weight around. We are talking about manufacturing machines, cars, and airplanes.

Now we are at the epitome of human civilization. We are finally able to automate almost everything. Instead of reading, we let the computer read for us. Instead of writing, we let the computer write for us. We let it calculate mathematical or chemical formulas, and we let it draw maps of construction structures. It's like we are no longer doing anything. It's like in a few years from now, we will not know how to do these things that made us superior species a few thousand years ago.

How our attitude as we use technology harm humanity and make us lazy

Technology was created to be our helper. It was created to help us extend our abilities beyond what we could comprehend. But as technology becomes smarter, we are becoming dumber. Technology is making us lazy in the sense that we are failing to perform a simple mathematical calculation or to write a correct English paragraph because we already know that Microsoft Word's built-in algorithm will detect errors and help us rectify them, or Grammarly will rectify them all, or a chatbot or an AI writer will help rectify our errors.

So, basically, we humans are at the stage where we are beginning to fail to sustain what our forefathers began working on five thousand years ago. We are letting down our guts because the work that needs to be done by us, we simply want it to be done by the computer. That is the dark side of convenience that we get through our technologically advanced age. 

The convenience our human ancestors sought in technology

As much as we are witnessing the dark side of technological convenience being rolled out in our daily lives, it must be noted that technology is not at fault. Technology is merely a tool. It can’t do good or evil, it can only do what the user seeks to do.

An image of Marvel's Iron Man
Iron Man aka Tony Stark, by Canva AI

Let us take for example the great Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man, of the Marvel’s comics. Tony Stark's suit is a perfect example of how technology can be used to enhance our abilities. It gives him superhuman strength, speed, and durability. It also allows him to fly and shoot repulsor rays. Without the suit, Tony Stark would be just a normal man. But with the suit, he is a superhero.


The same can be said for technology in our own lives. It can enhance our abilities in many ways. For example, we can use technology to learn new things, communicate with people all over the world, and automate tasks. But like any tool, technology can also be used for bad. If we are not careful, we can become dependent on technology and lose our own abilities.

It's important to find a balance between using technology to enhance our abilities and using it to become dependent on it. We should use technology to make our lives easier and more productive, but we should also make sure that we don't let it take away our independence.

Conclusion

Technology has made our lives easier in many ways. However, it is important to be aware of the potential downsides of convenience, such as becoming lazy and losing our ability to perform basic tasks. We should strive to use technology in a way that enhances our lives, rather than taking away our independence.

 

Friday, July 21, 2023

Fostering Diversity in Early Childhood Development: The Need for Male Involvement

From the moment they come into this world as infants, it is evident that children are here to learn and grow. With their bright eyes, tiny hands, and innocent hearts, they embark on a journey of discovery and development.

An image of a man working at pre-school as ECD worker.
A male pre-school teacher, doing ECD work. Image: Microsoft Designer AI



Early Childhood Development (ECD) education plays a vital role in shaping the foundation of a child's future. However, the gender disparity in this field is evident, with women predominantly taking up roles as caregivers, while men often remain underrepresented.

Challenging Gender Norms in ECD

 Historically, societal perceptions have stereotyped men as the stronger gender, leading to boundaries being drawn around certain aspects of their lives. Caring for toddlers requires a nurturing and patient approach, traits that are often associated with femininity. Sadly, this has created a phobia against masculinity, causing men to shy away from pursuing careers in ECD.

 Promoting Inclusivity and Male Involvement 

It is crucial to break these stereotypes and acknowledge the essential role male figures can play in a child's upbringing. Just as we have seen in the nursing sector, where males initially faced challenges entering what was deemed a female-dominated field, a gradual shift towards inclusivity led to a positive work environment and better service provision.

 The Positive Impact of Male Involvement

An image of  children enjoying themselves in a pre-school class. One child is sitting next to a computer.
Pre-school students happily studying
In an ECD setting, a diverse workforce that includes both male and female educators benefits the children's development. Men, known for their friendliness and understanding, can contribute unique perspectives and foster a sense of self-confidence in children. This confidence can help toddlers in understanding their gender identity early, potentially reducing later complications.





 

Promoting Diversity for Better Adult Outcomes

Having male and female caregivers in the ECD sector provides children with diverse experiences and insights into gender roles, relationships, and life in general. This exposure helps children grow into more accepting and understanding adults, respecting the rights and identities of others.

The challenge of getting male teachers involved in the ECD sector may continue for years unless the sector takes notes from studies in this regard. One fundamental point made by Ntsukumbini Vuyiseka in his thesis at the University of Western Cape was that the pre-schools will attract male ECD workers if management includes males.  

Encouraging more males to join the Early Childhood Development sector is not just about diversity in the workforce; it is about enriching the lives of the children in their care. By challenging gender norms and embracing inclusivity, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment that allows every child to thrive and reach their full potential. Let us work together to cultivate care and empower a generation of well-rounded and compassionate individuals.

For more on this subject, follow this link. You need PDF reader to view this document.
 Ntsukumbini Vuyiseka's thesis at the University of Western Cape

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Bokomo offers Lethukukhanya Mjaji aka ‘Miss Albany’ a supply of Cornflakes product to enjoy with her family for an entire year

Lethukukhanya made headlines a few days ago when her photo went viral on social media. The three-year-old girl was captured standing on mud, holding bread in an emotionally moving image. 

A girl holding Albany bread, standing on mud
The 3 years old Lethukukhanya Mjaji awesomely standing on the mud, holding bread


This beautiful photo of "Miss Albany" was taken by her uncle, Lungisani Mjani, who is a photography student.

The post quickly gained attention, sparking a flurry of activity on social media. People began expressing their opinions, suggesting that Albany should choose her as the face of their brand.


Lungisani Mjaji, the photographer, on his Tik Tok page (Innovative_Photog), revealed this message (below), from Bokomo. In this message, Bokomo South Africa was asking for his contact number.

Two images, on left - Bokomo sent Lungisani Mjaji a message, on right- Albany gave presents to Lethukukhanya Mjaji
Left, a message from Bokomo South Africa, requesting Lungisani Mjaji's contact number. On the right,  Albany Bread representative giving gifts to Lethukukhanya Mjaji

Other artists rode the wave and contributed their art. 



Read more about this story on this link,  The South African 

 




Why the Paperless Office is a Myth in a Society Accustomed to Printers and Printing

It's not easy to imagine our lives without paper, ink, and printers. Since childhood, we have been fascinated by the touch and feel of paper, and we've witnessed the importance attached to it by our parents and elders. As young children, we may have even tried our hand at writing on paper, quickly realizing that certain documents held great significance for adults.

An image with stack of documents and words "paperless office"


It's worth noting that paper itself is an invention of ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, for instance, used a plant called papyrus to create paper, and it's possible that other civilizations also developed similar methods around the same time.

Throughout history, paper has been valued for its convenience. It can be folded, written on, and corrected easily. Different types of paper serve various purposes and are relatively easy to carry around. This mobility and ease of use have made paper a prominent medium in our lives.

 

The Digital Age and the Promise of a Paperless Society

 

The concept of a paperless office is often associated with the ideals of a cashless society. But the gist of this is that offices can save money by reducing their reliance on paper.

 

However, the problem with a paperless office lies in the fact that paper is more convenient than its digital counterparts. Consider the scenario of a cyber-attack that wipes away all digital files, or the unfortunate incidents of data breaches that expose sensitive customer information. Hackers may also target paperless offices, stealing sensitive business data. These risks make the complete transition to a paperless office a challenging prospect.

 

Indeed, a fully paperless office could become a reality in the future, but we first need to address the challenges posed by slow computers and tablets. Currently, there seems to be a disconnect between operating systems and hardware, making it difficult to optimize devices for faster performance. To achieve a paperless office, we require more advanced resources from the hardware side, such as faster microprocessors and larger RAM capacities. Unfortunately, the demand for resources by modern operating systems often outpaces the capabilities of current hardware. This presents a significant obstacle to the realization of a paperless office.

The Ancient World and the Possibility of a Paperless Society

Surprisingly, the idea of a paperless society isn't entirely new. Almost 5000 years ago, the Sumerians in Mesopotamia used clay tablets to record their civilization. They documented medical and cooking recipes, news, and various other important information.

This historical example shows us that a paperless office, futuristic office automation, and a paperless society are indeed possible. However, it requires the development of reliable devices that can operate smoothly without glitches, sluggishness, or latency. Only when we have dependable and optimized devices can we truly envision a paperless office and, ultimately, a paperless society.

Friday, July 7, 2023

The Usage of the Word 'Nigga' among Spanish Speakers: Exploring Cultural Differences and Contemplating its Continued Use

 An image of a smoking person with dredlocks hair, and there is a Tupac Shakur image.


As the world changes also words used in our daily languages change in meaning. A long time ago the word arse or ass was known to mean a horse and the word cock was known to mean a rooster, but language use changed and some meanings took prominence.

The word nigger or negra or any word with related syllables that may mean black comes from a word that was used in the past, a word for black. The Bible itself has a man called Simon the Niger, which in not so many words meant he was black and he probably had come from Lybia or surrounding areas.

In the Spanish language, the word “black” is still negra or negro. But black people do not want light-skinned people (or white people, or any person who is not a black person) to call them negro or nigga, though they call each other as such, this is due to the past experience where the word negro was used as an insult to show black slaves that they were worthless commodities.

The usage of the word “negro” in Spanish can be a sensitive and complex topic. It is important to consider historical and cultural contexts when discussing language and its impact on individuals and communities.

The word “negro” in Spanish, which means “black,” has historically been used to describe people of African descent. However, it is worth noting that language evolves, and what may have been acceptable in the past may not be appropriate or respectful today.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of using language that promotes equality, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals. Many people now prefer terms such as “afrodescendiente” (afro-descendant) or simply using the person’s name or nationality when referring to someone of African descent. 

Ultimately, the question of whether Spanish people should continue using the word “negro” depends on various factors, including individual preferences, cultural norms, and ongoing conversations within Spanish-speaking communities. It is essential to listen to and respect the perspectives of those directly affected by such terminology, as they are the ones who can provide meaningful insights into its impact and significance.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Tsotsi Taal – How they form new words – how to speak Tsotsi Taal the language

 Tsotsi Taal is a South African slang, which is almost cross-cultural. It uses words that are formed by people in communities like in prisons or within townships and other habitats like under bridges, where some people stay. The word tsosi is a Zulu language word meaning thug while taal is an Afrikaner language word meaning language.

An image of a word puzzle
Tsotsi Taal is made of many different languages


How To Speak Tsotsi Taal.

When people speak tsotsi Taal they mostly use their original vernacular and mix it with vital words from the Tsotsi Taal. Prevalent Tsotsi Taal variants are said to be Afrikaans and isiZulu variants, where words from other languages are integrated into the language to render meaning within the Taal.

In South African media, we see people speaking Tsotsi Taal of their language variants, for example, a drama series like Zone 14, Yizo Yizo, and many other programs.

How Is Tsotsi Taal Vocabulary Formed?

Tsotsi Taal takes vital and good-sounding words from different languages. When the speakers feel that a word from a particular language, let’s say Japanese for instance, fits in the Taal they begin to use the word right away. Other speakers naturally begin to use the word.

In Tsotsi Taal, when you say good or well you say moja, which in Kiswahili means one. In essence, when things are good they are in unison or unity, so there is umoja (unity). When you greet someone and asked how are you they may reply moja which means all things are united or all things are good.

In the 90s and early 2000s, in some places, there was also the word khimbila. The word khimbila is a Zulufied word which comes from the name Kimble. This is a pseudonym which Paul Kersey gave to himself in the movie Death Wish. Because he was killing so many people, a Tsotsi Taal community began to say when someone kills a person they kimble them, consequently khimbila.

Townships, where most of this language is spoken, also have a Tsoti Taal language. Townships are called kasi. The word kasi comes from the Afrikaans language, from the word lokasie which means location.

Uses of Tsotsi Taal

The original idea of Tsotsi Taal is to hide the meaning of words and to hide the entire conversation from those who are listening. Tsotsi Taal may range from basic to a real hard level where it’s harder to understand what someone was saying even if they are mixing it in your own language; we have already explained that Tsotsi Taal is spoken using certain words or sentences, but speaking it leans on real languages.

Tsotsi Taal has for years become a culture, associated with certain traditions and sometimes associated with music and dance, for example, Pantsula dance. There are also community settings where it’s not good to use this language. One pastor was teaching using the Tsotsi Taal, and the church submitted a complaint, complaining that he used the wrong language in some minutes of his sermon.

The connotation associated with Tsotsi Taal makes people uncomfortable when someone speaks this language. This is understandable, considering where the language was made and the purpose for which it was made.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Facebook and metaverse, the importance of changing the name for the Facebook mother company to Meta

 

A cellphone with blue background and written the word "social network"


Since the late 90s (that’s 1997) the world has been bombarded by a mushrooming of social networks. The first social network I know about was a mobile-based social network that was created in South Africa. It was called Mxit. It started before WAP, using an SMS system, but when WAP was rolled out it became internet based. One may argue that it was just a messenger app, simply a mobile app, but in reality, it’s the mobile apps that become good social networks. Snapchat was a good mobile app and it now runs online, Discord was a good mobile app but now it runs online. It must be also noted that Facebook was a web app but now it’s also a mobile app.

Now, let’s cut to the chase. The then mother company of a giant social network, Facebook, became META. The logo changed and became horizontal 8 i.e. ∞ which mathematically means infinity.

A long time ago, when chickens were still sleeping on trees there was a well-made cartoon movie called Buzz Lightyear. From that movie, we get the slogan “to infinity and beyond”

Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, by Frany13 @ Pixabay.com

The infinity symbol symbolises just that, the longest longevity. Consequently, by calling the mother company META or Meta, Facebook may simply be echoing the well-known phrase from Buzzlightyear, which is infinity and beyond. The word meta is from Greek and it means beyond. The Facebook mother company’s logo is infinity and the mother company is beyond (meta), so when read together reads infinity and beyond.

This is a clear statement, that Facebook intend to advance their research in their technologies towards future generations, and forever if it’s possible. It is a bold statement, but it sets the tone clearly, so that the company’s board members and the workers may clearly understand the mandate, goals and objectives.

Monday, July 3, 2023

Rich people believe money is the answer to all things and this is how they are correct

Being rich is often associated with a multitude of privileges and opportunities that are not readily available to those with fewer financial resources. One aspect where the influence of wealth becomes apparent is in the belief held by some affluent individuals that money is the answer to all things. While this viewpoint may seem contentious or even arrogant, it is important to acknowledge that being rich can indeed grant individuals significant leverage and power to shape various aspects of their lives and the world around them. In this discussion, we will explore how the belief in money as the ultimate solution can hold some truth, particularly when examining the capacity of wealth to influence and catalyze change. However, it is also essential to recognize the limitations and complexities inherent in this perspective. By delving into these ideas, we can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics between wealth, influence, and the belief that money can solve many problems.

an image with computer and calculators. Words written, money talks. The power of wealth
The power of wealth


Disadvantages of being poor: Lack of money means a lack of answers, which means a lack of help

While rich individuals possess the means to shape their lives and exert influence, the same cannot be said for those who face financial hardships. Poverty often limits access to essential resources, educational opportunities, and quality healthcare, creating a cycle of disadvantage that can be difficult to escape. Poor individuals are more likely to face limited job prospects, unstable living conditions, and a lack of social support systems. Without the financial stability and freedom that wealth provides, they often struggle to secure basic necessities and face significant barriers to improving their circumstances. Thus, it is evident that the benefits enjoyed by the rich, such as access to opportunities and the ability to influence their surroundings, remain largely elusive for those living in poverty.


Advantages of being rich: What are the good things that happen to your family when you become rich

Being rich carries various advantages and exerts a significant impact, particularly when it comes to one's own family. Financial abundance can offer a sense of security and stability, enabling families to provide a comfortable lifestyle, access quality education, and afford healthcare. Riches can create opportunities for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and the pursuit of passions and interests. Wealthy families can invest in their children's education, expose them to diverse experiences, and offer a strong foundation for their future endeavours. Additionally, financial resources can foster a supportive environment, allowing families to weather unexpected challenges and provide assistance to loved ones in times of need. The influence of riches within a family can thus positively shape the well-being, opportunities, and overall trajectory of each family member's life.

The joys that come with being rich

The joys that come with being rich extend beyond the realm of financial security and material possessions. While wealth does afford access to a wide range of experiences and luxuries, it also brings intangible pleasures and opportunities for personal fulfilment. For instance, the ability to pursue one's passions and interests without the constraints of financial limitations can bring immense joy. Rich individuals often have the freedom to engage in hobbies, travel to exotic destinations, and explore various cultural pursuits. This sense of freedom and exploration can lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

Moreover, being rich often allows individuals to make a positive impact and contribute to causes they are passionate about. Philanthropy and charitable endeavours become viable options, offering the joy of giving back to society and making a difference in the lives of others. The ability to support meaningful causes, whether by funding education initiatives, healthcare programs, or environmental conservation efforts, can be immensely fulfilling. Rich individuals can witness the tangible impact of their contributions, fostering a sense of purpose and contentment that goes beyond personal wealth accumulation.


Conclusion

In conclusion, while the belief that money is the answer to all things may be met with scepticism, there is a kernel of truth in the advantages and influence that wealth can bestow. Rich individuals do enjoy privileges and opportunities that are often inaccessible to those facing financial hardships. The ability to shape one's life and influence others is more readily available to those who possess financial resources. Furthermore, within the context of one's own family, being rich can bring about a sense of security, stability, and the means to provide a fulfilling and enriched life for loved ones.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the impacts and joys of being rich should not overshadow the complexities and limitations associated with wealth. Money alone cannot solve all problems, nor does it guarantee happiness or fulfilment. The pursuit of wealth should not overshadow the importance of empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of holistic well-being. It is essential to recognize the value of non-monetary aspects such as relationships, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaningful endeavours that contribute to a greater sense of purpose.

In striving for a more equitable society, it is vital to address the disparities and systemic challenges that perpetuate financial inequality. This involves not only providing opportunities for upward mobility but also cultivating a culture that values and rewards contributions beyond monetary wealth. By embracing a more inclusive and balanced perspective, we can work towards a world where the benefits of prosperity are shared, and the belief in the power of money is complemented by a broader understanding of what truly brings fulfilment and well-being.

 

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Teaching animals and controlling them is proof that we are superior beings and animals are lesser lifeforms or lower lifeforms


 

Maybe many of us view animals as lesser lifeforms because of our understanding of the earth. Taming the animals, it’s also believed that many years ago when the human population began to increase, human beings also began to tame some animals. We began to tame the animals that we believed were going to be of greater use to us.

Dogs are smart, and generally friendly animals

This is evident when you look at animals like dogs. Dogs are generally friendly to their owners. They protect their owners and if the owner likes hunting, dogs can be at the forefront of the hunting activity. A dog can sacrifice its life for its owner, hoping that the owner will find a way to protect it or heal it if it’s injured. All it ever wants is to see the owner okay, alive and well.

If a person is not well, a dog becomes worried. A story in the Bible says that there was a man called Lazarus, and this man was sick. This man, in his state of poverty and sickness, developed sores. Some people believe that dogs’ saliva heals sores or wounds, so some people believe that the dogs were both comforting Lazarus and trying to heal him at the same time.

The unlikely friend of a dog is the cat. Both cats and dogs are household pets, considered less dangerous pertaining to carrying pathogens and also in violent behaviours. Cats fight rats and snakes, so they keep the house safe, and maybe that was one of the reasons why our human ancestors domesticated cats. Indeed, cats are unfriendly creatures, but it seems the benefits of domesticating the cat outweighs the risk of having a cat as a pet.

Keeping the livestock

By nature, human beings are consumers. The more the population grows the more resources human beings need. It’s said that ancient people were gatherers who lived by gathering seeds and also hunting animals in the forests and bushes. As the human population grew, there was a need for a stable supply of both seeds and animals in order to make sure that communities don’t run out of staple food. Some people say that that’s how we began to keep livestock when we realized we could have cattle for both meat and milk and also its hides for clothing and other purposes. There were also animals that we kept to make them do our hard work, some of which are donkeys, horses and elephants.

As far as animals are concerned, pets are not these cute animals, but pets are there in our homes to protect us. Dogs are able to discern evil spirits, whether the evil spirits are within live people or dead people. Dogs howl when they sense evil spirits. Dogs are generally friendly and loyal to their owners. Cats hung snakes and rats. This makes households secure from snakes which can be very dangerous or even deadly and rats which have tendencies to vandalize a place.

Are animals really lesser lifeforms?

Based on our outlook on life, many people assume that animals are lesser or lower lifeforms. We believe that human beings are smarter than animals since animals do not build skyscrapers or develop superior transportation as we do. This is all based on assumption.

Birds can travel from one continent to another continent. That is not a coincidence, they do that purposefully. Even smaller birds might try and sneak into some ships in order to try and find themselves on the other side of the world. Big birds may fly many weeks from one continent to another. They survive, and some fly to and fro, seasonally. This is all not random, it’s calculated. From my experience with animals, I can attest that animals are not lower lifeforms. Animals are intelligent, with the ability to be trained, the ability to love and protect, and also with the ability to communicate their emotions. People see a donkey honking and they laugh, but it’s communicating its emotions. Animals also may also reflect on your emotions, they observe a person closely. This is why when you are sad, your dog becomes sad by your side, and if you are happy it becomes happy with you. When I was heading cows and goats, I would pass with the head a barren field and I’d make all animals prance. Some people believe that only colts prance because they are young and vibrant, but that’s not the case. All animals, when a mood is triggered they become happy. Animals connect with people, and they may even growl in an effort to try and convey their emotions.

Generally, it’s wrong to compare our built environment to the habitats of animals. Birds stitch nests because that’s how they want to live, some burrowing animals make decent habitats for themselves. Look at all that effort! The animals do exactly what they need to do, nothing more and nothing less. Remember, we, human beings, weave cotton and make clothes for example, because without them life is hard since our bodies are sensitive to harsh weather, but animals have fur and some feathers. Essentially, we mustn’t expect animals to strive for what they do not need, so animals and people are incomparable. Those are some reasons enough why we should question the notion that animals are lesser lifeforms.

What can white farmers' exodus to the USA do to the USA and to South Africa?

  The enactment of South Africa's Expropriation Act of 2024 has reignited complex debates surrounding land ownership, historical injusti...